In this post I have explained the making of simple delay timers using very ordinary components like transistors, capacitors and diodes. All these circuits will produce delay ON or delay OFF time intervals at the output for a predetermined period, from a few seconds to many minutes. All the designs are fully adjustable.
Importance of Delay Timers
In many electronic circuit applications a delay of a few seconds or minutes becomes a crucial requirement for ensuring correct operation of the circuit. Without the specified delay the circuit could malfunction or even get damaged.
Let's analyze the various configurations in details.
You may also want to read about IC 555 based delay timers. Recommended for you!
Using a Single Transistor and Push Button
The first circuit diagram shows how a transistors and a few other passive components may be connected for acquiring the intended delay timing outputs.
The transistor has been provided with the usual base resistor for the current limiting functions.
A LED which is used here just indication purposes behaves like the collector load of the circuit.
A capacitor, which is the crucial part of the circuit gets the specific position in the circuit, we can see that it's been placed at the other end of the base resistor and not directly to the base of the transistor.
A push button is used to initiate the circuit.
On depressing the button momentarily, a positive voltage from the supply line enters the base resistor and switches ON the transistor and subsequently the LED.
However in the course of the above action, the capacitor also gets charged fully.
On releasing the push button, though the power to the base gets disconnected, the transistor continues to conduct with the aid of the stored energy in the capacitor which now starts discharging its stored charge via the transistor.
The LED also stays switched ON until the capacitor gets fully discharged.
Te value of the capacitor determines the time delay or for how long the transistor stays in the conducting mode.
Along with the capacitor, the value of the base resistor also plays an important role in determining the timing for which the transistor remains switched ON after the push button is released.
However the circuit using just one transistor will be able to produce time delays which may range only for a few seconds.
By adding one more transistor stage (next figure) the above time delay range can be increased significantly.
The addition of another transistor stage increases the sensitivity of the circuit, which enables the use of larger values of the timing resistor thereby enhancing the time delay range of the circuit.
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PCB Design
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Video Demonstration
Using a Triac:
The following image shows how the above delay timer circuit may be integrated with a triac and used for toggling a mains AC operated load
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The above could be further modified with a self contained power transformerless power supply as shown below:
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Without a Push-Button
If the above design is intended to be used without a push button, the same may be implemented as indicated in the following diagram:
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The above delay OFF effect without a push button can be further improved by using two NPN transistor, and by using the capacitor across base/ground of the left NPN
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The following circuit shows how the associated push button may be rendered inactive as soon as it's pressed and while the delay timer is in the activated state.
During this time any further pressing of the push button has no impact on the timer as long as the output is active or until the timer has finished its delay operation.
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Delay from an External Trigger
Problem asked by Mr. Glen (one of the dedicated readers of this blog):
I have a situation where I have a pulse of 12V that lasts about 4 seconds (from a rotary switch being turned by a slow motor) but I only want about half a second pulse (to trigger a mechanical bell/chime).
Is there any way to take a long pulse into a circuit and send a much shorter pulse out?
The solution to the above problem is provided in the following schematic:
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Two Step Sequential Timer
The above circuit can be modified to produce a two step sequential delay generator. This circuit was requested by one of the avid readers of this blog, Mr.Marco.
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A simple delay OFF alarm circuit is shown in the following diagram.
The circuit was requested by Dmats.
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The following circuit was requested by Fastshack3
Delay Timer with Relay
"I am looking to build a circuit that would control an output relay. This would be done in 12V and the sequence will be initiated by a manual switch.
I will need an adjustable time delay (possibly displayed time) after the switch is released, then the output would go on for an adjustable time (also possibly displayed) before shutting off.
The sequence would not restart until the button was pressed and released again.
The time after the button release would be from 250 milliseconds to 5 seconds. The "on" time for the output to turn on the relay would be from 500 milliseconds to 30 seconds. Let me know if you can offer any insight. Thanks!"
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So far we have learned how to make simple delay OFF timers now let us see how we can build a simple delay ON timer circuit which allows the connected load at the output to be switched ON with some predetermined delay after power switch ON.
The explained circuit can be used for all applications which calls for an initial delay ON feature for the connected load after the mains power is switched ON.
