Description

🔥 What is a Flashing Revolving Beacon?

A Flashing Revolving Beacon is a visual signaling device used across industries and emergency services. It typically emits rotating or flashing light to warn or alert people. These beacons are vital for worker safety, machinery alerts, and traffic control.

Want to know where else they’re used? Check out our article on industrial siren applications for a deeper dive into safety signaling.

🎯 Objectives of the Flashing Revolving Beacon Project

• Build a dual-mode Flashing Revolving Beacon (flash + rotation).

• Use microcontroller-based control for accuracy and flexibility.

• Design for low power, high brightness, and long lifespan.

• Ensure compatibility with industrial and outdoor environments.

Looking to learn more about how microcontrollers like Arduino work? Head to our Learn Arduino series!

🛠️ Components Needed for a Flashing Revolving Beacon

• Microcontroller: ATmega328P / ESP32

• LEDs or COB LEDs (Red, Yellow, Blue)

• DC Gear Motor (for mechanical rotation)

• MOSFETs (IRF540N / TIP120)

• Power Supply (12V)

• Enclosure (Polycarbonate IP65)

• Optional Add-ons: Sound Sensor, Bluetooth, Buzzer

Want more help with choosing the right components? Explore our guide to electronics components for projects.

⚙️ Circuit Design of the Flashing Revolving Beacon

Your beacon is divided into 3 parts:

1. Control Unit – Handles flashing speed, motor timing

2. LED Driver – MOSFETs switch LEDs at defined intervals

3. Motor Driver – Drives a 12V DC motor or simulates rotation using LED sequencing

For a deeper understanding of LED circuits, check this LED basics post on Electrolab.

💡 How the Flashing Revolving Beacon Works

🔁 Flashing Mode:

The microcontroller sends a PWM signal to the LED driver, turning LEDs ON/OFF periodically (e.g., 1Hz or 2Hz). This creates a clear flashing effect visible from a distance.

🔄 Revolving Mode:

You can either:

• Use a gear motor to spin a fixed LED inside a dome.

• OR use 8–12 LEDs arranged in a circle, lighting them in a sequence to simulate rotation — no moving parts needed!