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Turn Signal/Flasher/Indicator.
1x 12V Automotive Battery.
1x 80Ω Resistor.
1x 2200μF Capacitor.
1x Flasher Relay.
1x 5W Incandescent Bulb.
Under certain conditions, a capacitor can be manipulated into emitting a pulsating signal flow to parallel components; in this case, the inductor of a mechanical relay. When power is applied to the inductor, an electromagnetic field is generated (basically, it becomes an active electromagnet). This attracts the conductive material of a tiny spring-bound lever (inside the relay housing), temporarily pulling it onto the exit node - essentially throwing a switch, and completing a new piece of the circuit, allowing the signal to flow through the incandescent bulb, and back to earth/ground/the vehicle chassis/the negative battery terminal. In between pulses from the capacitor, the inductors voltage drops (and the magnetic field weakens), the lever is pulled back by it's spring (or similar mechanism), breaking the circuits path through the lamp. The result is an intermittent flash that corresponds with the frequency of the capacitors pulse.
The exact mechanism behind how the capacitor manages to generate this pumping, pulsing property is still a mystery to me. But I suspect understanding it would vastly improve my capabilities, and lead to much more dynamic, and useful designs. If anyone has a good explanation, please feel free to leave a comment below.
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