How do I make an interrupted circuit?

[budgie_fresnell]

Heya! I'm trying to figure out how to make an interrupted circuit for the use of a flickering tv effect. Help? I have no idea how to go about this. I know I could buy a couple of flickering candle lights but ideally I want to make my own. (cause I'm stubborn like that :blink: ) Thanks! Xx

[smalljoshua]

Could you not just put a couple of birdies in there, say blue and yellow, and then program the flicker on your desk?

 

I used this on a show I did about a year ago and it worked well, just don't have the birdies up too bright to avoid blinding the actors. Also, I found that putting tracing paper on the front of the "tv" worked really well to diffuse the light and make it look more realistic.

 

Josh

[adam2]

Incandescent lamps may be made to flicker by connecting a flourescent lamp starter in series, this is a useful way of simulating a flickering fire or flame.

By use of several lamps of suitable colours, each in series with a starter, the flickering effect of a TV screen may be simulated.

I would use one white lamp, 2 daylight ones and 2 blue ones.

Usuall caveats regarding mains voltages, and remember that you will need the old fashioned and very cheap starters known as glow starters, electronic ones wont work.

By concealing the lamps in a suitable housing, the flickering light reflected from a wall etc. will resemble the light from a TV screen.

 

If a TV screen is to be on view, rather than just the reflected light, then I would use a real TV playing a suitable DVD.

[madorangepanda]

A starter from a fluoro wired in series with a lamp will make it flicker. Have used it to great effect for a fire place, not so sure about a flickering TV however.

[richb]

Or buy one of these...

 

http://www.find-me-a-gift.co.uk/fake-tv-bu...ent-device.html

 

Pretty cheap at the mo' as they're on sale.

 

May not be the answer for you if you're keen on the process of making one, but may be handy for anybody else seaching - they're neat little units.

[AndyJones]

I like a cheapo LED par on a random chase. It is VERY effective at recreating a tv flicker.

[GridGirl]

What Adam said - but with the addition of one lamp which is on steadily the whole time - there is almost always SOME light coming from a TV screen and if all the lamps are flickering, then you'll occasionally get no light at all as they all flicker off at the same time!

[J Pearce]

I've found that an led can with a flicker chase set with all leds on to about 40% for solid constant light works well, the 40% solid makes a BIG difference, also don't make it too bright.

[brianeades]

Hi

I had to create a cinema flicker fx as cast were looking out to auditorium.I use to Mac 250s on a prism(open white no gobo),out of focus then applied the shutter on a speed you determine worked well but you must keep overall stage state dim (as as you would expect in that environment)allow just enough light to see the cast. ;)

 

 

Brian

[budgie_fresnell]

Thanks guys! :** laughs out loud **: Ended up not having time to muck about with making flickery circuits and opted for playing about with par16's on a random chase inside a tele case, worked really well. :D Xx