Delay ON Timer Circuit Working Details
The shown diagram is pretty straightforward yet provides the necessary actions very impressively, moreover the delay period is variable making the set up extremely useful for the proposed applications.
The functioning can be understood with the following points:
Assuming the load which requires the delay ON action being connected across the relay contacts, when power is switched ON, the 12V DC passes via R2 but is unable to reach the base of T1 because initially, C2 acts as a short across ground.
The voltage thus passes through R2, gets dropped to relevant limits and starts charging C2.
Once C2 charges up to a level which develops a potential of 0.3 to 0.6V (+ zener voltage) at the base of T1, T1 is instantly switched ON, toggling T2, and the relay subsequently....finally the load gets switched ON too.
The above process induces the required delay for switching ON the load.
The delay period may be set by appropriately selecting the values of R2 and C2.
R1 ensures that C2 quickly discharges through it so that the circuit attains the stand by position as soon as possible.
D3 blocks the charge from reaching the base of T1.
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Parts List
R1 = 100K (Resistor for Discharging C2 when circuit is switched OFF))
R2 = 330K (Timing Resistor)
R3= 10K
R4 = 10K
D1 = 3V zener diode (Optional, could be replaced with a wire link)
D2 = 1N4007
D3 = 1N4148
T1 = BC547
T2 = BC557
C2 = 33uF/25V (Timing Capacitor)
Relay = SPDT, 12V/400 Ohms
PCB Design
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Application Note
I have explained how the above delay ON timer circuit becomes applicable for solving the following presented issue by one of the keen followers of this blog, Mr. Nishant.
Circuit Problem:
Hello Sir,
I have a 1KVA automatic voltage stabilizer.It has one defect that when it is switched on, very high voltage is outputted for about 1.5s (therefore cfls and bulb got fused frequently) after that the voltage becomes OK.
I have opened the stabilizer it consist of an auto-transformer,4 24V relay each relay connected to a separate circuit(each consisting of
10K preset,BC547,zener diode,BDX53BFP npn darlington pair transistor IC,220uF/63v capacitor,100uF/40V capacitor ,4 diodes and some resistors).
These circuits are powered by a step down transformer and output of these circuit are taken across corresponding 100uF/40V capacitor and fed to corresponding relay.What to do in order to tackle the problem.please help me.Hand drawn circuit diagram is attached.
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Solving the Circuit Problem
The problem in the above circuit might be due to two reasons: one of the relays is switching ON momentarily connecting the wrong contacts with the output, or one of the responsible relays is settling down with the correct voltages a little while after power switch ON.
Since there are more than one relay, tracing out the fault and correcting it can be a bit tedious......the circuit of a delay ON timer explained in the above article could be actually very effective for the discussed purpose.
The connections are rather simple.
Using a 7812 IC, the delay timer can be powered from the existing 24V supply of the stabilizer.
Next, the delay relay N/O contacts may be wired in series with the stabilizer output socket wiring.
The above wiring would instantly take care of the issues as now the output would switch after some time during power witch ONs, allowing enough time for the internal relays to settle down with the correct voltages across their output contacts.
Feedback from Mr. Bill
Hi Swagatam,
I stumbled across your page doing research on the web to make my delay more consistent.Some back ground information first.
I am a bracket drag racer and launch the car on first sight of the 3rd amber bulb as the christmas tree is coming down.
I use a transbrake switch that is depressed to lock the automatic transmission in forward and reverse at the same time.
This allows you to rev up the engine to build power for launch. When the button is released the transmission comes out of reverse and moves the car forward under high rpm.
This is like popping the clutch on a manual transmission car, anyway my car reacts to quickly and the result is a redlight, leaving to early, and you lose the race.
In dragracing your reaction time on the launch is everything and it is a game of hundreths-thousanths with the big boys, so I have put the transbrake switch on a relay and put a 1100uf cap combo across the relay to delay its release.
Because of the car electronics I don't believe there is a precise voltage charging this cap every time I activate this circuit and precision is key so I bought a power stabilizer off of Ebay that takes 8-15 volts in and gives a consistent 12volts out.
This turned my season around but i believe this circuit could be made to be more precise and to vary the delay time in an easier way rather than swap cap combos.
Also should I run a diode in front of the relay, not currently because all that is there is the on off switch- where will the current go? I am not an electrical engineer by any means but do have some knowledge from trouble shooting high end audio for many years.
