Kamis, 03 Juni 2010

TIMER 556

DISCLAIMER: This timer has not been thoroughly tested and thus, should be considered experimental. Use of this design is entirely at the risk of the user. 
Why I did it 
It appears the many people have had problems with ejection charge delays ("bonus" delays, need a -5.5 and not -4 or -7, etc.) This made me wonder how hard it would be to make an electronic time delay unit. Since it would be electronic, it wouldn't suffer from the same sort of problems currently found in todays motor's. However, new problems might arise. There was also some lamenting from the 6-C cluster altitude competitors that the existing motor time delays were not long enough to achieve the maximum altitude possible with those models. So I thought I'd make it as skinny as possible to be of use for competitors and easily adjustable for various applications. The commercial timers you can buy today are pretty pricey and some seem rather low-tech, relying on pull-plugs and the like to start the timer. I'd make mine cheap and completely self-contained. 
Here's the challenge I undertook. Build an adjustable electronic ejection charge delay timer that will be: BT-5 sized, adjustable over a wide range of times (0.5 to 30 s), inexpensive (<$10), entirely self-contained (no external plugs, wires, etc.) and fire a flashbulb for the ejection charge. 
The timer consists of basically four parts: the timer, the timer adjustment, the acceleration sensor and the battery. 
Timer 
For relatively long time delays (a few to many seconds or even hours if you'd like), the chip of choice is the 555 timer. By adjusting one capacitor and resistor, a wide range of pulse widths are possible. The problem is that a single 555 timer outputs a pulse of a given length immediately following a trigger. I wanted a pulse after a given time delay. So, I needed two 555 timers. The output pulse of the first timer would be the trigger for the second, whose output pulse would fire a flashbulb. These two timers can be found on a single chip, the 556 dual timer, which consists of two independent 555s. Another benefit of the 555 is the relatively high output current of 200 mA. Figure 1 below shows the timer scematic. 
There are several technical issues which need to be addressed in using the 555 for long time delays. 
The time delay for the 555 is given by 1.1RC, where R and C are the timing resistor and capacitor, respectively. There are maximum practical values for these components. R cannot be much more than a few megaohms due to the minimum charging currents needed by the chip and the maximum C value is typically set by the leakage current internal to the capacitor. Long time delays call for tantalum cpacitors, with low leakage. Although probably not required here, I used them to be safe and also because of their relatively small size. 
I also wanted the second timer to be triggered by the trailing edge of the first timer's output pulse and not anytime else. This required a differentiator circuit between the output of the first and the second timers. 
The characteristics of the launch sensor will dictate wheteher you want a differentiator or integrator between it and the first timer. If you desire some immunity to premature triggers, an integrator can delay the trigger for a fraction of a second. This will add to your total time delay and requires a good g-switch that will stay closed under acceleration. If you are unsure of your g-switch or if it will stay closed well after launch, a differentiator should be used. In this case a safe/arm switch should be added to prevent setting off the ejection charge when jostling the rocket. 
Timer adjustment 
In order to get a variety of repeatable time delays, I had to gang together either a group of resistors of capacitors. I chose to go with resistors since they can be found in a wider array of values than the capacitors and they can be found with tighter tolerances as well. I made a variable resistor by soldering the resistors across the terminals of a 6-pin DIP switch, with the switches connected in series. This way, when the switch is off, the corresponding resistor gets its value added to the timing resistor total. When the switch is on, the resistor is shorted out and the resistor does not add to the total. See figure 2 below. With the values shown, this timer will allow delays from 0.5 to 31.5 s in 0.5 s increments. 
Launch sensor 
I wanted my timer to sense liftoff and set the delays from that point. A g-switch would have been ideal. I found several manufacturers who sell them, but since they are mil-spec parts, they tend to be quite expensive ($10-$20 apiece in small quantities). 
I made a few home-made g-switches to save some money. The first was made by epoxying a small ball of lead on top of a modified pushbutton switch. This switch was opened, the spring discarded and replaced by a small sliver of foam. This would close at liftoff. However, I worried about the reliability of such a switch. I also opened a tiny 5V relay and soldered a weight to the movable arm of the relay. This looked to be much more reliable than the first switch but was still a little expensive ($3). I recently found a very low force (<10 gram) tiny switch from an electronics surplus catalog for $0.30, I hope they work well. 
A mercury switch could be used as well, but is not exactly what I wanted, as it would sense the rocket decelleration after motor burnout and not the launch. I was hesitant about this since the decelleration is much lower than the launch acceleration. Using the mercury switch may also cause some timing problems with long-burn motors that are severely regressive, since the rocket may acually be decellerating when the motor is still burning. However, the point at which the rocket starts to decellerate can still be found using simulation, and the appropriate time delay chosen. Delay times for most motors with relatively constant thrust would be chosen just like the pyrotechnic delays currently used. 
A pull plug or lever switch against the launch rod could also be used, but would violate my self-containment goal. However, this option is quite inexpensive. 
Battery 
I needed a battery with from 5-15 V that would fit in a BT-5. A little perusal of the battery display at a local store came up with the A23 battery. This is 12 V and has the diameter of a AAA battery and about 2/3 the length. A plastic N-cell battery holder will fit in a BT-5 if the corners are trimmed off. This battery will just barely fire an AG-1 flashbulb by itself, so I added a 1000 uF capacitor  discharged through a HEXFET to provide the  high peak current to fire the flashbulb. 
Timer Schematics
[Schematic]

