Saw this thread on the same topic, but it was suggested I start my own, so here goes.
Former thread:
https://forum.allaboutcircuits.com/...hour-on-off-repeat.156495/page-2#post-1511407
Looking to power my Japanese garden lantern with a 3.85v phone battery, cycling 6 hours on (night cycle) and 18 hours off. The lantern holds a simple 'dancing candle' (LED reflected on a wick moved via a magnet). The original batteries were 3 button cell batteries 1.5v each, 50maH. I've run it on the 3.85v phone battery without a problem, Current draw is about 15ma.
I saw on the previous thread suggestions on using a PIC with a quartz, and was wondering if there was a circuit designed around this (original post was for a CD4060B). Also open to using other methods, looked at using an ATtiny and arduino.
I know how to program (javascript, python, php) but am new to hardware, having done a few basic kits. I'd prefer to build something over just buy an existing led string with a timer and hack it. I'm finding myself being drawn into using an PIC or other programmable device.
I would think I could use the same voltage to power the timer, no relay needed, using minimal current, and also drive the lantern, so that the battery lasts a long as possible. I was also thinking to use a buck/boost to keep the voltage steady at 3.3v to keep the LED brightness constant until the batteries over-discharge protection kicks in.
The simplest solution I've come up with is to use a solar garden light circuit, to have it go on at dusk, off at dawn, but this wastes battery when not needed- and I don't get enough sunlight to charge it back up effectively.
Former thread:
https://forum.allaboutcircuits.com/...hour-on-off-repeat.156495/page-2#post-1511407
Looking to power my Japanese garden lantern with a 3.85v phone battery, cycling 6 hours on (night cycle) and 18 hours off. The lantern holds a simple 'dancing candle' (LED reflected on a wick moved via a magnet). The original batteries were 3 button cell batteries 1.5v each, 50maH. I've run it on the 3.85v phone battery without a problem, Current draw is about 15ma.
I saw on the previous thread suggestions on using a PIC with a quartz, and was wondering if there was a circuit designed around this (original post was for a CD4060B). Also open to using other methods, looked at using an ATtiny and arduino.
I know how to program (javascript, python, php) but am new to hardware, having done a few basic kits. I'd prefer to build something over just buy an existing led string with a timer and hack it. I'm finding myself being drawn into using an PIC or other programmable device.
I would think I could use the same voltage to power the timer, no relay needed, using minimal current, and also drive the lantern, so that the battery lasts a long as possible. I was also thinking to use a buck/boost to keep the voltage steady at 3.3v to keep the LED brightness constant until the batteries over-discharge protection kicks in.
The simplest solution I've come up with is to use a solar garden light circuit, to have it go on at dusk, off at dawn, but this wastes battery when not needed- and I don't get enough sunlight to charge it back up effectively.