Hello,

I am trying to add led's to my apollo 13 rocket like in this video.

I have figured out how to mount them and the wiring. Now I am just trying to think of the best way to power them. There are two 89 flashers mounted inside the rocket I would like to tie into for the leds. The problem is the flashers run on ac and leds need dc. I would like to use the easiest method to tap into the 12vac source. I will be using 5 3mm red leds in total. I believe they pull 20ma each. Anyone have any ideas on the best way to accomplish this?

THIS IS NOT MY VIDEO. It is what I am trying to replicate.

I havent completed mine, that is a youtube video of what I am trying to accomplish. I have figured out the ac to dc issue. I built a diode bridge in the front of the rocket just need to wire the leds now.

Thanks,

Here is how I plan on doing the wiring:

I created a diode bridge on some breadboard I had and cut it to fit at the top of the rocket.

I then covered it in hot glue to lock it in place and prevent any possible shorts.

I have drilled holes in all 5 rocket engines and will be fitting 3mm 12v leds into each of them.

I plan on wiring the leds in series. No resistor should be neccesary with this current setup.

5 Leds will be used for a total of 100ma.

I plan on upgrading the tip122 to a tip102 just to play it safe with the added load on the circuit.

Current the TIP122 drives 4 flashers which is the stock design.

a13_rocket_mod1.jpg a13_rocket_mod2.jpg

Since I got the details worked out for the wiring. I have redesigned the setup to look better. More details coming soon but was able to shrink and simplify it.

No I didnt use a drill press. Just used a standard drill. Also for the new wiring I removed the rear flasher bulb and will be using a modified bulb to power the new led's. You cannot even notice one of the flashers is missing so two under the rocket was definitly overkill. So now there will be one 5 flasher and the 5 engines. pictures coming soon.

The rocket led's are now up and running. Debating if I should add covers in front of the led's but they are not overly bright. I used flat top led's so they spread the light more towards the outside. P1030080.JPG P1030081.JPG

not finished yet but it is progressing nicely.