Would love your thoughts- thankyou
Bill Korecky
Analyzing and Solving the Circuit
Hi Bill,
I have attached the schematic of an adjustable delay circuit, please check it out. You can use it for the mentioned purpose.
The 100K preset can used and adjusted for acquiring precise short delay periods as per your specifications.
However, please note that, the supply voltage will need to be minimum 11V, for the 12V relay to operate correctly, if this is not fulfilled then the circuit might malfunction.
Regards.
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Simple 5 to 20 Minute Delay Timer
The following section discusses a simple 5 to 20 minute delay timer circuit for a specific industrial application.
The idea was requested by Mr. Jonathan.
Technical Requirements
While trying to figure out a solution to my problem on google, I came across your above posting.
I'm trying to figure out how to build a better Sous Vide controller. The main problem is that my water bath has a very high hysteresis, and when heating from colder temperatures will overshoot about 7 degrees from the temperature at which power is terminated.
It is also very well insulated, with a gap between the inner and outer vessel which makes it act like a thermos jar, because of this it takes a very long time to decline from any excess temperature. My PID controller has an SSR control output and a relay alarm output.
The alarm can be programmed as a below limit alarm with an offset from the set-point. I can use a five volt supply I already have for my circulation motor to run through the alarm relay and drive the same SSR the control output is driving.
To be on the safe side and protect the PID controller I'll add a diode to both the alarm voltage and the control voltage to prevent one output from feeding back into the other.
I'll then set the alarm to stay on until the temperature rises above the set-point minus 7 degrees. This will allow the PID tuning to be adjusted without having to account for the initial temperature ramp-up.
Because I know that last few degrees will be achieved without any power input, I'd really like a way to delay any recognition of the control signal for about five minutes after the alarm shuts off, as it will still be calling for heat.
This is the part I've yet to figure out the circuitry for. I’m thinking of a normally closed relay in series with the control output, which is held open by the alarm signal.
When the alarm signal is terminated, I need a delay on the order of five minutes before the relay returns to its ‘off’ normally closed state.
I would appreciate help with the delayed off portion of the relay circuit. I like the simplicity of the initial designs on the page, but I get the impression they wouldn’t handle anywhere near five minutes.
Thank you,
Jonathan Lundquist
The Circuit Design
The following circuit design of a simple 5 to 20 minute delay timer circuit can be suitably applied for the above specified application.
The circuit employs the IC4049 for the required NOT gates which are configured as voltage comparators.
The 5 gates in parallel form the sensing section and provides the required time delay trigger to the subsequent buffer and the relay driver stages.
The control input is acquired from the alarm output as indicated in the above description. This input becomes the switching voltage for the proposed timer circuit.
On receiving this trigger, the input of the 5 NOT gates are initially held at logic zero because the capacitor grounds the initial trigger via the 2m2 pot.
Depending upon the 2m2 setting, the capacitor starts charging up and the moment the voltage across the capacitor reaches a recognizable value, the NOT gates revert their output to logic low, which is translated as a logic high at the output of the right single NOT gate.
This instantly triggers the connected transistor and the relay for the required delay output across the relay contacts.
The 2M2 pot may be adjusted for determining the required delays.
Circuit Diagram
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Have Questions? Please Leave a Comment. I have answered over 50,000. Kindly ensure the comments are related to the above topic.
Howdy Swagatam,
Great site and very much appreciated even though I have just discovered it. I have been looking for information on designing a very simple timing circuit on a 12vdc system. Timer will be on a grounded side inititially. when circuit is switched on there need s to be a momentary delay of 1-2 seconds before going high, and then again a momentary delay before going back to ground. It shall remain this way until circuit is powered down then it will reset.
Thank you for your time!
JC
Thank you Jeff, glad you found the site helpful!
I think the following circuit should be able to fulfil your requirement:
Pease let know how it works.
You will have to adjust the relevant RC components appropriately for getting the desired timing outputs.
hi.
I want to control an electric motor with a relay.
I want the relay to close 5 seconds later when the current to the relay coil is cut off.Can you help me with this?
Thank you for everything
Hi, you can try the 2nd circuit from the above article. Replace the LED/resistor with your relay, and make sure to add a freewheeling diode across the relay coil…Adjust the 2M2 and the 1000uF values to get the desired 5 second delay-off time.
