“Blinkies” can refer to a couple of different things, so I’ll provide instructions for both:
1. Blinkies – Animated Graphics:
- Blinkies are small, animated graphics often used in web design or as signatures in forums and emails. To create a blinkie:
Materials You’ll Need:
- Graphics software like Photoshop, GIMP, or an online animation tool.
- Creativity and imagination.
Instructions:
- Open your graphics software and create a new file with a transparent background.
- Design your blinkie by drawing or adding text, shapes, and colors. Keep in mind that blinkies are typically small and simple.
- Create a series of frames (usually 2 to 4) where you make slight changes to your design. These frames will be the animation.
- Set the display time for each frame. Blinkies often have a fast animation, like 0.1 to 0.2 seconds per frame.
- Save your animation in a format like GIF, which supports animation.
- You now have a blinkie! You can use it in forums, emails, or websites by inserting the animated GIF.
2. Blinkies – LED Flashing Pins:
- Blinkies can also refer to small LED flashing pins or badges. These are often used for fun or as fashion accessories.
Materials You’ll Need:
- A small circuit board with an LED and battery holder.
- LEDs (light-emitting diodes) in different colors.
- Coin cell batteries (e.g., CR2032).
- Battery holder or coin cell holder.
- Resistors (if needed for the LED).
- Pin backing or clip.
- Soldering iron and solder.
- Wire (thin gauge).
- Heat shrink tubing (optional).
- Hot glue gun (optional).
Instructions:
- Design your blinkie by choosing the LED color and arranging it on the circuit board.
- If your LED requires a different voltage, add a resistor to the circuit to adjust the voltage. Consult an LED resistor calculator for the correct value.
- Solder the LED, battery holder, and any resistors together, ensuring the circuit is complete.
- Attach a pin backing or clip to the circuit board, so it can be worn as a pin.
- Optionally, use heat shrink tubing to protect the soldered connections and secure the components in place.
- Insert the battery into the battery holder.
- If necessary, program any additional functionality (e.g., flashing pattern) if your blinkie is more advanced.
- Your LED blinkie pin is ready to use. Pin it to your clothing or accessories, and watch it blink.
Please ensure you have the necessary knowledge and experience, especially when working with electronics and soldering, to create LED blinkies safely.
