Project Hub /Basic Analog & Power Electronics/Artificial Arduino Candle Light Turns on with Fire and Flickers like a Real Candle

Intermediate

ATTINY85

₹500 – ₹1,500

3 – 6 Hours

Partial Kit

Artificial Arduino Candle Light Turns on with Fire and Flickers like a Real Candle

Build a realistic moving flame electronic candle using an ATtiny85 microcontroller, 3D-printed enclosure, electromagnet, and sound/light sensors.

Originally published on CircuitDigest

View original tutorial

Parts You'll Need

This project is sourced from another site, not written by us — this list is our best match of their components against what we stock, not a verified bill of materials. Always check the original blog (linked above) for the actual parts list before buying.

Jumper Wire 10 Pin Male To Male 20cm Rs. 45.00
2-Slot 18650 Holder with Protective Cover and On/Off Switch – Case Rs. 109.00
Microphone module - Analog Sound Sensor Module for Arduino Rs. 63.00
LDR Light Sensor Module Rs. 49.00
10pcs - 220 ohm 1/4 W Resistor Set Rs. 39.00
1200mAh 18650 Li-ion Bat – Reliable 3.7V Power Cell Rs. 129.00
400 Points Mini Solderless Prototype PCB Breadboard High Quality Rs. 89.00
MB102 Adjustable Breadboard Power Supply Module (3.3V & 5V) for Arduino & Raspberry Pi Rs. 139.00
Jumper Wire 10 Pin Male To Female 20cm Rs. 45.00

Selected: Rs. 0.00

This list includes a generic resistor set as a placeholder — it is not matched to the exact value or part number this circuit needs. The correct one is specified on the original source page linked above; check it before buying.

We don't carry yet: ATtiny
Perfboard / Veroboard / Stripboard
Transistors (BC547 / 2N2222 / TIP / MOSFET)
Thyristor / SCR / Triac / Varistor / Fuse
Diodes (1N4007 / 1N4148 / Schottky / Zener)
Capacitors
Enclosure / Box / Case
Amber
Flame components

Browse all components

How It Works

This electronic candle project is controlled by an ATtiny85 microcontroller programmed using the Arduino IDE. The system is powered by a rechargeable 3.7V lithium battery, protected against reverse polarity by a 1N4007 diode and stabilized by a 680uF 16V capacitor that helps handle power surges. When you turn on the slider switch, the circuit becomes active. An LDR (Light Dependent Resistor) and a microphone module act as input sensors, detecting ambient light and sound to help trigger or influence the candle's behavior. The ATtiny85 processes these signals and drives the amber or yellow LEDs to create a realistic flickering effect. Additionally, a logic-level IRF540L MOSFET is used to switch higher-current components like an electromagnet or physical flame mechanism housed inside the 3D printed enclosure. Resistors of various values (10K, 1K, 100R, and 1R) are used throughout the perfboard circuit to properly bias transistors, limit current to the LEDs, and pull down input pins. Copper wire and bolts help with internal connections and mechanical assembly.

Why Build This

Create safe, flameless decorative lighting for school science fairs, theatrical props, or holiday displays.

Learn how to integrate microcontrollers, sensors, and power management components into a compact 3D-printed housing.

Real-World Application

Safe decorative lighting for homes, restaurants, holiday events, and seasonal displays where real flames are impractical or prohibited.

Skills You'll Learn

Microcontroller programming

MOSFET power switching

sensor integration

perfboard assembly

power supply filtering

Safety Precautions

Exercise caution when working with lithium batteries and ensure proper circuit protection (diode/capacitor) against back-EMF from the electromagnet to prevent microcontroller resets.

Technology Tags

ATTINY85

ARDUINO

3D PRINTING

ELECTROMAGNET

MOSFET

LDR

MICROPHONE

SENSOR INTEGRATION

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I program the ATtiny85 directly via USB?

No, the ATtiny85 does not have built-in USB capabilities. You will typically need to program it using an Arduino Uno as an ISP or a dedicated AVR programmer within the Arduino IDE.

What is the purpose of the 1N4007 diode and 680uF capacitor?

The diode protects the circuit from reverse battery connections, while the capacitor helps filter voltage dips and protects the microcontroller from electrical noise and back-EMF generated by inductive components.

How do the LDR and microphone affect the candle?

The LDR and microphone act as environmental sensors, allowing the ATtiny85 to detect changes in ambient light and sound to dynamically control or trigger the candle's behavior.

Gallery

This page is part of Kitkraft's Project Hub — a curated collection of electronics & robotics projects gathered from the maker community to help students and hobbyists discover and learn to build. Kitkraft does not claim authorship of the original project, and makes no representation as to the accuracy, completeness or safety of third-party source material. The summary and "How It Works" explanation above are AI-generated, rewritten with reference to the original tutorial — not a reproduction of it. Full credit and a direct link to the original source are provided above. If you're the original creator and have a concern about how your work is represented here, please contact us and we'll address it promptly.

Kitkraft Project Hub — curated from the maker community, credited at the source.

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