I want to do a simple swap out just for an interesting look. I have many led chaser circuits I’ve played with but I need a refresher. Can I get a design element idea to change from the common LEDs in each chaser position to a small incandescent lamp. I’m thinking a common 3vdc flashlight lamp found in many older flashlights in place of all ten of the LEDs in a simple 555/4017 chaser circuit.
Thank You

 

You neglected to tell us how you're driving the LEDs.

For incandescent bulbs you'll need a transistor, if you don't already have them.

 

You neglected to tell us how you're driving the LEDs.

For incandescent bulbs you'll need a transistor, if you don't already have them.

The LEDs are being driven by a 4017 IC. Common cathode with each led its own 430 ohm resistor

 

The LEDs are being driven by a 4017 IC. Common cathode with each led its own 430 ohm resistor

You'll need a NPN transistor or N channel MOSFET to drive the LEDs low side. If you still want to drive high side, you'll require another inverter.

 

Don't underestimate the surge current of the lamp when it switches on. It will probably be about ten times the running current,

 

Flashing those lamps might (probably will) shorten their lives. Are you sure you want to do that with LEDs?

 

The really simple way to drive the lights is with an open collector MPSA13 darlington transistor. It is easily driven from 5 volt CMOS devices and has enough gain to go well into saturation.

 

The LEDs are being driven by a 4017 IC. Common cathode with each led its own 430 ohm resistor

The 4017 consists of a bank of 500ma Darlingtons, should be OK.
The MPSA13 is obsolete and no longer made, or stocked by most suppliers now.
Now KSP13TA for sub.

 

The 4017 consists of a bank of 500ma Darlingtons, should be OK.

Wow...where can I get my hands on a batch of those 4017s?

 

Wow...where can I get my hands on a batch of those 4017s?

Yeah, my mistake !
Something like the TLC5916/17 maybe?