MY FLICKER SOFTWARE

As LED devices are inherently designed for DC (direct current) input, the AC waveform is inherently incompatible. A 120 V AC input voltage actually is a reference to its average (RMS) voltage level - in reality, it can fluctuate anywhere between -170V and 170V. Alternating current, as its name suggests, alternates between positive and negative voltage/current in a sinusoidal waveform, 50-60 times per second. The first is caused by the fluctuation inherent in AC power. There are two sources of flicker in an LED - AC power or PWM - and it is important to determine the source of the flicker so that it can be directly tackled. While this new development is helpful for taking photographs, this makes it less effective in diagnosing flicker.

MY FLICKER SOFTWARE

Note: recent developments in smartphone software have helped eliminate the dark lines that used to frequently show up in still photos. See here for a video demonstrating the use of this method at a retail store. If there is no flicker present, the light source should appear stable and continuously emit the same levels of light throughout the slow motion video. If there is significant flicker in the light source, you will see it appear as a conspicuous flicker or repeated flashing on the slow motion video. Now, carefully watch the video you just recorded. Stop the recording after 2-3 seconds, and you're done! Then, point the camera at the light source in question, and hit record. Simply load the camera app, and swipe to the right twice to toggle the 'SLO-MO' video setting. Instead, we recommend a quick and effective way to determine flicker using just a standard iPhone and its built-in camera app. At purchase prices starting at several hundred dollars per test unit, this is obviously not practical for most consumers concerned about flicker in their light bulbs. The most scientifically accurate way to determine the extent and severity of flicker is to use specialized equipment such as an oscilloscope or light meter. Although intended to flicker at a rate that is fast enough to go unnoticed, for some sensitive individuals and applications, the severity of flicker in some LED systems can be excessive and problematic. At its core, LED flicker is caused by a rapid on-and-off flashing of the LED.

My flicker