My First Flicker Box at DVinfo.net

Bill Hamell · May 14th, 2006, 01:07 PM

I needed to add some "fire" to a scene so I built a flicker box it has four outlets three that flicker all the time and one can be set to flicker to just to stay on.
I'll add a master swich and a fuse holder to compleate the project.

Bill

The box
http://cinebydesign.net/film/flicker-box.jpg

The inner works
http://cinebydesign.net/film/flicker-box-1.jpg

Jesse Redman · May 15th, 2006, 08:34 AM

Can you share the schematic?

Bill Hamell · May 15th, 2006, 01:15 PM

Jesse,

I would if I had one; I wired this as I went along.

Basically all you are doing is adding a fluorescent starter on the line (load) side of the circuit. This is what causes the lamps to flash. I remember seeing a web page that had a diagram if I can find it again I will post the URL.

Bill

Doug Spice · May 18th, 2006, 04:47 PM

I'd also be interested in seeing that.

Bill Hamell · May 19th, 2006, 11:45 AM

Ok, guys here's the deal, I am finishing up the schematic when it is done I will send it to a friend to check it. Give me the parts I can build it, but ask me to draw it and maybe I'll get it right. If he says it is correct then I will post it.

Bill

Bill Hamell · May 20th, 2006, 04:01 PM

The usual disclaimers apply this is for educational purposes only if you make one of these I am not responsible for any damage or injury that occurs.

Jesse Redman · May 20th, 2006, 09:38 PM

Bill,

Thanks for the schematic. I will be buidling one.

What types of lighting do you connect to this?

Bill Hamell · May 21st, 2006, 02:12 AM

Jesse,

You would use regular light bulbs up to 40 watts one per outlet.

Bill

Jesse Redman · May 21st, 2006, 10:58 PM

Thanks again. You've been a great help.

Bill Hamell · May 22nd, 2006, 01:47 PM

You are welcome, let us know how you made out.
Don't burn the house down! :-)

Bill

Bob Grant · May 22nd, 2006, 07:07 PM

Bill,
just a thought here you might like to try.
Wire another lamp accross the fluro starter. This means when the starter is open circuit two lamps are in series and will be pretty dim. When the starter closes one lamp goes out and the other goes full brightness.
Advantage is reduction of surge current into the lamps increasing their life and probably help the starters themselves last longer.

Bill Hamell · May 2nd, 2007, 06:09 PM

Thought I would bump this thread.
I used the flicker box in a recent film, you can view the trailer and see the flicker box in action here...

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=92935

Bill

May 14th, 2006, 01:07 PM	#1
Bill Hamell Major Player Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Mystic Ct. Posts: 477	My First Flicker Box I needed to add some "fire" to a scene so I built a flicker box it has four outlets three that flicker all the time and one can be set to flicker to just to stay on. I'll add a master swich and a fuse holder to compleate the project. Bill The box http://cinebydesign.net/film/flicker-box.jpg The inner works http://cinebydesign.net/film/flicker-box-1.jpg __________________ Cinematographers Bring Shadow To Light

May 15th, 2006, 08:34 AM	#2
Jesse Redman Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Cedar Park, Texas Posts: 182	Schematic? Can you share the schematic? __________________ - Jesse XL2 - Vegas - DVDA - Sound Forge - Acid Pro - Cubase SX 3

May 15th, 2006, 01:15 PM	#3
Bill Hamell Major Player Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Mystic Ct. Posts: 477	Jesse, I would if I had one; I wired this as I went along. Basically all you are doing is adding a fluorescent starter on the line (load) side of the circuit. This is what causes the lamps to flash. I remember seeing a web page that had a diagram if I can find it again I will post the URL. Bill __________________ Cinematographers Bring Shadow To Light

May 19th, 2006, 11:45 AM	#5
Bill Hamell Major Player Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Mystic Ct. Posts: 477	Ok, guys here's the deal, I am finishing up the schematic when it is done I will send it to a friend to check it. Give me the parts I can build it, but ask me to draw it and maybe I'll get it right. If he says it is correct then I will post it. Bill __________________ Cinematographers Bring Shadow To Light

May 20th, 2006, 04:01 PM	#6
Bill Hamell Major Player Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Mystic Ct. Posts: 477	The usual disclaimers apply this is for educational purposes only if you make one of these I am not responsible for any damage or injury that occurs. Attached Thumbnails __________________ Cinematographers Bring Shadow To Light

May 18th, 2006, 04:47 PM	#4
Doug Spice New Boot Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 18	I'd also be interested in seeing that.

May 20th, 2006, 09:38 PM	#7
Jesse Redman Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Cedar Park, Texas Posts: 182	Bill, Thanks for the schematic. I will be buidling one. What types of lighting do you connect to this? __________________ - Jesse XL2 - Vegas - DVDA - Sound Forge - Acid Pro - Cubase SX 3

May 21st, 2006, 02:12 AM	#8
Bill Hamell Major Player Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Mystic Ct. Posts: 477	Jesse, You would use regular light bulbs up to 40 watts one per outlet. Bill __________________ Cinematographers Bring Shadow To Light

May 21st, 2006, 10:58 PM	#9
Jesse Redman Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Cedar Park, Texas Posts: 182	Thanks again. You've been a great help. __________________ - Jesse XL2 - Vegas - DVDA - Sound Forge - Acid Pro - Cubase SX 3

May 22nd, 2006, 01:47 PM	#10
Bill Hamell Major Player Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Mystic Ct. Posts: 477	You are welcome, let us know how you made out. Don't burn the house down! :-) Bill __________________ Cinematographers Bring Shadow To Light

May 22nd, 2006, 07:07 PM	#11
Bob Grant Trustee Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Sydney Australia Posts: 1,570	Bill, just a thought here you might like to try. Wire another lamp accross the fluro starter. This means when the starter is open circuit two lamps are in series and will be pretty dim. When the starter closes one lamp goes out and the other goes full brightness. Advantage is reduction of surge current into the lamps increasing their life and probably help the starters themselves last longer.

May 2nd, 2007, 06:09 PM	#12
Bill Hamell Major Player Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Mystic Ct. Posts: 477	Thought I would bump this thread. I used the flicker box in a recent film, you can view the trailer and see the flicker box in action here... http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=92935 Bill __________________ Cinematographers Bring Shadow To Light