Need to set frequency of 555 circuit

Hi,

I have a simple 555 timer circuit with a 500k pot which controls a flickering light. I need to set the light for certain KHz. Is there an easy way to read the frequency of the output? Or is there an easy way to set it up? Can I add some circuit to show frequency?

Thank you.

 

Is there an easy way to read the frequency of the output?

using an oscilloscope would be easy, but expensive if you don't
already have one!

Even if you do set it up accurately, the timing will drift thanks to
the RC network in the 555 circuit.

How accurate do you want it to be? How much effort and money are you
prepared to use to do this?

 

flickering light. I need to set the light for certain KHz. Is there an easy
way to read the frequency of the output? Or is there an easy way to set it
up? Can I add some circuit to show frequency?

You can buy multimeters that have a limited frequency display facility. I
have one from sears that was about $25 USD, that is supposed to do up to
10MHz, but really does about 100kHz, and also loads down the circuit.
However, that should be fine for you, since with a 500k pot, your flickering
is going to be pretty slow (I'm assuming you are using it to vary the
relationship between R1 and R2)

You can build a system that displays frequency, but its not going to be
cheap or easy. You may be able to buy a self-contained unit that displays
frequency through an LED or LCD display; you would have to search around for
something like that.

Regards,
Bob Monsen

 

just add a LED and a 330 ohm resistor.. this should come out of pin 3 on
the 555 (the output).. that will show freq.. but if u need to display
the freq in KHz then that wont work.. i suggest a oscilloscope or a
frequency counter..



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