> G'day, quick simple question, what's the best way to achieve
> pulsing 1Amp @ 10% duty-cycle (@~60Hz) to an LED?  I
> assume a PIC can't handle this sort of power directly

Not for more than a couple of cycles, no

> wondering if a power transistor of some sort will switch fast
> enough ? If so, any suggestions for a cheap solution?  Might
> actually pulse up to 1.5Amps for short periods, have to run
> a few brightness tests first

The Zetex range has good switching times, particularly at higher
frequencies. hfe is generally better than power transistors too in
that amperage range. They also have lower saturation

www.zetex.com

At 60Hz though pretty much anything will do. BC441 or BD139
for example. TIPs and things will pass the current but hfe might be
a little too low for simple PIC drive, meaning an extra stage

Prices are quite variable in that range, Zetex may or may not be
"cheap" in comparison. You'd have to consider that, size, power
dissipation etc. Take a look at FETs too, they'd be competitive
with power transistors

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