Nathan Abourbih
- Mar 31, 2015
- 1
- Joined
- Mar 31, 2015
- Messages
- 1
Hi,
I have not worked with electronics in a while and am having a hard time working out what terms to use when searching Google. I am hoping that if I can describe what I am trying to do, someone might be able to point me in the right direction to get me started.
I would like to build a timer circuit that:
- Is as simple as possible.
- Consumes as little power as possible when the timer is not active.
- Is powered by two AA batteries.
- Has a single reed switch that is used to activate the timer.
- Provides voltage to an existing unrelated circuit for a period of about 30 seconds (does not need to be exact).
Function:
When the reed switch changes state (open to closed or closed to open), the timer will be activated and power will be provided.
Examples:
1) Reed switch goes from open to closed. The timer is activated and power is provided for about 30 seconds.
2) Reed switch goes from closed to open. The timer is activated and power is provided for about 30 seconds.
3) The timer is already active and the reed switch state changes (open to closed or closed to open). The timer is reset to 30 seconds (preferred) or the timer completes its existing 30 seconds.
When thinking about this, my mind goes to logic gates and 555s, but those memories are from years back when I was in high school and I am sure there might be something better that uses less power these days. I would prefer to use basic components for this task instead of using a programmable microprocessor (I assuming basic components would consume less power than a programmable microprocessor).
The goal is to power this circuit with two AA batteries for as many months / years as possible (obviously this depends on how often the timer is activated). When the timer is not active, the power consumption should be as low as possible.
If anyone has any ideas or can help point me in the right direction I would be very happy for the help.
I have not worked with electronics in a while and am having a hard time working out what terms to use when searching Google. I am hoping that if I can describe what I am trying to do, someone might be able to point me in the right direction to get me started.
I would like to build a timer circuit that:
- Is as simple as possible.
- Consumes as little power as possible when the timer is not active.
- Is powered by two AA batteries.
- Has a single reed switch that is used to activate the timer.
- Provides voltage to an existing unrelated circuit for a period of about 30 seconds (does not need to be exact).
Function:
When the reed switch changes state (open to closed or closed to open), the timer will be activated and power will be provided.
Examples:
1) Reed switch goes from open to closed. The timer is activated and power is provided for about 30 seconds.
2) Reed switch goes from closed to open. The timer is activated and power is provided for about 30 seconds.
3) The timer is already active and the reed switch state changes (open to closed or closed to open). The timer is reset to 30 seconds (preferred) or the timer completes its existing 30 seconds.
When thinking about this, my mind goes to logic gates and 555s, but those memories are from years back when I was in high school and I am sure there might be something better that uses less power these days. I would prefer to use basic components for this task instead of using a programmable microprocessor (I assuming basic components would consume less power than a programmable microprocessor).
The goal is to power this circuit with two AA batteries for as many months / years as possible (obviously this depends on how often the timer is activated). When the timer is not active, the power consumption should be as low as possible.
If anyone has any ideas or can help point me in the right direction I would be very happy for the help.