Description
The Flowing Water Lamp Kit is an educational electronics kit designed to demonstrate sequential LED lighting effects using classic timer and counter ICs. At its core, the kit pairs a NE555 timer integrated circuit configured as an adjustable pulse generator with a CD4017 decade counter that sequentially activates ten output channels. Each channel drives a 3mm red LED, creating a visually engaging "running light" or "water flowing" effect. The kit includes a high-quality PCB and all necessary components, making it an excellent hands-on project for learning about oscillator circuits, frequency division, and sequential logic.
Key Features
- NE555 timer IC generates adjustable clock pulses for controlling LED sequence speed
- CD4017 decade counter IC sequentially activates ten outputs (Q0 to Q9) in a looping pattern
- 50K adjustable blue-and-white potentiometer allows fine-tuning of the flashing speed
- Ten 3mm red LEDs create the flowing water visual effect
- Simple 2-pin curved connector for easy DC power input
- Compact PCB design with pre-printed silkscreen for easy component placement and soldering
- Wide supply voltage range supports various power sources from 2.5V up to 14.5V DC
- Suitable for breadboard-style learning or permanent soldered assembly
- No microcontroller programming required — pure analog/digital IC learning
Specifications
Supply Voltage: 2.5V to 14.5V DC
Main ICs:
- NE555 timer (astable multivibrator configuration)
- CD4017 decade counter (Johnson counter with 10 decoded outputs)
Operating Temperature Range: -10°C to +70°C
PCB Dimensions: 54mm × 21mm (2.13 inches × 0.83 inches)
PCB Thickness: 1.6mm (0.06 inches)
Components Included (Typical):
- 1 × NE555 timer IC
- 1 × CD4017 decade counter IC
- 10 × 3mm red LEDs
- 10 × 1K ohm resistors (LED current limiting)
- 1 × 2.2K ohm resistor
- 1 × 10K ohm resistor
- 2 × 1µF capacitors
- 1 × 50K adjustable potentiometer (blue-and-white trimmer)
- 1 × 2-pin curved power connector
- 1 × PCB board
LED Sequence Pattern: Q0 → Q1 → Q2 → Q3 → Q4 → Q5 → Q6 → Q7 → Q8 → Q9 → repeat
Maximum LED Current (per channel): Approximately 10–15mA at 5V supply
Clock Frequency Range (adjustable via potentiometer): Approximately 1 Hz to 50 Hz (one to fifty flashes per second)
Applications
- Educational Projects: Ideal for teaching basic electronics, timer circuits, and sequential logic using NE555 and CD4017 ICs
- DIY Electronics Hobby Projects: A fun and engaging kit for makers and tinkerers exploring oscillator and counter circuits
- Decorative Lighting: Adds dynamic running-light effects to custom décor, illuminated signs, or DIY gadgets
- Automotive or Model Lighting: Simulates sequential turn signals or scanning effects for model vehicles and dioramas
- Display and Exhibit Lighting: Creates attention-grabbing light patterns for retail displays, museum exhibits, or trade show booths
- Test and Measurement: Demonstrates pulse generation and frequency division for electronics lab experiments
- Music Visualizer (Simple): Can be driven by audio signals to create sound-reactive lighting effects (with additional preamplifier)