Electroluminescence (EL) light and inverter using with Arduino project

[brxjj53]

I having issues with the EL light, it not bright enough when using the inverter with Arduino.
I have connect a separate AA battery pack to it but it also isn't as bright as the direct battery holder.

However when use the 2X AA battery inverter holder directly, it is very bright.

This is my schematic connecting Arduino with the EL light as well as a ultrasonic sensor. The MOSFET used is IRL530N

I also have NPN BJT 2N222A, BC547 and 2N3904
I really appreciate the community help to solve the brightness issue.

[LarryD]

@brxjj53

IRL530N

Use the blink example to slowly toggle the LED.

Measure V_(ds) with your DVM, what is the ON and OFF voltages.

[gilshultz]

Your schematic atells a lot. The transistor you state in your question will drop the 3.3V by 0.7 volt. The MOSFET will work much better as you show in your schematic. Try adding a few uF and 0.1 uF capacitors from the Source (ground) to 3V3.

[JCA34F]

Where is the inverter in your diagram?

[brxjj53]

Test the Voltage level. On means EL light is on and off is when its off.

2 AA batteries give 3V and Arduino i tested with 3.3V and 5V. Comparing the 2 different inverters with and without the battery holder are they the same or different? The AC output voltage is very different. Do i need a current/voltage booster circuit or a different inverter.

There is no marking or label on this inverter.

Online i see some modify this inverter but can't find any schematic on this.

[brxjj53]

With the capacitor what does it do from vcc to souce?

[LarryD]

This shows the Arduino and MOSEFT are definitely doing their job.

You might be having a problem with wiring connections on the output of your inverter.

• Please show us your sketch you are using which’s exhibits the intensity problem.

• Please confirm the brightness is okay when your inverter is powered with the batteries directly i.e. no MOSFET.

[brxjj53]

I'm just testing out with the example blink file

The 2 different inverter test directly from batteries without any Arduino and mosfet