Test Results 
I have flown the prototype with the relay g-switch several times with good results.  I have made up PC boards and have the components (except for the g-switch and battery) to make the timers available in kit form for $15.  The PC board version is *MUCH* neater than my prototype.
[Schematic]
0.01 uF capacitors have a red stripe on the package, the 1 uF caps a blue stripe and 4.7 uF a green stripe. 
You should probably solder the right most  1uF capacitor after the 556, or at least with the 556 in place since I didn't leave much room for that part. 
The drain side of the IRFD110 has the two pins connected. 
Bend up the headers to make room for the connectors, or you can solder two conductor wire directly to the board for remote on/off and flashbulb connections.
 

Hints

Battery:

For a true BT-5 timer, a radio shack N-cell holder can be trimmed down to fit.  This will accommodate an A23 12 V pager battery.    There are also skinny NiCd battery stacks that might fit and could be soldered directly to the timer if a charging connection is added.  I have a 7.2 V NiCd that fits in a BT-5 but I haven't tested it yet. A 9 V
battery with snap holder will work well if minimum size is not an issue.

G-switch options:

BT-5 compatible:  Mercury switch to detect decelleration at motor burnout.
Small detector switch with lead ball on plunger (not tested)
Small relay with weight on lever arm ( used in prototype but needs
major surgery to fit in BT-5 on PC board) 

Larger: 
Electronics Goldmine mechanical airbag g-switch (not in catalog any more)
Lever switch against launch rod (requires use of differentiator circuit(see below))

Integrator vs differentator g-switch circuits:

Differentiator:  Good for use with unreliable g-switch since any intermittent switch closing will trigger timer.   Will make timer prone to false triggers if g-switch is sensitive. This may make ejection charge go off on the pad if rocket is jostled. Required for switch that stays on since a constant on (trigger to ground) will inhibit the second stage of the timer from triggering. 
Integrator (included in kit but not tested) 
This requires the g-switch to activate for about 0.5 s before timer is initiated.  This will guard against false triggers but requires a reliable g-switch.   May inhibit second stage from triggering if g-switch is on at end of timing interval.  Probably not good for short timing intervals since decay time after g-switch opens is about 5 s.

Time interval setting

Turn *off* DIP switches to set time intervals:  #1 - 0.5 s
#2 - 1.0 s
#3 - 2.0 s
#4 - 4.0 s
#5 - 8.0 s
#6 - 16.0 s 

So that an 11 second interval would have 2, 3 and 5 off, the rest on. 
The 22uF capacitor is a 20% tolerance part so check the long interval to see how close you are to 16 s, the lower
switches should be nearly exact factors of 2 smaller ( the resistors are 1% tolerance).

Darkroom Timer v2.0A for PCB Exposure Box
PIC based automatic timer for a PCB exposure box

author: Vassilis Papanikolaou

This is an improved version of the Darkroom Timer originally created by Stan Ockers (1999). Some extra features were added and the PIC code was modified accordingly 
Lamp(s) light at start of timing and turn off when timer reaches zero. A set of leds were added between the minute and second leds which blink during timer operation. 7 segment displays include tails for digits 6 and 9. A bicolor led (common cathode) indicates standby (green) and timer operation (red). Separate PCBs were designed for the led display and the timing system. The power supply is also integrated in the PCB.

The complete schematic, PCB and silkscreen are available in high resolution pdf format. The component values are clearly indicated on the silkscreen. The modified source code is available in asm and hex format (compiled in MPLAB).
Darkroom Timer Schematic

Darkroom Timer PCB

Darkroom Timer Silkscreen

Parts list
 
System board
R1 - R7              150 Ω  1/4W 5%
R8 - R11             4.7 K
Ω  1/4W 5%
R12 - R13           1 K
Ω  1/4W 5%
R14                   100
Ω  1/4W 5%
R15                   75  
Ω  1/4W 5%
R16                   10 K
Ω  1/4W 5%
C1
- C2              22 pF
C3                     2200
μF/25V electrolytic
C4
- C6              100 nF  
D5                     1N4001/4004/4007
F1                     1A  Fuse (with socket and cap)
B1                     1A  Bridge rectifier
IC1                    PIC16F84AP Microcontroller (4MHz clock) (with IC socket)
IC2                    74HC4543 BCD to 7-segment decoder (with IC socket)
IC3                    7812 voltage regulator
IC4                    7805 voltage regulator
PL1                   14 pin connector
JP2                    6 pin header
K1                     12V DC / 220V AC Relay
OK1                   CNY17-1 Optocoupler                                                   
OSC1                 4MHz Crystal
Q1 - Q4             BC557/558 PNP Transistror
Q5                    BC547/548 NPN Transistor
Q6                    BC557/558 PNP Transistror
Q7                    2N2222 NPN Transistor
TR1                   220VAC/15VAC 1VA PCB Transformer                                                           
X1 - X3             2 pin WAGO screw clamp 
Led board
D1 - D4              Common cathode 7-segment display
LED1 - LED2        Orange Led 3 mm
JP1                    Not a connector, cable is soldered directly on the back of the led PCB
Box front
Bicolor common cathode led (green-red)
3 push-button switches           

