# Smooth flickering LEDs

**URL:** <https://discourse.nodered.org/t/smooth-flickering-leds/80545>\
**Category:** Hardware\
**Created:** [14 August 2023 01:53 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/smooth-flickering-leds/80545 "2023-08-14T01:53:40Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![richiep](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/59ef9b/32.png) [@richiep](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/richiep)\
**Post date:** [14 August 2023 01:53 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/smooth-flickering-leds/80545/1 "2023-08-14T01:53:40Z")

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Hey All,  
Not sure if this is the appropriate place for this question but, here goes.

I'm controlling 12V LEDs with an esp8266 using PWM and MOSFETs. It works as intended except when the lights are dim I get flicker. I tried adding an electrolytic capacitor which helped a little but still flickers, maybe a larger one?

How can I prevent the flickering?  
Thanks  
Rich

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**Author:** ![Trying\_to\_learn](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/trying_to_learn/32/28400_2.png) [@Trying\_to\_learn](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/Trying_to_learn)\
**Post date:** [14 August 2023 01:58 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/smooth-flickering-leds/80545/2 "2023-08-14T01:58:25Z")

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If you are using PWM, adding a capacitor will negate the PWM.

The _flickering_ ~~is~~ could be a _symptom_ of the LED's blinking and the ambient light resonating.

Try it in direct sunlight and not artificial light and see if they still _flicker_.

(or use a DC light bulb to illuminate the scene)

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**Author:** ![system](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/uploads/nodered/original/1X/d073cd938eafa2e558d7c2cd59003b3ef4963033.png) [@system](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/system)\
**Post date:** [13 October 2023 01:58 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/smooth-flickering-leds/80545/3 "2023-10-13T01:58:45Z")

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