Lighting Fundamentals: Electronic Effects Devices
Although it can be entirely too easy to go overboard, there are plenty of cases where electronics can make for some nice effects. Generally, there are three ways to get useful stuff for your projects.
BUY NEW. Among new devices I've purchased, Ngineering custom programmed chips are perhaps the most useful. Custom programming is not as costly as it sounds; as I recall, it was only about $20 to get a crossing flasher chip to behave the way I wanted. I also put their stock aircraft beacon chip to good use, among others.
If you just need something to blink or alternately flash, you can get an inexpensive flasher circuit on eBay (below) that's quite versatile. In addition to being adjustable, it perfectly creates the incandescent effect.
SURPLUS. There's a treasure trove of surplus items available online. I found a source for strobe chips that cost less than a dollar each that I used to make a police car ski rack and wedding party photographers, for starters.
SCAVENGING. Some of my best projects came about as a result of repurposing things like Christmas lights. I turned "shooting star" icicle lights into a field of fireflies as well as a fireworks show (even though the latter was never completed, it showed promise).