Switch connections
Connector X1 is connected to the lamp(s)
Connector X2 is connected to 220VAC mains
Connector X3 is connected to the mains switch 
Led board is connected to system board via connector PL1 
Connector JP2
pin number
Connection
1
START switch
2
SET switch
3
SELECT switch
4
Green bicolor led anode
5
Red bicolor led anode
6
Ground
 
Connect the three switches between pins 1, 2, 3 and ground (pin 6). Bicolor led common cathode is connected to ground (pin 6).

Start switch starts the timer. Pressing Start again (before or after timer reaches zero) resets the timer to its initial value.

Set switch sets the time of the current memory position. This is done in a digit‑by‑digit fashion.

Select switch rolls the time values through the 15 memory positions.

Photos
 
The system board

The led board

Connection between system and led boards (PL1)

Connection of switches and bicolor led (JP2) done in breadboard
Normally switches and bicolor led are attached to the front of exposure box
 
Board testing with externally applied DC on the 7812 regulator (for safety reasons)
 
A real time video is also available. Pay attention to the blinking leds between minutes and seconds and the bicolor led indicating both operation (red) and standby (green). Unfortunately there is no sound for the relay clicks to be heard !

The second video shows some real action ! A common light bulb turns on and off exactly like in a PCB exposure box.

Photos of the Darkroom timer installed on the exposure unit
 


The system board, LCD board and switches installed
Notice the common ground for push buttons and bicolor led (JP2 Pin 6)

 
The darkroom timer during operation
A third video shows the pcb exposure box in operation. A plain lamp was used in this video but when you have UV lamps installed, never leave the top lid open !

IC 555 One-Shot Timer Project

555 One-Shot Timer Project

555 timer
I suppose that if you set out to build a Blaster Pistol, you should expect that somewhere along the way you might be required to construct a Uranium PU-36 Space Modulator, but I wasn’t prepared to build a Oneshot Monostable Multivibrator.
When I first thought about adding light and sound to my raygun project, I really just envisioned using the gun’s trigger as a switch to turn on the sound and light effects – done. But I quickly realized that the effects would need to pulse in a consistent and controlled manner. With each trigger pull, you should get a pulse of light, and a blast sound. To seem convincing, the duration of the pulse should be the same each time and only happen once when you pull the trigger even if you were to keep the trigger switch closed. And you don’t want the sound effect looping over and over or getting cut short.

The 555 Timer IC

When I surveyed my expert sources for advice about how to better control my effects, the resounding answer was “use a 555 timer”.
I have built a lot of electronic kits in my day, but for some reason every time I try to tinker with building my own circuits from scratch, I fail miserably. I have tried a number of times to teach myself the fundamentals of electronics by getting some components and building a small amplifier or some such project, but it never seems to work out. This time I was determined to make it work, so I researched 555 timer circuits, bought a few of the IC’s and gave it another try. But before getting into it, I went to Ebay and bought a huge lot of resistors, capacitors, a breadboard, jumpers, and other components that someone else had cast off, probably after becoming frustrated with learning electronics. I remembered from my previous forays that one of the most frustrating things about experimenting was not having the right resistor or capacitor on hand and having to run to radio shack and pay $10.00 for .30 cents worth of parts and still not get what you need.
555 timer
Even with great determination and much time devoted to the project, it was still sort of frustrating. You see, the 555 has been in use since the early 1970’s and seems to have been the mainstay IC of homebrew electronics experimenters until PICs became ubiquitous. There are literally thousands of circuits out there that are built around the 555, and I found 5 or 6 that looked to be just what I needed. However, the first three designs that I tried all failed to work as advertised (if they did anything at all). I was remember why I had given up on circuit craft those other times.
Finally, over on Rob Paisley’s site I found a circuit that looked a little different than the standard 555 one-shot.
This one actually worked.
555 timer
555 timer
Once I had the timer pulsing an LED on the breadboard, I started adding the actual effects that I wanted to use in my project. I want the firing sequence to do 3 things:
1) Pulse a cluster of super bright red LEDs with a forward blast of light.
2) Shoot out a blast of red laser light that with project a nice red spot all the way across a well-lit room.
3) Make a nice laser gun sound that is synchronized with the lights.
I bought a little laser diode assembly on ebay that came with a focusable collimating lens, which allows you to spread the usual pinpoint laser dot out into a bigger red blob.
For the sound effect, I bought a Radio Shack recordable sound module. To get the sound onto the module, I cut of the microphone and clipped the leads to an RCA-to-mini stereo cable and plugged that into the headphone jack of my computer. By pushing the record button on the module and the play button on the computer at the same time I was able to load up a laser sound that I found somewhere on the web.

