[IDEA] Police flashing - lights

[Fistach]

I present here the patent for interchangeable flashing lights you can include in you cop car, fire engines etc.

It seems big but I can be reduced. You can use one BB but using two different ones create a much better effect (especially with the number of PF lights I used.

More information you may find in the YT video here:

[CP5670]

Interesting idea. This would create a nice effect for a row of several lights. However, for two lights it would be a lot easier to just use the old 9V lights, which had flashing capabilities built in. This is actually one thing I don't like about the PF lights. A polarity change won't make them flash, unlike the old lights.

There are also third party solutions like LifeLites, which are expensive but probably the best option. You get 8 lights with various built-in patterns.

[TechnicJuan]

I have seen something very similar to this dones before with a motor switching the switch back and forth. I think someone incorporated it into turn signals.

[Parax]

I have seen something very similar to this dones before with a motor switching the switch back and forth. I think someone incorporated it into turn signals.

do you mean this

[paul_delahaye]

This seems a little excessive for what it achieves?

£50 in PF components for a couple of flashing lights, maybe not.

Interesting idea though

[Brickmodder]

I love this idea using 100% LEGO items! Very Rube Goldberg! You are a mechanical genius.

Doing some math, though, it seems if you don't mind using aftermarket parts from (shameless plug) LifeLites you could come out tremendously cheaper.

LEGO method (prices in USD):

6.99 - PF battery box

14.99 - PF receiver

9.49 - PF remote (not shown)

2.00 - 9v battery box (rough guess on price)

7.49 - M motor 1

7.49 - M motor 2

6.49 - PF LED set 1

6.49 - PF LED set 2

6.49 - PF LED set 3

5.79 - PF reversing switch 1

5.79 - PF reversing switch 2

5.79 - PF reversing switch 3

2.99 - PF extension wire 1

2.99 - PF extension wire 2

0.00 - misc bricks and pieces from your collection

----------------------

91.27 - plus shipping for 6 lights and 1 to 2 different patterns

LifeLites method (prices in USD):

6.99 - PF battery box

14.99 - PF receiver

9.49 - PF remote

50.00 - eLite PF

0.00 - LED cables (eLite PF includes 8 LED cables)

0.00 - misc bricks and pieces from your collection

----------------------

81.47 - plus shipping for 8 lights and roughly 24 different patterns/variations

Some ways to make the LifeLites method cheaper:

Lose wireless control and go with a legacy 9v battery box. That makes final cost based on above pricing $52.00 + shipping. The LEGO method would be roughly 69.29 + shipping without wireless control.

Go with 4 lights. The eLite Jr. has a built in replaceable battery, 4 LEDs, and anywhere from 6-24 patterns/variations based on the kit you select. eLite Jr. is priced at just $20 + shipping. I'm going to guess and say going with 4 lights on the LEGO version is going to roughly save you the cost of one PF LED kit, and maybe that 2.00 battery box and an extension cable if you reconfigured everything.

Hope this information helps!

[CP5670]

Cool, are you the guy who sells the LifeLites units? The basic, non-flashing one looks pretty attractive to me for the price. I might get one or two of those soon.