Hi Swagatam,
I have come across your blog and love it as I have been an enthusiast for long. I don’t design electronics.
I’m making a battery powered drone. I would like to have an on-off control which can be controlled with a tac push button. A 3 second contact to power on the electeonics and 3 seconds press to turn it off.
The current in drone circuit is very high, about 60 amps. Unable to find the solution as weight and space are critical on this small drone.
Should this be software controlled? Can you please help?
Thank you Gajendra, for your question!
The circuit can be perhaps designed using a 4017 IC and a 555 IC.
Just wanted to know, is the ON/OFF operations done with a single tact switch?
And, what happens if the switch is not released after 3 seconds, and remains pressed for more 3 seconds?
Kindly clarify the above, I will try to help!
Hello,
So, I have an application where I am using a D-type flip-flop to toggle my load using a pushbutton. I want to add a trip functionality, so when a trip signal comes, after 5 seconds will the load be turned off. If the trip signal goes out before 5 seconds, the load stays on. If it goes out after 5 seconds, the load will turn on again.
Please explain the delay trigger operation with more details, I may try to solve it.
So the circuit that starts with the output being high when you power it on. Now, when you give it a high signal through the dry contact input, it waits for 5 seconds. If the input stays high for the whole 5 seconds, the output switches to low. But if the input goes low before the 5 seconds are up, the timer resets, and the output stays high. Once the output goes low after the 5-second delay, it stays low as long as the input is high. And when the input finally goes low, the output immediately goes back to being high.
Ok, you can try this circuit:
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Hi Bill
I am a newcomer to your sight as you must realise and i find the content very handy and informative. However i have a situation that i hope you may be able to resolve. I need to be able to identify when a battery source of 12v dc (li iron sealed) drops its voltage to about 10.5 v and triggers a 3 second (approx.) timer to operate a small solenoid. The solenoid will still operate at this voltage. I would prefer to be able to do it without a relay. The trigger as well must only be able to operate once so as not to keep the solenoid on. The system will reset again after the battery is recharge. I am a retired electrician which makes me dangerous in this field so please understand my ignorance in these matters. I have always had a yen to get into this field as a hobby and now have the chance. Hope you can help. Regards Col R
Hi Colin,
I will try to figure out the circuit soon, and let you know.
If you have any further questions please feel free to ask…
Thanks Bill
Hi again,
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Here’s the circuit you can try, it should hopefully fulfil your requirement:
Hi Bill Thanks for replying so quickly. Could you advise me of the value of RX and CX in the circuit you supplied. Regards Col R
RX can be around 33k and CX can be around 100uF, for getting an ON time pulse of 3 seconds.
Thank you
Hi Swag,
I forgot to add one additional query for self contained power transformerless power supply circuit. It seems to be good for single application. But can certain modifications be made in circuit to place it just after electric meter? This will help in bypassing sudden surge during power supply in case of power failure.
Hi Vikas,
Yes, that’s possible if you are able to configure the wiring correctly.
You can configure the following circuit which will ensure safety from sudden power ON surge.
Very nice site for electronics guys. I was going through self contained power transformerless power supply circuit and was fascinated by its simplicity without using transformer at all. Moreover, triac in circuit seems to be more effective and efficient than relay. But how to modify this circuit for mains supply to automatically turn on after a pre-defined period (say of 5-15 seconds) without the use of push button?
Thank you Vikas, Glad you liked the site.
For a delay ON, mains operated circuit, you can refer to the first circuit from the following link:
https://www.homemade-circuits.com/simple-refrigerator-protector-circuit/
Hi Swag
Many times your schematics have helped me but this time I cant cope myself. Imagine yarn winding mashine that has yarn tension motitoring via simpokle push button. Yarn stuck = machine stop. Problem is that any vibration of thicker yarn causes multiple false and unnecessary stops. My idea is that signal from button is transmitted only if it lasts more that say 0.5sec. Implementing microprocessor seems overkill to me.
One pole of switch is grounded and machine runs on 60v DC.
Do you thing any of your schematics will do ?
Hi Saul,
What type of switch are you using, is it a manual push button? in that case you may have to replace it with a relay operated switch to implement the switch debounce..