Adding Transistors

When I added the laser to the circuit, things stared going haywire. I guessed that the laser, LED, and sound board circuits would need to be isolated from each other, so I used the signal from the 555 to trigger an NPN transistor to switch on the LEDs. Then I ran a jumper from the emitter of the LED transistor to trigger the another transistor to turn on the laser.
Things were better but still erratic, so I added diodes to the transistor base connections, which fixed the problems. I removed the play button from the sound module and soldered on some wires in its place. I used a third transistor to trigger the sound board. I also had to add diodes to the sound board power leads, or it would cause the laser to put out only a faint glow. It’s all very mysterious.

Building The Circuit

555
Once I had all the bugs worked out, I dismantled the breadboard version and rebuilt the circuit on a piece of perforated circuit board. Even though I used the exact same components that I had used in the breadboard setup, it didn’t work quite right when I built it on the circuit board. I had to change the timing resistor to get the correct timer pulse, and use a different current limiting resistor to make the laser come on. Lots of trial and error, but I have a great sense of accomplishment for getting further than I have in my previous attempts at homebrew electronics.
555 timer

Timer with buzzer and optocoupler by IC 4060

This small Timer circuit by sam(good electronic man).
sam say “A small circuit that can find a lot applications of measurement time. She has the possibility us inform with sound signal from the BZ1. At the same time, exist the possibility drive a external circuit via the optocoupler IC2, after we connect the applicable circuit in contacts [ A ] and [ B ]. The circuit is based on IC1 (4060), which include in his inside, oscillator and a binary divider of 14 stage. The frequency operation of oscillator is determined by a circuit R-C that connected in pins 9,10,11 of IC1. We give supply in the circuit, with switch S1,…”
Timer with buzzer and optocoupler by IC 4060
Read more : http://users.otenet.gr/~athsam/timer_with_buzzer_and_optocupler.htm

IC 555 SEBAGAI TIMER ASTABIL

555 Timer as an Astable Multivibrator

An astable multivibrator, often called a free-running multivibrator, is a rectan­gular-wave generating cir­cuit. Unlike the monostable multivibrator, this circuit does not require any ex­ternal trigger to change the state of the output, hence the name free-running. Before going to make the circuit, make sure your 555 IC is working. For that go through the article: How to test a 555 IC for working An astable multivibrator can be produced by adding resistors and a capacitor to the basic timer IC, as illustrated in figure. The timing during which the output is either high or low is determined by the externally connected two resistors and a capacitor. The details of the astable multivibrator circuit are given below.

555-Astable-Multivibrator
555-Astable-Multivibrator
Take a look @ 555 Ic Pin configuration and 555 block diagram before reading further.
Pin 1 is grounded; pins 4 and 8 are shorted and then tied to supply +Vcc, output (VOUT is taken form pin 3; pin 2 and 6 are shorted and the connected to ground through capacitor C, pin 7 is connected to supply + VCC through a resistor RA; and between pin 6 and 7 a resistor RB is connected. At pin 5 either a bypass capacitor of 0.01  F is connected or modulation input is applied.

Astable Multivibrator Operation

For explaining the operation of the timer 555 as an astable multivibrator, necessary internal circuitry with external connections are shown in figure.

Astable-Multivibrator-Operation
Astable-Multivibrator-Operation
In figure, when Q is low or output VOUT is high, the discharging transistor is cut-­off and the capacitor C begins charging toward VCC through resistances RA and RB. Because of this, the charging time constant is (RA + RB) C. Eventually, the threshold voltage exceeds +2/3 VCC, the comparator 1 has a high output and triggers the flip-flop so that its Q is high and the timer output is low. With Q high, the discharge transistor saturates and pin 7 grounds so that the capacitor C discharges through resistance RB with a discharging time constant RB C. With the discharging of capacitor, trigger voltage at inverting input of comparator 2 decreases. When it drops below 1/3VCC, the output of comparator 2 goes high and this reset the flip-flop so that Q is low and the timer output is high. This proves the auto-transition in output from low to high and then to low as, illustrated in fig ures. Thus the cycle repeats.

