TIMER WITH RELAY

This kit operates a relay for a specific time. The circuit can be triggereg by a high going pule
or a low going pulse. As soon as it is triggered the LED illuminates and the relay energises,
they remain in this state for a set time then turn off. The time is set by the trimpot and in the
configuration shown the range is from approximatly 1.1s to 12.1s.

Other time ranges can be configured and please Contact CdS electronics if you would like to
customise this kit.

This kit uses the 555 timer in a one shot (monostable) mode. View the Datasheet for the 555

When the button is not depressed, the 555's trigger is held high (12V) by the 10K
resistor. When the button is pressed, the trigger goes low (0V) setting the timed circuit into
action. The 555's output (pin 3) goes high, illuminating the LED and energising the
relay. The 555's discharge (pin7) and threshold (pin6) now allow the 100uF capacitor to
begin charging via the 10K resistor and 100K trimpot. When the voltage at pins 6&7 reach
8V (two thirds of 12V) the 555 sends it's output low, the LED and relay go off. The 100uF
capacitor is discharged via pins 6&7 and the system is ready for the next trigger.

Note the diode across the relay, this is a good example of physics in reverse. When we
energise the coil of the relay the current is turned into a magnetic field and changes the state
of the relay. When we turn the relay off,the collapse of the magnetic field is turned back into
electrical current by the coil in the relay. This current is in the reverse direction as the
magnetic field is collapsing. This reverse current can damage the 555 and is bled off by the
diode.

Trouble shooting

Troubleshooting, if necessary will involve careful checking of locations and polarity of

components, in particular the diodes, the 555 and 100uF capacitor. Re-solder all joints and
check to make sure you have not bridged across between any two adjacent component
legs. The end of a broken hacksaw blade sharpened on an emery wheel is a good tool
for cleaning between soldered joints.