Hey Guys!
After searching on the interwebs for several days, I can't find an answer to my project question. So I thought I'd might try it over here 
For my RC truck, I'm building an all-around-light. The best scale/time period looking result comes from 5V micro incandescent light bulbs.
In many diagrams there's a 12V bicycle lightbulb connected to a transistor. Since I'm not upping the needed DC voltage, do I still need transistors to safely run the sequence?
Rgds,
Peter
In many diagrams there's a 12V bicycle lightbulb connected to a transistor.
You cannot use an Arduino pin directly to power the bulb.
Just use the same circuit but use 5V as the supply.
It might be best to look for logic type MOS FET to do the switching.
AO3401 P channel MOS fet
2N7002 N channel
How much current to they need? Each Arduino output is good for 40ma ("absolute maximum"). And, you shouldn't run a total of more than 200mA total directly from the I/O pins.
If you are driving several lamps, a driver chip such as the [u]ULN2803[/u] might be easier and save some space.
Thnx for your kind an quick replies! Nice to see that a rookie, like me, can get some support here too.
On https://itp.nyu.edu/archive/physcomp-spring2014/Tutorials/HighCurrentLoadsScott2012.html the suggested transitor is P2N2222a. Will this work for 5v (just ordered of them through ebay )?
I don't expect a 5V micro incandescent light bulb to draw more than 60mA.
Any small transistor will do. BC547, 2N3904, 2N2222, and many others.
Emitter to ground, base via a 1k resistor to the Arduino pin.
Lightbulb between +5volt and collector.
Leo..