Astable Multivibrator using 555 IC -Design method

The time during which the capacitor C charges from 1/3 VCC to 2/3 VCC is equal to the time the output is high and is given as tc or THIGH = 0.693 (RA + RB) C, which is proved below.
Voltage across the capacitor at any instant during charging period is given as,vc=VCC(1-et/RC)
The time taken by the capacitor to charge from 0 to +1/3 VCC
1/3 VCC = VCC (1-et/RC)
The time taken by the capacitor to charge from 0 to +2/3 VCC
or t2 = RC loge 3 = 1.0986 RC
So the time taken by the capacitor to charge from +1/3 VCC to +2/3 VCC
tc = (t2 – t1) =  (10986 – 0.405) RC = 0.693 RC
Substituting R = (RA + RB) in above equation we have
THIGH = tc = 0.693 (RA + RB) C
where RA and RB are in ohms and C is in farads.
The time during which the capacitor discharges from +2/3 VCC to +1/3 VCC is equal to
the time the output is low and is given as
td or  TL0W = 0.693 RB C where RB is in ohms and C is in farads The above equation is worked out as follows: Voltage across the capacitor at any instant during discharging period is given as
vc = 2/3 VCC e- td/ RBC
Substituting vc = 1/3 VCC and t = td in above equation we have
+1/3 VCC = +2/3 VCC e- td/ RBC
Or  td = 0.693 RBC
Overall period of oscillations, T = THIGH + TLOW = 0.693 (RA+ 2RB) C , The frequency of oscillations being the reciprocal of the overall period  of oscillations T is given as
f = 1/T = 1.44/ (RA+ 2RB)C
Equation indicates that the frequency of oscillation / is independent of the collector supply voltage +VCC.
Often the term duty cycle is used in conjunction with the astable multivibrator.
The duty cycle, the ratio of the time tc during which the output is high to the total time period T is given as
% duty cycle, D = tc / T * 100 = (RA + RB) / (RA + 2RB) * 100
From the above equation it is obvious that square wave (50 % duty cycle) output can not be obtained unless RA is made zero. However, there is a danger in shorting resistance RA to zero. With RA = 0 ohm, terminal 7 is directly connected to + VCC. During the discharging of capacitor through RB and transistor, an extra current will be supplied to the transistor from VCC through a short between pin 7 and +VCC. It may damage the transistor and hence the timer.
However, a symmetrical square wave can be obtained if a diode is connected across resistor RB, as illustrated in dotted lines in figure. The capacitor C charges through RA and diode D to approximately + 2/3VCC and discharges through resistor RB and terminal 7 (transistor) until the capacitor voltage drops to 1/3 VCC. Then the cycle is repeated. To obtain a square wave output, RA must be a combination of a fixed resistor R and a pot, so that the pot can be adjusted to give the exact square wave.
Although the timer 555 has been used in a wide variety of often unique applications it is very hard on its power supply lines, requiring quite a bit of current, and injecting many noise transients. This noise will often be coupled into adjacent ICs falsely triggering them. The 7555 is a CMOS version of the 555. Its quiescent current requirements are considerably lower than that of 555, and the 7555 does not contaminate the power supply lines. It is pin compatible with the 555. So this CMOS version of the 555 should be the first choice when a 555 timer IC is to be used.

Read more: http://www.circuitstoday.com/555-timer-as-an-astable-multivibrator#ixzz0pmSn5C7H
Under Creative Commons License: Attribution

Timer IC 555 SEBAGAI Monostable Multivibrator

555 Timer as Monostable Multivibrator

A monostable multivibrator (MMV) often called a one-shot multivibrator, is a pulse generator circuit in which the duration of the pulse is determined by the R-C network,connected externally to the 555 timer. In such a vibrator, one state of output is stable while the other is quasi-stable (unstable). For auto-triggering of output from quasi-stable state to stable state energy is stored by an externally connected capaci­tor C to a reference level. The time taken in storage determines the pulse width. The transition of output from stable state to quasi-stable state is accom­plished by external triggering. The schematic of a 555 timer in monostable mode of operation is shown in figure.
555-timer-monostable-multivibrator
555-timer-monostable-multivibrator

Monostable Multivibrator Circuit details

Pin 1 is grounded. Trigger input is applied to pin 2. In quiescent condition of output this input is kept at + VCC. To obtain transition of output from stable state to quasi-stable state, a negative-going pulse of narrow width (a width smaller than expected pulse width of output waveform)  and  amplitude of greater than + 2/3 VCC is applied to pin 2. Output is taken from pin 3. Pin 4 is usually connected to + VCC to avoid accidental reset. Pin 5 is grounded through a 0.01 u F capacitor to avoid noise problem. Pin 6 (threshold) is shorted to pin 7. A resistor RA is connected between pins 6 and 8. At pins 7 a discharge capacitor is connected while pin 8 is connected to supply VCC.

555 IC Monostable Multivibrator Operation.



555 monostable-multivibrator-operation
555 monostable-multivibrator-operation

For explain­ing the operation of timer 555 as a monostable multivibrator, necessary in­ternal circuitry with external connections are shown in figure.

The operation of the circuit is ex­plained below:

Initially, when the output at pin 3 is low i.e. the circuit is in a stable state, the transistor is on and capacitor- C is shorted to ground. When a negative pulse is applied to pin 2, the trigger input falls below +1/3 VCC, the output of comparator goes high which resets the flip-flop and consequently the transistor turns off and the output at pin 3 goes high. This is the transition of the output from stable to quasi-stable state, as shown in figure. As the discharge transistor is cut­off, the capacitor C begins charging toward +VCC through resistance RA with a time constant equal to RAC. When the increasing capacitor voltage becomes slightly greater than +2/3 VCC, the output of comparator 1 goes high, which sets the flip-flop. The transistor goes to saturation, thereby discharging the capacitor C and the output of the timer goes low, as illustrated in figure.
Thus the output returns back to stable state from quasi-stable state.
The output of the Monostable Multivibrator remains low until a trigger pulse is again applied. Then the cycle repeats. Trigger input, output voltage and capacitor voltage waveforms are shown in figure.

