Please read our disclaimers as to the timeliness and origin of this information.

• Where to get complete strobes
  • Complete battery-operated strobes
  • Complete line-powered strobes
• About strobe kits
  • Kit battery-operated strobes
  • Kit line-powered strobes
• Special Strobes
• Black Light Strobes

• Related Pages

Strobes are usually available at party and novelty stores, such as Spencer Gifts, and electronic stores like Radio Shack. They come in various physical sizes, and with different brightness ratings. Small "party strobes" can be had for $15-$20. You can also make your own, from scratch or a kit - but this usually doesn't save you much money. If you can't find an assembled unit, you might ask a friend with electronic skills to build a kit for you

• Strobe Light
  • Herbach & Rademan #RB-123 - Strobe Light - $11.95 [2/2004]

  The web site only says:

  Warning light, or flashing light for model airplanes. An emergency light for your auto, radio tower, even use it on your bicycle. Has a variable flash rate. Size 3.5" x 1.8", operates on 6 or 12V DC only.

• Big Lots "8-Inch Strobe Light Skull" - $5.99 [9/2002]

  You need no further proof that China Inc. is deeply into both Halloween and strobes than this item: a strobe that runs on three penlight cells, in a plastic skull with a chrome finish.

  Brand name is "Haunter Hollow", sold by "Midwestern Home Products, Inc.", made in China.

  The actual strobe action is unimpressive: a steady, slow (perhaps 5 sec/flash) flashing.

  This is a seasonal item, and will disappear after Halloween 2002, perhaps never to return.
  

• All Electronics #STROBE-3x - $8.95 [1/2004]

  These seem to be nice, inexpensive strobes, ready for use on 12VDC.

  Choose your color, even!

  This section has been in their catalog since 2001, and is still offered as of January 2004.
  

• All Electronics #STROBE-4x - $6.00 [1/2004]

  This section has been in their catalog since 2003 (or perhaps a bit earlier), and is still offered as of January 2004.
  

• Velleman #HAA100R

  

  • Lens: red, flat (well, not a dome)
  • Power supply: 12Vdc, 85mA/1W.
  • Flash rate: 1.5Hz.
  • Screw mounting, both indoors and outdoors.
  • Dimensions: 100mm diameter x 80mm.
  
  

  Sources:

  Quality Kits

  #HAA100R

  STROBE LIGHT RED ASSEMBLED

  $24.99 CDN [2/2004]

• Velleman #HAA40_
  • Lens colors: red, amber, blue, green, clear(white)
  • Protected against polarity reversal.
  • Power supply: 12VDC, 150mA
  • Power output: 1W.
  • Flash rate: 120/min.
  • Black ABS / acrylic cover, fully sealed and waterproof.
  • Dimensions: 70mm diameter x 64mm.

  Sources:

  Quality Kits	#HAA40R	STROBE LIGHT ASSEMBLED - RED	$14.50 CDN [2/2004]
  Quality Kits	#HAA40A	STROBE LIGHT ASSEMBLED - AMBER	$14.50 CDN [2/2004]
  Quality Kits	#HAA40B	STROBE LIGHT ASSEMBLED - BLUE	$14.50 CDN [2/2004]
  Quality Kits	#HAA40G	STROBE LIGHT ASSEMBLED - GREEN	$14.50 CDN [2/2004]
  Quality Kits	#HAA40W	STROBE LIGHT ASSEMBLED - WHITE	$14.50 CDN [2/2004]

• All Electronics #STROBE-2 - Mini Strobe - $19.95

  20 Watt mini strobe unit, assembled and tested, in enclosure - just plug it in and go. Has adjustable flash rate 2-10 flashes per second.

• #C5175 Xenon strobe kit, operates from 9V battery.

  Sources:

  Electronic Goldmine

  #C5175

  9V DC Strobe Warning Flasher Kit

  $16.95

• Chaney Electronics #C6460

  

  • Xenon strobe kit.
  • Operates from 12VDC.
  • Has adjustable flash rate.
  
  

  I built one of these. It works as advertised.

