The ATtiny13A is one of the smallest microcontrollers of Atmel. Amongst others it has six digital I/Os, one analog-digital-converter
and a watchdog timer. These are the main functions used at the reactive light.
The option A means, that a lower supply voltage is possible. Already 1.8 V are enough for working stable. This voltage can be guaranteed over a long time
by using two standard batteries in line. Because of the low power consumption, one set of batteries will suffice for several years.
The ATtiny24A has more digital I/Os and a larger program memory. That's needed for controlling a 7-segment LED display.
There are several variations of reactive lights. Some do have just a simple LED that is used to return a flashing sequence. Others can show a sequence of numbers and decimal points using
a 7 segment LED display. Beside fixed programmed flashing sequences the possibility to change it without reprogramming the microcontroller exists.
A selection of programs is described below.
In the galery some pictures and movies of the different variants of reactive lights are shown.
Circuit board and kit service
"The Basics of Reactive Lights" - A step by step guide
"The Cookbook" - Version 3
Circuit Variant "Basic Version"
Circuit Variant "Teachmode"
Circuit Variant "Adaptive daylight threshold"
Circuit Variant "Night-active Blinker"
Circuit variant "Basic version with 7 segment LED display"
Circuit variant "Teachmode with 7 segment LED display"
Circuit variant "Teachmode with 5x7-Dot LED display"
Packages and battery holders for Reactive Lights
I'm offering for all described variations to send circuit boards and kits (also with programmed and tested microcontrollers). Some variations are just available as a kit with programmed microcontroller, because the source code is not published.
The kits contain all needed elements and cables. The batteries, battery holder and solder is not included.
In contrast to other kits sold in the internet sockets for the ICs are incuded to prevent the ICs from being destroyed thermically during soldering. No SMD elements are used to make it even for beginners possible to build the reactive light. Because of the well-thought-out design of the circuit board the reactive lights do have a size that is comparable to SMD devices. All programmed controllers are tested for their correct function.
All prices include VAT. VAT is not shown in the invoice.
Postage and packing costs are not included.
| Order | Shipping within Germany | Shipping worldwide |
|---|---|---|
| Circuit boards to 20 g | 0,85 EUR | 1,05 EUR |
| Circuit boards to 50 g | 1,00 EUR | 1,65 EUR |
| Circuit boards, kits and battery holders to 500 g | 1,70 EUR | |
| Circuit boards, kits, battery holders and centrifuge tubes to 1000 g | 2,65 EUR | 4,00 EUR |
When ordering for 15 EUR or above (excluding Postage and packing costs) you'll receive 5% discount.
Orders by mail kontakt@reaktivlicht.de. Please add the shipping address, supply voltage (3 V or 4,5 V) and the color of the LED (for single LEDs white, yellow, red, green, blue or violet, for 7-segment-displays red or green).
This is a manual for beginners to build the basic version of a reactive light. Everything that is necessary for assembling and programming is explained step by step. For understanding the function and the program the cookbook has to be used. It is meant just as a guide for beginners.
"The Basics of Reactive Lights" - A step by step guide - German language
"The Basics of Reactive Lights" - A step by step guide - English language
The cookbook described the function of reactive lights in detail. Different variations of sensors and actors are explained. Also the corresponding code and the programm of the basic version is explained. The cookbook is intended for advanced users that want to get into the topic deeper to realize their own variations.
The contruction and program of the basic version of the reactive light is presented. The luminosity is measured by a photoconductive cell. The circuit goes to standby mode when it is illuminated steadily to minimize power consumption. During dawn it is reactivated again. In case of fast changes of luminosity a flashing sequence is returned by the LED.
Description - English language
Circuit board: 0,50 EUR
Kit with circuit board: 3,50 EUR
Kit with programmed microcontroller and circuit board: 4,50 EUR
This is an extension of the basic version. It is possible to set the flushing sequence. As this is done by a magnetic switch and the photoconductive cell, the teaching procedure can be done after th circuit was sealed waterproof. The flashing sequence can contain up to 32 bright cycles. Each cycle can last up to 30 seconds and is returned with an accuracy of 125 ms.
Description - English language
Kit with programmed microcontroller and circuit board: 5,50 EUR
Kit with programmed microcontroller and circuit board. The controller has an extended memory size for up to 256 bright cycles. The minimum voltage for this variation is 2.7 V.: 6,50 EUR
This is an extension of the basic version. It is possible to set the threshold value that is used to detect daylight and go to standby mode. As this function is realized by a magnetic switch it is also possible after the circuit is sealed waterproof.
Kit with programmed microcontroller and circuit board: 5,50 EUR
The luminosity is measured by a photoconductive cell. While the circuit is in standby mode during daylight to minimize power consumption it becomes reactivated during dawn. Each eight seconds a flash is returned by the LED.
Circuit board: 0,50 EUR
Kit with circuit board: 3,50 EUR
Kit with programmed microcontroller and circuit board: 4,50 EUR
At this circuit no flashing sequence but a sequence of numbers and decimal points is returned.
Description - English language
Circuit board: 1,40 EUR
Circuit board and 7 segment LED display: 2,20 EUR
Kit with circuit board: 6,00 EUR
Kit with programmed microcontroller and circuit board: 7,00 EUR
At this circuit no flashing sequence but a sequence of numbers and decimal points is returned. It is possible to set this sequence individually. As teaching is done by a magnetic switch it can be done after the circuit is sealed waterproof. The sequence can contain up to 127 numbers and points.
Description - English language
Kit with programmed microcontroller and circuit board: 8,00 EUR
Kit with programmed microcontroller and circuit board. The controller has an extended memory for up to 511 numbers and points: 9,00 EUR
At this circuit no flashing sequence but a sequence of characters is returned. It is possible to set this sequence individually.
As teaching is done by a magnetic switch it can be done after the circuit is sealed waterproof.
The sequence can contain up to 204 characters.
In contrast to other variants this kit contains SMD elements. I can solder them on demand.
Assembling and Instruction Manual - German language
Assembling and Instruction Manual - English language
Program for teaching sequences (Java runtime needed)
Kit with programmed microcontroller and circuit board: 12 EUR
Kit with programmed microcontroller, circuit board and soldered SMD elements: 13 EUR
These centrifuge tubes made of transparent PP do have enough space for a reactive light and two AAA- or one CR123A-batteries. They will be delivered with a fitting lid.
Centrifuge Tube 50 ml: 0,25 EUR
Battery holder for two AAA batteries, compatible for the centrifuge tube.
Battery holder 2xAAA: 0,60 EUR