Monostable Multivibrator Design Using 555 timer IC

The capacitor C has to charge through resistance RA. The larger the time constant RAC, the longer it takes for the capacitor voltage to reach +2/3VCC.
In other words, the RC time constant controls the width of the output pulse. The time during which the timer output remains high is given as
tp = 1.0986 RAC
where RA is in ohms and C is in farads. The above relation is derived as below. Voltage across the capacitor at any instant during charging period is given as
vc = VCC (1- e-t/RAC)
Substituting vc = 2/3 VCC in above equation we get the time taken by the capacitor to charge from 0 to +2/3VCC.
So +2/3VCC. = VCC. (1 – e-t/RAC)   or   t – RAC loge 3 = 1.0986 RAC
So pulse width, tP = 1.0986 RAC s 1.1 RAC
The pulse width of the circuit may range from micro-seconds to many seconds. This circuit is widely used in industry for many different timing applications.

TIMER 10 MENIT

When ever you need to get an alarm or intimation after ten minutes ,the circuit shown below can be used.The circuit is nothing but  a monostable multivibrator based on IC NE 555.When ever you press the reset push button the green LED D1 glows after 10 minutes.
Circuit diagram with Parts list.
10-minute_-timer-circuit.JPG


Notes.
  • Assemble the circuit on a good quality PCB or common board.
  • The time duration can be set by varying the POT R5.
  • The switch S1 can be a push button switch.
  • The IC1 must be mounted on an IC base

TIMER PILIH

Selective timer alarm.

Description.
A timer circuit using IC 4060 is given here. The IC 4060 is a 14 stage binary counter with a built-in oscillator.R2, R7, C1 are the components that determine the frequency of the oscillator and the outputs will become high one after other and only one at a time. The last five outputs are only used here. The high pulses from the outputs are used to trigger the NE555 IC. Here NE555 is wired as a monostable multivibrator. The buzzer will produce the alarm when the output of IC2 goes high. The duration of the alarm depends on the components C3 and R5.The duration can be adjusted by varying the value of C3.The alarm will automatically turn OFF after the predetermined time. The trigger pin of IC2 will be normally positive. When the Q1 is forward biased by the positive pulse at its base from IC1, the capacitor C2 becomes charged and reduces the voltage at trigger pin of IC2.This triggers the IC.When the capacitor is fully charged the pin 2 becomes again positive.
The maximum duration from timer IC 4060 will be at pin 3. The times decrease by half in the pins 2, 3, 15, and 13 respectively. The timer duration can be varied by varying the capacitor C1.
Circuit diagram with Parts list.
selective-timer-alarm-circuit
Notes.
  • Use 6V DC for powering the circuit.
  • Assemble the circuit on a good quality PCB.
  • Mount the ICs on holders.
  • The switch S2 can be a single pole five throw rotary switch.
  • The switch S1 can be a push button switch.
  • S1 is used to reset the timer.
  • S2 is used to select the alarm time.
  • R7 can be used for the fine adjustment of alarm time.

Timer Circuits With 4060B

Build a reliable timer to switch devices on and off - from 30 seconds to 24 hours

electronics | electric circuit

There are many applications for which a timer is very useful to turn a device on or off automatically after a preset interval - for example, switching off an irrigation system after 30 minutes of use, turning off a battery charger to prevent overcharging, etc.

Timing short intervals of milliseconds to minutes can easily be achieved using a NE555 timer chip. Unfortunately, this device is not suitable for timing longer intervals, and so a suitable alternative is required.

Binary Counting with the 4060B


4060B CMOS IC

The 4060B (pictured above) is a CMOS binary counter. Using a resistor and a capacitor, the counting speed can be set by the user very easily. The pins of the 4060B integrated circuit output the running count in binary as shown below:

0 = 0000000000
1 = 0000000001
2 = 0000000010
3 = 0000000011
4 = 0000000100
5 = 0000000101
6 = 0000000110
7 = 0000000111
8 = 0000001000

Each of the binary 1's and 0's is called a bit (much as the numbers 0,1,2...8,9 are called digits in the decimal number system). The furthest right bit represents 1, the next to the left represents 2, the next represents 4, the next 8, the next 16 and so on doubling every time you move one position to the left. Therefore 000010000 is binary for 16, and 000100000 is binary for 32.

To keep things simple, let's assume the count is increased by one every second. The rightmost bit (the 1's bit) will be off for one second, on for one second, off for one second and so on...

