Automotive Neon Lights: Engine-Controlled Power Circuit

Devin R Ott
Design - completed in September 2005

Converts the 100mV square-wave of my engine's optical rotary sensor to a high-power DC supply voltage that increases proportionally with the rate of engine rotation. The neon tubes are powered by the DC supply so that when my engine is idle, the neons are off, but as my engine RPM increases, the neons turn on & become increasingly bright.

Prototype:

Field Test: I connected a 1/8" phono jack to the engine's ground & signal wire for easy interfacing.

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