  Sources:

  Electronic Goldmine

  #C6460

  12VDC High Power Strobe Kit

  $28.75

• Chaney Electronics #C6844

  

  • 1 1/8" long xenon strobe tube.
  • Adjustable flash rate: 35-200 per minute
  • Power supply: 9V battery, 60-65ma.
  • Board size: 1 13/16" x 1 1/2".
  
  

  Sources:

  Chaney Electronics

  #C6844

  Smallest Variable Strobelight Kit

  $10.95 [2/2004]

• Chaney Electronics #C6361

  

  • Xenon strobe kit, using horseshoe xenon tube.
  • Depending on how you wire it, operates from 6V or 12V, but requires several amps.
  • Fixed flash rate of approximately 30 per minute.
  • Size of board: 3.5" x 2.5".
  
  

  Sources:

  Electronic Goldmine

  #C6361

  6/12V DC Strobe Kit

  $24.75 [2/2004]

• DATAKITS #80-162 - Xenon Tube Flasher (6 volt)

  

  • Xenon strobe.
  • Flash rate is adjustable between 1 and four flashes per second.
  • Power supply: 6 VDC.
  
  

  Note: The advertisement says 6 VDC, but the picture shows a 9-Volt battery snap. I don't know which is right.

• All Electronics #STROBE-1 - Strobe Kit - $7.50

  

  • Xenon strobe kit.
  • Depending on how you wire it, operates from 6VDC or 12VDC.
  • Has adjustable flash rate.
  
  

  I built one of these. It works as advertised.

• Strobe Light

  

  • For Operation on 4.5 to 12 VDC.
  • Flash rate 60 to 120 per minute.
  • Board size: 3-1/2" x 1-7/8".
  
  

  Sources:

  Herbach & Rademan

  #TM90OPT1152

  Variable Rate Strobe Flasher Kit

  $8.50 [2/2004]

• Circuit Specialists #Kit-22 - 9-Volt Xenon Tube Flasher - $10.35

  Trim pot to vary flash rate.

• Elenco Electronics #K-12A

  

  • Educational kit complete with PC Board and detailed instruction book.
  • Produces a bright flash via xenon flash tube.
  • Flash rate is adjustable.
  
  

  Sources:

  Gibson Tech Ed.

  #E-K-12A

  Strobe Light Kit

  $7.90 [no longer available 2/2004]

• Elenco Electronics #AK-520

  

  • Comes complete with all components and lesson manual.
  
  

  Sources:

  Gibson Tech Ed.

  #E-AK-520

  Strobe Light Kit

  $14.90 [2/2004]

• Velleman MK147

  

  • Not xenon; flashes two super bright white LEDs.
  • Slow/fast selector and speed adjust trimmer; speed adjustable between approx. 1 and 60 flashes/second.
  • On/off switch.
  • Power supply: 9V battery (not incl.); power consumption: 40mA max.
  • Dimensions: 55 x 32 x 40mm (2.2" x 1.3" x 1.6")
  
  

  Sources:

  Quality Kits	#MK147	DUAL WHITE LED STROBOSCOPE KIT	$14.99 CDN [2/2004]
  Gibson Tech Ed.	#V-MK147	DUAL WHITE LED STROBOSCOPE	$8.76 [2/2004]

• Velleman K5300 - STROBESCOPE KIT

  

  • Flash frequency adjustable from 2 to 20Hz.
  • Power supply: 110V - 120V AC.
  • Board size: 87 x 65mm (3.4" x 2.6")
  
  

  Sources:

  Quality Kits	#K5300U	STROBESCOPE KIT	$32.00 CDN [2/2004]
  Jameco Electronics	#117639	STROBESCOPE KIT	$18.95 [2/2004]
  Gibson Tech Ed.	#V-K5300RS	Stroboscope kit	$15.96 [2/2004]

• Velleman K2601

  

  • Adjustable flash rate from 2 to 20Hz.
  • Power supply: 220V to 250V AC.
  • Average current consumption: 60mA at 20Hz, 370mA peak.
  • Flash frequency: 2 to 20Hz.
  