0000000001, 0000000010, 0000000011

The fifth bit from the right (the 16's bit) is therefore off for 16 seconds (when the count is 0-15), then on for 16 seconds (when the count is 16-31), then off for 16 seconds (when the count is 32-47), and so on.

With this knowledge, we can make a very accurate timer utilising our 4060B binary counter chip. Let's say we want a 16 second timer: we start the 4060B counter from 0, and wait until the 16's bit goes from 0 to 1. At that exact time we know that 16 seconds have elapsed. Similarly if we start the counter again, and wait until the 32's bit goes from 0 to 1, we know that 32 seconds have elapsed.

A timer which can only time, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, and so on seconds would not be very useful, but since we can adjust the speed of the count, any time interval from seconds to 24+ hours can be accurately timed.

4060B Timer

A schematic of the 4060B chip is provided below:

schematic of the 4060B integrated circuit

The pins labelled in red Q4-Q14 are the binary outputs: Q4 for the 16's, Q5 for the 32's, Q6 for the 64's and so on up to Q13 for the 8192's, and Q14 for the 16384's.

Just three external components are required to control the 4060B counter - two resistors and one capactor. The frequency of the internal oscillator (i.e. the speed of the count) is set according to the equation given at the bottom of the schematic below:

The external components required to set the counting speed of the 4060B

Since Q14 represents the 16,384's and Q4 represents the 16's - we know it will take 1,024 times longer (16,384 / 16) for Q14 to flip from 0 to 1 than it takes Q4. So, for an example 2-hour timer (=7,200 seconds), we just need to fine-tune the circuit so that Q4 turns on after 7,200 / 1,024 seconds = 7.03 seconds, knowing that if that is done correctly, after exactly 2 hours Q14 will flip from 0 to 1.

Putting Together the Timer Circuit

24 hour timer circuit with the 4060B CMOS IC

The circuit shown above (from Ron J's Circuit Page) is a timer which energises a relay after a preset time has elapsed. It can be set to time an interval from 30 seconds to 24 hours.

The orange arrow labelled Range should be connected to a pin on the 4060B chip selected from the RANGE table. If for example, you require a timer to time 3 hours, connect it to pin number 1 on the chip since that pin corresponds to the time range 2hrs to 4hrs.

3 hours is 10,800 seconds, and we are using the output from pin 1 to trigger the relay. Looking at the SETUP table entry for pin 1 we see that we divide our target time (10,800 seconds) by 256 to obtain the on/off time for the yellow LED at pin 7 = 42.28 seconds. Therefore, if we adjust the potentiometer R4 so that the yellow LED turns on after approximately 42 seconds, we'll know that the relay will be energised after approximately 3 hours.

Timer Circuit

The diode D1 makes this a one-shot timer. This means that after the programmed time delay of 3 hours, the relay will stay on until the circuit is reset. If the diode is omitted from the circuit then you get a repeating timer with the relay off for 3 hours, on for 3 hours, off for 3 hours, and so on until the circuit it reset.

NEW For a repeat timer with different ON/OFF durations - for example, 1 hour OFF, 1 minute ON, 1 hour OFF, 1 minute ON etc - click here to read our new article Repeat Timer Circuit.

Buy a Timer Circuit

This is one of the most complicated circuits discussed on the REUK.co.uk website. Therefore, if you need a timer circuit for a particular application, email neil@reuk.co.uk with details of your exact requirements and we'll happily put together a bespoke solution.
NEW Have a look at the new REUK Super Timer - our all new repeating relay timer circuit which can be programmed with ON and OFF durations from 1 second to 99 hours.

REUK SUPER TIMER

User programmable 12V powered 10A rated repeating relay timer. 1 second to 99 hours ON and OFF times

Buy of REUK SUPER TIMER.
(1-5: £19.99 each, 5+: £18.99 each)

REUK SUPER TIMER. User programmable 12V powered 10A rated repeating relay timer. 1 second to 99 hours ON and OFF times

Additional Information

Every day we receive requests for 12VDC powered repeating timers with various ON and OFF durations designed to control a huge array of different items including irrigation systems, aquarium pumps, battery chargers, testing systems, heating and cooling systems, feeders, and much more. The new REUK Super Timer has been designed to meet these and other requirements while enabling the user to set their own ON and OFF durations for maximum flexibility. The REUK Super Timer is hand made and rigorously tested before despatch.

The REUK Super Timer can be programmed with ON and OFF durations of 1-99 seconds, 1-99 minutes, or 1-99 hours. The ON and OFF durations do not have to have the same units or the same values - e.g. it is possible to have a timer which is on for say 3 seconds and then off for 7 hours etc.

Therefore, for most repeat relay timer applications the REUK Super Timer will be suitable - however, if you require a timer which can be programmed with an ON duration of say exactly two and a half minutes, this is not the product for you (since you could set the ON time to be 2 minutes or 3 minutes, but not 2 1/2 minutes).
If the REUK Super Timer is not suitable for your needs, please contact neil@reuk.co.uk with details of your exact requirements and we can put together a special order for you for around the same price.

