Electronic Candles Electronic Candles
These
candles are similar to the ones sold by well-known theatrical suppliers,
but the circuit and construction are original, my design. I use PVC for
the candle body, either 3/4" or 1" diameter pipe. The length
is usually 8", but can be anything over 5". The "flame"
is three small, bright incandescent lamps encased in flame shaped yellow-orange
tinted silicon. A new version uses three "Super-Bright" Light
Emitting Diodes (LED) similarly encased in flame shaped tinted silicon. Each
LED produces 1.5 candlepower (cd) illumination. With the light diffused by the
silicon, the total light from a flame is roughly 3 cd.
The three lamps/LEDs flicker at various rates producing a very realistic
effect.
I build the "flames" with 8-12" inches of extra wire, allowing the flame to be extended from the PVC body. With the body hidden, the flame can then appear to be burning upon anything desired: fingertips, head, an oil lamp, etc.
Power needed is 9 volts. It can be a 9V battery (fits inside the 1" PVC, fits inside the 3/4" PVC if I cut slots on the side. It can also be supplied externally from any 9V source. A 9V battery connector is normally included. If an external power supply is desired I can supply a 9V connector converter to any standard jack or socket, or I can build it with just the power leads, no connector.
I usually mount a small slide switch a couple inches up from the bottom, but I can also add a pair of wires (and if needed any standard jack or socket) for external switching. I haven't yet been asked for a dimmable version, but the circuit could easily be modified if dimming is required.
I have also created a circuit with a momentary switch in addition to the power switch. The power switch turns on all three lamps continuously. The momentary switch, when held, causes the lamps to flicker as described above. The flame can then flicker while the candle is being carried but burn steadily when the candle is at rest.
I currently lack the time required to construct and sell these candles. Here's how to do so yourself
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