RGB LED Color Cycling Circuit

How to re purpose a the RGB LED color cycling circuitry from a Glade LightShow air freshener.

I was in the process of creating a red, green , blue color cycling circuit based on a PIC microcontroller when I spotted the Glade LightShow air freshener.
I wanted to know if it could be hacked up and used for other purposes. I found a couple of online coupons and when it went on sale in the store, I got 2 for $3 a piece.

WARNING!!!! If you run this with the wall plug, PLEASE let it cool down first. The resistor inside WILL BURN YOU.RGB LED Color Cycling Circuit

Step 1: Rip it apart

I started by drilling out the plastic rivets on the bottom of the airfreshener. This is not nesscesary, but makes it easier to open. If you don’t have a drill, just rip
the darn thing open with a screwdriver.

Step 2: Remove the Circuit Board

Ok, once open, feel free to cut the cord. My first one had a 5V AC power supply, the second one was 9V DC. Either way, I was not interested in the power supply.

Remove the circuit board and discard everything except the circuit board, power supply (good for some other project), and the bottle of smelly stuff.

Use the smelly stuff to make your car smell better.

Step 3: Make the Mods

Now desolder the big square resistor (the white ceramic 5W square on top). You can simply snip it off, but I chose to desolder it.

Next, I removed the switch that turned on the air freshener. This also is not necessary, but kept me from trying to use the wrong switch to turn it on.RGB LED Color Cycling Circuit schematic

Step 4: Now add Power

 

I played around and found two alternate contact points for the 5V + and -. My goal was to eliminate the circuitry that went to the 5W resistor and heated it up to make the perfume
more effective.

I soldered a battery pack of (4) AA batteries to these connections. Note that I am using rechargables so the total voltage is only 4.8 ( 4 * 1.2V ).

Now, pop the switch once to make it come on. Again to make it cycle slowly, again to make it freeze, and again to turn it off.

 

For more detail: RGB LED Color Cycling Circuit

About The Author

Ibrar Ayyub

I am an experienced technical writer holding a Master's degree in computer science from BZU Multan, Pakistan University. With a background spanning various industries, particularly in home automation and engineering, I have honed my skills in crafting clear and concise content. Proficient in leveraging infographics and diagrams, I strive to simplify complex concepts for readers. My strength lies in thorough research and presenting information in a structured and logical format.

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