Flicker Simulator for Lamp Flame

The project will be strictly used for incandescent lamps to create a flame flicker simulator or a lamp dimmer which may be turned ON/OFF using the switch on the lamp.

The device will connect in series with the lamp while the RMS voltage across the lamp is modulated. The average voltage at the lamp is often less than the line input since it cannot increase the voltage above the input line voltage. If a lamp fixture contains a built-in dimmer or any other electronic controller between it and the load, the device will not work. Although flasher bulbs are allowed, they may not flash because of the reduced RMS voltage. Since the device may present a substantial DC or very low frequency AC voltage component across the load during startup, transformer-powered lamps must not be used.

The flicker dynamics may be customized for oil/kerosene lamp, candle, or campfire. An array of lamps for independently flickering electric candles can be built by replacing the controls with fixed resistors to yield an inexpensive version. Although the candles flicker independently, they all respond to power line events so a bit like real candles to air movement.

Rest of the project