Help with LED effects

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Sorano

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I am working on some computer case mods. I am wanting to redo the LED feet so they do a breathing effect. I wanted to do this without using ICs so I could try and cut costs to a degree. I found a circuit that produces the desired effect, but I need to modify it. I want to use four LEDs in double-pair parallel (2 parallel LEDs on two parallel feeds from the same timing circuit). Below is a picture of the initial circuit that I found. 

gG7mrh2.png


What I want: I do not have the ability to modify the circuit as precisely as I need. All the software I have will not allow me to calibrate the simulated NPN components to the specifications needed by the one depicted in the diagram. My concern is the capacitors will discharge too quickly with four LEDs pulling from the same circuit. I'm looking for input on how to modify it. I know boosting capacitor size would increase the pulse duration, but I'm not sure how the NPNs would respond because I cannot simulate them properly. So far what I have is like this:

7psjhJf.png



Electrical specs:
Circuit will be powered with available PC power interfaces: IDE, SATA, Floppy
LEDs are Blue 3V typ, 3.2 max
The first diagram contains most of the noted parts.

EDIT: I have changed the source to 12V.
 
I'm doing a complete custom job myself. No premade stuff.
 
Then I can't help you.


http://makezine.com/projects/add-a-simple-circuit-breathing-led-effect-to-your-pumpkin/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_kE9LaprBBc

http://sean.voisen.org/blog/2011/10/breathing-led-with-arduino/

Google's first results
 
Obviously if those were what I wanted, I would not have made this post.
 
Why post this fucking thread here?

Do you expect one of us to have every jerry-rig for you?

Go to a specialist site. Or find one.

You're so inconsiderate every time someone tries to help you wonder why no one likes you.
 
Ok I honestly have no clue what the hell you are doing and or talking about but to clarify, you have a setup in mind but dont know how to go about it without screwing something else up? Can you put it into laymans terms? 
 
The circuit uses current gates to control the blinking LEDs. The left gate causes a "fade" cycle while the right gate triggers a bright cycle. The gates open depending on how many amps are present at the base of the gate. The capacitors present in the diagram help create this breathing effect by prolonging current drop and slowing current crests to the gates. Larger capacitors mean larger discharge and refill times but can also negate the desire breathing effect.
 
Would using an Arduino be out of the question? You could make a very simple, discreet and customizable setup with just some basic knowledge of C.
 
I already have this basic layout ready and it only needs some tweaking. Adding an Arduino to the mix would require me to redesign the layout and then add a piece of electronics that I would have to replace entirely should something go wrong.
 
This is a very simple design, far cheaper to implement and repair should something fail, and is not subject to the level of human error compared to forming the circuit around an arduino module. At most the components I don't have on-hand would cost me 10-15 cents, where buying a arduino kit and implementing it will cost me upwards of $20.
 
Like I said in the shoutbox; try Stack Exchange or a similar resource site, they'll be of more help than this board.
 
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