How to make a solid LED into a flashing LED

[slag]

I'm going to build this over the weekend

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-install-a-quotgarage-door-openquot-indi/

I want to make the LED in the bedroom a flashing LED to get my attention. What's the easiest way to make this happen? Do I need to solder something inline on the wire, get a different LED bulb, or what? I'm very ignorant about these things.

 

[JackMDS]

http://www.goldmine-elec-products.com/products.asp?dept=1067

 

[Mike64]

To "convert" a regular LED you'd need more than just a single component soldered inline, but you could use one of these instead of the LED your project calls for, assuming (as I am that) you can find one with similar voltage/power specs. You can also buy them in bulk for cheap, direct from China, on Ebay...

 

[boomerang]

I clicked on the link and I've just got to say that thinking the garage door will stop in exactly the same place every time is a bit of a dream. That contact switch isn't going to cut it. You need something along the lines of a proximity sensor.

 

[MrTeal]

I clicked on the link and I've just got to say that thinking the garage door will stop in exactly the same place every time is a bit of a dream. That contact switch isn't going to cut it. You need something along the lines of a proximity sensor.

I use one of these, but that's just because I had one laying around.
http://www.automationdirect.com/adc...on/Standard_Sensing_Distance_(12mm)/PBM-AN-1H

 

[Mr Evil]

I clicked on the link and I've just got to say that thinking the garage door will stop in exactly the same place every time is a bit of a dream. That contact switch isn't going to cut it. You need something along the lines of a proximity sensor.

Or you could just reverse the logic: Use a normally-closed switch that opens when the door is closed.

 

[MrTeal]

Or you could just reverse the logic: Use a normally-closed switch that opens when the door is closed.

That's probably the proper way to do it anyway, as if you open the door 3/4 of the way it's hardly any better than being fully open. The switch suggested is still a sub-optimal design for this kind of application, either a proper microswitch or a mag/inductive switch is a lot more appropriate. Something like this magnetic one is cheap and would be a lot less finicky.

 

[freeskier93]

You could also just tap into the existing switch used by the garage door opener.

The $30-$40 price estimate seems like a lot though, that puts you well on your way to just getting a new garage door opener that's either "connected" or (like ours) automatically closes after a preset time.

 

[MrTeal]

You could also just tap into the existing switch used by the garage door opener.

The $30-$40 price estimate seems like a lot though, that puts you well on your way to just getting a new garage door opener that's either "connected" or (like ours) automatically closes after a preset time.

Does your garage door opener actually have a physical closed switch that's accessible?