low voltage flicker controller

[topshelfjunk]

I am working on a Halloween prop that will use low voltage lighting powered by a simple landscape transformer (Malibu). I want the lights on the prop to flicker like a candle. Does anyone know if a low voltage flicker controller exists on the market, or know how to build one? any insight/ideas always welcome, thanks.

 

[2ManyProjects]

I am working on a Halloween prop that will use low voltage lighting powered by a simple landscape transformer (Malibu). I want the lights on the prop to flicker like a candle.

Two issues in play here:

First, anything you do to either the feed to the xformer or to the string of lights as a whole will necessarily make ALL the lights "flicker" in unison (which I think would come off more as "flashing" than "flickering"). Whether or not that's the effect you want, I don't know; but from your "like a candle" comment, I'm betting you'd prefer each individual bulb to flicker independently.

The other issue is the xformer itself. There are such things as decorative "flicker" bulbs (I think even still own one or two); but all the ones I've seen are for 120V AC applications, not 12V or DC. For example:

http://www.lightingsupply.com/incandescent-bulbs/decorative-bulbs/flicker-bulbs.aspx

any insight/ideas always welcome, thanks.

If you happen to still have some old-style Christmas tree lights which used the 4-7 watt Candelabra-base screw-in bulbs, one string of those stuffed with either of the last two entries on the above-cited page would do the trick (and work a treat), I think.

 

[Bruce Amacker]

What voltage are you using- I'm thinking landscape transformers are about 20volts AC? Can you use a blinking bulb to get the right effect? I know there are blinking bulbs available but I don't know about your voltage......

 

[RPH]

If you want to control your lights look at this. I bought the kit, wasn't hard to put together but is awesome. Not bad price wise.
http://www1.lightorama.com/