  

  Note: The picture of this unit looks exactly like Velleman K5300. I'm gussing that there is a single PC board that can be configured for either voltage.

  Sources:

  Quality Kits

  #K2601

  STROBOSCOPE KIT 230V MAINS

  $24.99 CDN [2/2004]

• Graymark #G104

  

  • Uses a neon relaxation oscillator and U-shaped flash tube.
  • Power supply: 110V AC.
  
  

  Sources:

  Gibson Tech Ed.

  #G-104P

  Variable Strobe Light Kit

  $12.55 [2/2004]

• Cana Kit #CK483

  

  • Flash rate is adjustable via a PC board mounted potentiometer.
  • Power supply: 110V AC.
  
  

  Sources:

  Gibson Tech Ed.

  #CK483

  Variable Speed Strobe Light (Kit)

  $18.72 [2/2004]

• Graymark #G523

  

  • Adjustable flash rate from 1 to 5 flashes per second.
  • Tube life is about 500,000 flashes.
  • Size: 4.0 x 5.0 x 6.2".
  
  

  Sources:

  Gibson Tech Ed.

  #G-523

  Strobe Light Without Breadboard

  $27.95 [2/2004]

• Smart Kit Electronics SmartKit #1137 - DISCO STROBO LIGHT

  

  • Xenon strobe light.
  • You can add a second xenon tube to increase the light output.
  • Strobe frequency: 1-60 Hz.
  • Power supply: 220VAC.
  • Board size: 60x68mm.
  
  

• Chaney Electronics #C6765

  

  • Variable flash rate speed control.
  • Long life Xenon strobe tube with reflector.
  • Includes all parts, label, PC board, beige case, smoked grey lens.
  • Thermal protection and overload fuse protection.
  • Size approximately 4 3/4" wide x 3 7/8" tall x 3 1/8" deep.
  • Power supply: 110V AC.
  
  

  Sources:

  Electronic Goldmine

  #C6765

  Professional Xenon Strobe Kit

  $32.50 [2/2004]

• Chaney Electronics #C3071

  

  • Variable flash rate from about 120 to 400 flashes per minute.
  • Small, straight xenon strobe tube.
  • Power supply: 110V AC.
  • Board size: 3" x 2".
  
  

  Sources:

  Electronic Goldmine

  #C3071

  120VAC Strobe Light Kit - $14.30

  [2/2004]

• Chaney Electronics #C4823

  

  • Xenon strobe kit.
  • Variable speed 120-300 flashes per minute.
  • Horseshoe shaped xenon flashtube.
  • Power supply: 110V AC.
  • Board size: 3" x 5".
  
  

  Sources:

  Electronic Goldmine

  #C4823

  120VAC Brilliant Strobe Light Kit

  $18.25 [2/2004]

• DIY Electronics Kit 162
  • Xenon tube flasher.
  • Vary the flash rate and brightness by changing component values.
  • Power supply: 6V battery.

  Sources:

  Electronics 123

  #CPS162

  6 Volt Xenon Tube Flasher Kit

  $15.95 [2/2004]

• DIY Electronics Kit 14

  

  • Xenon flash tube is rated for 2,000,000 flashes.
  • Strobe frequency: 0.3-3Hz.
  • Power supply: 110V AC.
  
  

  Sources:

  Electronics 123

  #CPS14

  Disco / Warning Strobe Light 120VAC Kit

  $25.95 [2/2004]

• DATAKITS #80-140 - 110 Volt AC Strobe Light Kit

  

  • Xenon strobe.
  • Flash rate is adjustable from about one every three seconds to about three per second.
  • AC cord and plug not included.
  • Power supply: 110 VAC.
  
  

  Note: The picture of this unit shows a PC board that looks a lot like DIY Electronics Kit 14. You can even see something that might be "Kit 14" in tiny letters in the lower left of this photo. I'm gussing that DATAKITS licensed the design from DIY.

• DIY Electronics Kit 163
  • Xenon flash tube.
  • Board size: 3 1/2"x1 3/4".
  • Power supply: 12V DC.