Yes simple micro switch is beeing used. It shorts some microcontroller input to ground to stop machine. I think transistor or mosfet will doo. Switch should trigger timer instead of what it did before. Does it have sense ?
OK, you can implement the following setup:
Take a BC547 transistor.
Connect the collector to the microcontroller input.
Connect the emitter to ground.
Connect the base to a 10k resistor.
Connect the other end of the 10k to one terminal of the microswitch, connect the other terminal of the microswitch to the positive line.
Connect a 1uF capacitor between base and ground.
It will work on 60 volt ?
Another question . Do I need resistor to discarge cap in order to not acumulate short burst chargindg ?
For 60v you can use BC639 bjt. To ensure proper discharge of the capacitor you can connect a 2.2k resistor parallel to the capacitor.
Thanks a lot.
Your advices are very helpfull.
Glad to help!
Kindly I ask you what is 2m2 in the circuit best regards
2M2 = 2.2 meg ohm resistor.
Is the PCB shown in the Delay ON Timer Circuit Working Details section available for sale?
Sorry, we don’t make PCBs now, so I may not be able to provide it to you, nevertheless you can easily get it done from any local PCB designer in your area. These PCB designs were not created by me rather purchased from an external source so please double check it before manufacturing.
Hi Sir,
My name is Fabio. I saw all your project but I need one with small modification if you can help please.
I need a Power ON Delay with 3 channel output controlling a MOSFET not a relay.
When power is applied the first channel wait 30s before come ON. The second channel will wait 60s after the first channel is ON, and the third channel wait 60s after the second channel is powered ON.
The time in “s” doesn’t need precise.
Hope you can help with this project.
Thanks
Hi Fabio,
I think the second concept from the following article will work for you. You will have to configure a MOSFET with the collectors of the BC557 transistors.
https://www.homemade-circuits.com/cube-light-circuits/
Hi Swagatam, i have a question on the timers, i understand and have a grip on the single use sw from a transistor, however i need to stop an 74LS90 which is a single pulse/dragdown command then i need a second pulse/dragdown to reset the 74LS90. i am not sure it would work with a single pulse/dragdown from a single transistor to do both operations as they would be simultanious and atthe same time, do you have any ideas.
Hi Tim, I haven’t studied the 74LS90 IC yet so I am finding it difficult to figure out the problem.
Hi Swagatam,
Atoto Head Unit A6G2A7PF (2G+32g)
I have installed the above head unit in my diesel Toyota Prado 120 Series.
The glow plugs in the engine take up to 5 seconds to heat after which I can start the car.
In this time my head unit begins to start but then crashes and restarts when I start the car, impacting recently adjusted settings e.g. steering wheel audio settings and who knows what else.
Is there a way to delay the start of the 12v (ignition on) to the unit so that it starts after the car is started?
I hope you can assist.
Wally
Hi Wally,
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You can delay the 12V supply to the ignition circuit through the following circuit. The 12V supply to the ignition can be applied through the N/O relay contacts. The C2 R2 component values decide the delay time after which the relay will operate, once the input 12V to the circuit is switched ON.
Hi my name is Pete I have just built a 300 led hex style sci – fi computer display when first turn on all the leds are red and whilst the timers in the devices are running at different rates for the first 2/3 minutes the effect is great after this time the slow change diodes don’t look too impressive . I need a circuit that will will switch on for 2/5 minutes then crash to 0 volts and recycle again at 5 volts for 2/5 minutes before repeating the same be nice if i could actually vary the time with a potentiometer to experiment and gauge the exact best time to gain maximum led colour difference and thus the best decorative effect. Regards Pete Mantle
Hello Pete, I did not understand what you meant by 2/5 minutes, please clarify!
i meant a variable control time from say 2 minutes to 5 or even 6 minutes i want to be able to vary the time with a pot to experiment for best results i really need the 5volts to collapse pretty fast also in order to reset the leds to red ( the starting colour ) thanks for your swift response
You can do it with a help of a simple IC 555 flasher, as shown below. The pin#3 will alternately oscillate from positive supply level to 0V level. The ON OFF timings can be adjusted by adjusting the 1M pot and the 22K resistor values. But how will you use the pin#3 to control your LEDs? You will require a BJT or a MOSFET connected at pin#3 to do this:
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to clarify I need t to deliver 5volts which will crash to zero after 2 to 6 minutes then restart AGAIN at 5 volts ( with a pot so I can vary the time interval ) then repeat the whole cycle again constantly. also need the voltage to completely hit zero in order to start the colour change leds at red .
