Here's some information on the pummer I built over Christmas break. I decided to take a few components and breadboard a flashing circuit. After looking on the Internet and trying some different things, I found a very low current 2 LED flashing transistor circuit. The circuit alternates the LEDs and gives a nice brisk attention grabbing look.
I also created a sensor circuit using an IR detector transistor and a switching transistor that disables the flashing circuit in the presence of light. Interestingly enough, florescent light bulbs (of which are common place in our home's lamps now) don't seem to emit enough IR to keep the flashing circuit disabled. So, evenings finding this pummer flashing away even with the lights are on in our home. Just a touch of sunlight seems to shut it off.
For power storage I've gone outside the bounds of true BEAMing by using two NiMH AAA batteries. These are charged by the 4.5 volt solar panel, so there is plenty of charging potential during the day. I use a diode to prevent leakage back through the solar panel which could prematurely discharge the batteries.
The mast is a single piece of 14 guage copper wire used as the common conductor for the two LEDs. The LEDs are soldered directly to the mast and are connected through a thin 2-conductor ribbon cable back to the circuit.
Here is a video demonstrating the flashing - sorry for the low light in the picture. Oh, yes, the spot lights in our kitchen are still the old fashion incandescent - so this demonstration worked well. :)
Pummer
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