Hi Greenalien, skies are clear as yet tonight so not the beam I had last night but helluva range now. 20 Miles at least. Will probably change as the firework smoke builds up later.
The 555. I just connected output pin 3 to the TTL wire and used the 555 in bog standard astable mode at around 10 Hertz to give a nice flashing effect. Resistors 1k, 22k and a 10uF cap'. I'm a little bit cautious as 10Hertz is pretty near Alpha rythms and it seems to have an hypnotizing effect if stared at too long.
As well as the flashing effect I'm hoping it gives the diode a longer life as it's 'only' rate at 5000 hours.
A lovely childhood. Just me my mother and the voices.