16-Channel Running Lights

INTERMEDIATE PROJECT A series of projects for the not-so-experienced constructor. Although each article will describe in detail the operation, use, construction and, where relevant, the underlying theory of the project, constructors will, none the less, require an elementary knowledge of electronic engineering, Each project in the series will be based on inexpensive and commonly available parts. 6. 16-channel running lights W. Werner This month we turn our attention to a less serious design. The robots in the popular TV series `Battlestar Galactica", and the super-intelligent car "Kitt" in "Knight Rider" are credited with seeing abilities obtained from an electronic eye. The running lights circuit described here simulates such a scanning eye, and is aimed at our younger readers, the budding "Knight-Riders" and model robot constructors. The circuit diagram of Fig. 1 shows that the anodes of the 16 LEDs that simulate the scanning eye are commoned and con- nected to the +12 V supply ...