  Sources:

  Electronics 123

  #CPS163

  12V DC Xenon Flasher Kit

  $15.95 [2/2004]

• Chaney Electronics #C4162

  

  • Uses a horseshoe-shaped strobe tube, with reflector.
  • Flash rate from 100 to 250 flashes per minute.
  • Power supply: 110V AC.
  • Board size: 4 1/2" x 3".
  
  

  Sources:

  Electronic Goldmine

  #C4162

  120VAC High-Power Strobe Light Kit

  $23.50 [2/2004]

• Chaney Electronics #C6888

  

  • Power supply: 110V AC.
  • Variable flash rate speed control.
  • Long life horseshoe xenon strobe tube.
  • Comes with all parts, PC board, beige case with clear front lens, knob, power cord.
  • Thermal protection and overload fuse protection.
  • Size about 6 1/8"W x 2 1/8"H x 6 3/4"Deep.
  
  

  Sources:

  Electronic Goldmine

  #C6888

  Deluxe Xenon Strobe Kit

  $26.95 [2/2004]

• #9940

  

  • Power supply: 110V AC.
  • 5-watt flashtube.
  • Can be converted to manual operation for use with camera equipment.
  
  

  Sources:

  Gibson Tech Ed.

  #9940

  High Power Bright Variable Strobe Light

  $11.25 [2/2004]

• Chaney Electronics #C4622

  

  • This kit has two small, straight xenon lamps and alternates between them, flashing back and forth.
  • Flash rate is not adjustable; about 120 per minute.
  • Board size: 3" x 3".
  • Power supply: 110V AC.
  
  

  I built one of these. It's actually pretty cute, flashing back and forth. But the light isn't very bright. Might find novelty use in a haunt, by casting a shadow that flickers back and forth.

  Sources:

  Electronic Goldmine

  #C4622

  Dual Strobe Light Kit

  $15.75 [2/2004]

• CTI-7785 Party Strobe Kit

  

  • Sound-sensitive Xenon strobe.
  • Microphone input.
  • Sensitivity control.
  • Power supply: 110V AC.
  
  

  This one is interesting because it is a cross between a strobe light and a color organ. As such, I hoped it might be especially handy for simulating lightning.

  I built one of these. The unit is fairly bright. It seems to work by flashing the xenon tube at a fixed rate as long as the sound level is over the selected sensitivity level. As such, I didn't like the effect for lightning - during the loud thunder passages, it flashed too regularly. It did a nice job flashing to the beat of music, though.

  The PC board is marked "PARTY STROBE", "CTI-7785". The documentation is marked "Centerpointe Electronics Incorporated", "Copyright 1996 PracTrak, Inc."

  Sources:

  Gibson Tech Ed.

  #9985

  Audio Activated Musical Strobe

  $24.90 [2/2004]

• Chaney Electronics #C4737

  

  • This kit causes any lamp of your choice to shimmer or blink. "Create eerie effects for plays, parties or Halloween."
  • Has "shimmer control" potentiometer.
  • AC outlet to plug in any lamp.
  • Maximum load: 200 Watts.
  • Board size: 2" x 2".
  • Power supply: 110V AC.
  
  

  Sources:

  Electronic Goldmine

  #C4737

  120VAC Shimmering Light Kit

  $9.25 [2/2004]

• KB Toys #9985 - Boogie Light - $7

  

  • Sound-sensitive Xenon strobe.
  • Microphone input.
  • Sensitivity control.
  • Power supply: 110V AC.
  
  

  This one is interesting because it is a cross between a strobe light and a color organ. As such, I hoped it might be especially handy for simulating lightning.

  The first I heard of these was in the summer of 2001, when KB Toys was clearing them out. Scattered stocks still exist as of May 2002, going for about $7.

  The unit can operate either as a variable-rate strobe, or flashing according to music. I found the controls a bit finicky to adjust for lightning, but it worked fine for music. Others on the Halloween mailing list liked it fine for lightning.

We devote an entire page to black light strobes.

• strobe lights
• commercial strobes and kits [this page]
• debugging strobes
• electronic kits
• finishing electronic projects - boxes and knobs

Thank you for visiting. Your comments are welcome.
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