Connection diagram for the REUK Super Timer

Powering the Timer

The REUK Super Timer is designed to be powered by 12VDC from either a battery (solar charged or otherwise) or a 12VDC mains transformer. It is possible to power the timer safely with an input voltage of 10-16VDC. Below 10VDC the relay switch will not close and so the timer will not do anything; above 16VDC the relay and other components on the circuit board could be permanently damaged.
During OFF cycles the timer draws no more than around 5mA, and during ON cycles it draws around 50mA (= 0.6 Watts @ 12VDC).

Switching Devices with the Relay

The relay fitted to this circuit is rated at 10 Amps (10A @ <250VAC or 10A @ <30VDC), however we only recommend it be used to switch low voltages of <30VDC or <30VAC. If you intend to switch a higher voltage e.g. mains electricity, then we accept your purchase of this item only on the condition that a qualified electrician makes the necessary connections and checks over the circuit and any enclosure you put it into to confirm that everything is correctly earthed and insulated, and that it meets all current safety regulations.

Although the rating of the relay is 10 Amps, if you intend to switch an inductive load (anything which generates a magnetic field - e.g. a motor, pump, solenoid, relay etc), the relay should not be used if the device is rated at more than around 4-5 Amps since at start up a surge current in excess of the 10A rating could damage the relay and circuit board.

REUK Super Timer used to switch a secondary relay

If you have a device to switch which requires a larger relay, either contact neil@reuk.co.uk and request the MOSFET version of this circuit to which you can connect a suitably rated automotive relay, or simply use the on board relay to switch a suitably rated secondary relay (as illustrated above).

Programming the Timer

For the first 10 seconds after the circuit is connected to the power the yellow LED will be lit. During this time it is possible to re-programme the ON and OFF durations of the relay. Press the button once and the yellow LED will turn off. This confirms that you have entered programming mode.

For the ON and OFF durations you must enter first the timing units (hours, minutes, or seconds), and the two digit number of those units - e.g. 03 or 47 (from the range 01 to 99).

Programming entails entering six numbers in the following order:
1) ON duration time units: 0 = hours, 1 = minutes, 2 = seconds
2) ON tens: e.g for a 43 second ON time, this value would be 4 (since 4 x 10 = 40). For a 1-9 second duration this value is 0 - e.g. 01, 02, 03,...09
3) ON ones: e.g. for a 43 second ON time, this value would be 3
4) OFF duration time units: -as above-
5) OFF tens: -as above-
6) OFF ones: -as above-

To enter each value in turn, the technique is described below:
The red LED will light up for 2 seconds. If you want to enter a '0' then press the button while the red LED is on. When the red LED turns off, the green LED will start flashing - on for 1.5 seconds, then off for 0.5 seconds. If you want to enter a '1' then press the button while the green LED is lit for the first time. To enter a '2', wait until the green LED turns on for the second time and press the button. To enter a '3' press the button the third time the green LED lights up...and so on.

When you press the button the green LED (or red LED if you are entering a '0') will immediately turn off, and the yellow LED will light up and stay on for one second. This gives you visual confirmation that your input has been accepted and tells you to get ready to enter the next value. When the yellow LED turns off and the red LED lights up again repeat as above to enter the next value.

If you make a mistake while programming, just disconnect the circuit briefly from the power and start again. It is much easier to programme the timer if you prepare yourself beforehand by working out and writing down the six values in order so that you are ready to enter them.
For example, if you want a timer which will be ON for 7 seconds and then OFF for 23 minutes, the ON timer units are seconds ('2'), and the OFF timer units are minutes ('1'). Therefore you would need to enter the following sequence of values:
'2' (seconds - second green LED), '0' (no tens- red LED), '7' (7 ones - seventh green LED), '1' (minutes - first green LED), '2' (2 tens - second green LED), '3' (3 ones - third green LED). So, you would write down
2 red 7 1 2 3
before you programme the timer - note that 'red' is written rather than '0' so you remember to press the button when the red LED is on.
If you enter a number greater than 9 for the tens or ones, '9' will be saved. If you enter a number greater than 2 for the time units, '2' will be saved - i.e. your timer will be programmed in seconds.

When you have programmed all six values, the timer will immediately start with the ON cycle closing the relay with the green LED on. When the OFF cycle starts, the green LED will be off. As long as the timer remains connected to the power, it will continue to repeat the ON and OFF cycles with the programmed settings.

The programmed ON and OFF durations are stored in non volatile memory, and so will be retained even when you disconnect the circuit from the power. Therefore, you only need to go through the programming steps if you want to change the ON and/or OFF duration for some reason.

Timer Accuracy

The accuracy of the timer is better than around 1%, i.e. over the course of an hour the timer may gain or lose 30 or so seconds (usually far less). Therefore the timer is not suitable for use where exact timings are required - e.g. if you want something to be turned on at exactly the same time every day (since the times will drift over days and weeks).

Related REUK.co.uk Articles

Make a repeat timer circuit with large intervals between ON times
Build a reliable timer to switch devices on and off - from 30 seconds to 24 hours