diff --git a/application.c b/application.c
index 962ddb9..7f54d1a 100644
--- a/application.c
+++ b/application.c
@@ -53,6 +53,9 @@
 volatile bool rtc_internal_tick_flag = false; /**< flag set when internal RTC ticked */
 /** @} */
 
+/** if the strobe output should not flicker */
+static bool flicker_off = true;
+
 size_t putc(char c)
 {
 	size_t length = 0; // number of characters printed
@@ -388,6 +391,7 @@ void main(void)
 	// start main loop
 	bool action = false; // if an action has been performed don't go to sleep
 	button_flag = false; // reset button flag
+	bool flicker_on = false; // if the flicker strobe is currently on
 	while (true) { // infinite loop
 		iwdg_reset(); // kick the dog
 		if (user_input_available) { // user input is available
@@ -421,6 +425,25 @@ void main(void)
 			}
 			led_off(); // notify user we received a code
 		}
+		if (!flicker_off) {
+			action = true; // prevent going to sleep
+			uint32_t time = rand();
+			if (flicker_on) {
+				time %= 1000;
+				if (time < 100) {
+					time = 100;
+				}
+				strobe_off();
+			} else {
+				time %= 100;
+				if (time < 10) {
+					time = 10;
+				}
+				strobe_on();
+			}
+			sleep_ms(time);
+			flicker_on = !flicker_on;
+		}
 		if (action) { // go to sleep if nothing had to be done, else recheck for activity
 			action = false;
 		} else {