8 led beacon without microcontroller

Question

I would like to create this 8 led beacon with only a single mode, that is turn 2 leds on at a time and move to the next one in a loop like shown in the picture below.

I want to achieve this without a microcontroller in the long run. I can use led drivers or shift registers or timers. I also have no problem programming the intitial setup using arduino but the project should not depend on a microcntroller for regular operation.

leds will be of 8mm straw hat size with 150mA each at 2.4V (red). Power supply will be 2x AA NiMH cells. No need of any input button function, if I power the setup then it should go straight to this function and keep looping until I power off.

Can it be done using 74HC595 or similar 74 series or should I go for LM3914 or is there any other simpler way? I understand that 74HC595 can't handle the high current requirement, which is why asked for alternatives.

These are the available IC's I can buy. the site also has other drivers.

Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

You should be able to achieve this using a 555 timer and CD4017 combined with some MOSFETS on the output to switch the higher currents. The two LEDs in parallel will draw 300mA so ensure that your battery is capable of providing this power. The only other problem I can see is that the voltage of the battery may not be high enough to run the electronics so you need to check all that too.

Aby.