LM3909 LED flasher

The LM3909 is an integrated circuit (IC) which will flash a light-emitting diode (LED). Using only two extra components and a battery, the circuit is cheap and has a very low current drain from a 1.5 V cell. The circuit can be used as a novelty flasher, an indicator for a dummy alarm bell box, or it could be attached to a torch so that it could be found easily in the dark!

The circuit can be built on a small piece of Veroboard If you prefer, the whole circuit (battery included) can be mounted in a small plastic box, with the LED mounted on a clip and protruding through the panel. There are many other possibilities, and it is up to you to find an application for your own use.