Hi. Your blog is very great. Please, can I explain my need? I was searching for a circuit that when in input receives a signal of 12V AC, whait for 30 seconds and after then send a 5VDC pulse to a relay. The delay and the activation time should be configurable. Thanks a lot.
Hi, thanks for liking the blog! You can try the following circuit. Your 12V will need to be converted to 12V Dc first. For providing 5V to the relay disconnect the emitter of the T2 BC557 and the connect this emitter with a 5V DC. Make sure to connect the ground of the 5V DC with the circuit ground:
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T1 can be BC547 transistor.
R2 and C2 can be altered for adjusting the delay range
I need a simple solution for giving a little delayed impuls to a relay.
I already have the circuit which makes a short impulse out of the steady 12v connection.
1000uF in parallel to 10 Kohm on the negative input do the trick. Now I only need to happen this impulse (or the supply to this part of circuit) about one sec delayed. Time does not need to be exact.
I tried nearly all of your delay circuits but nothing worked;-(
My relay coil has 1kohm.
My favorite would be another rc circuit.
Can somebody please give me a hint how to combine those 2?
Thanks, VESPUCCI
All the above circuits are tested and are working. The above circuits are not for a single common application but have different applications. You cannot use all the above circuits for a single application, they won’t work. They all have different specific functions. You have to understand them and then apply.
To understand your application I will need the schematic of your diagram, without a schematic it may not be possible to find a solution.
Please try the following circuit:
I tried with C945 transistor. But unfortunately not working;-(
No delay in powering. Very little delay after dividing.
It has to work, because it is a tested design, it is just about adjusting the resistors and their values.
Try the following modified circuit:

Good evening, I’m working on a project that will require a 12V circuit board to control a 12V solenoid. It seems basic and assumed i would be able to find this board with out much trouble but so far ive proven myself wrong. I need the circuit board to switch on my solenoid for 3-5 seconds ( i dont know exactly yet) one time every 30 days. Obviously the 30 day delay is the hurdle I’m encountering Could you get me on track to building this board?
Hi, the 30 delay can be solved with a day/night light detector, which will detect the passing of each day with the help of the day/night light source. This day night pulse can be then converted into 30 day counting using 4017 IC, and subsequently at the final stage a 3 second delay timer can be added for activating the solenoid.
Thank you for the quick reply. The day/night detector would absolutely work but I left out a detail. My mistake. The device for this project will be 100% indoors and set up either in a closet or the attic. I won’t be able to wire in any kind of external day/night type device, I would need it to all be integrated in a standalone circuit board with a 12V power supply. Thank you again for your input
Oh, in that case in can be difficult for me to figure out an appropriate circuit design for you, because 30 day is a long delay and making a 30 day timer without errors can be quite difficult.
Hi Mr Swagatam
Re: Dumbwaiter startup problem.
This is some Chinese unit installed by some previous owner which has no manufacture ID and no papers or circuit information.
Each of the two floor levers have a power on/off switch and an up and down push buttons that light up just after the power is turned on.
The 220 V AC geared motor is controlled via a frequency Voltage converter and triggered through a mini plc card which gets its 24V power through the FVC.
If we push the required up or down button, when the buttons light up, too quickly the system fails and we then need to reset, by turning the power off and on again, and then wait for 2 to 3 seconds before we press the required button after it lights up, before the unit works correctly.
We concluded that the FVC, although it outputs 24v to the plc and the button led power, the other part of its function circuit is slower, which is the delay factor.
Other then introducing a time delay in the plc to delay the start up, which we have no information on, we would like to introduce a delay to the 24V power outlet from the FVC to the PLC, of 3 seconds in the simplest, cheapest, reliable way.
Do you have a simply circuit for me please.
Hi Joseph,
You can add the following delay based LM338 power supply to your existing power supply:
You can adjust R1/R2 to change the output voltage and adjust R3/C1 to change the delay to the desired levels.
Hi Swagatam.
I’ve looking through google & ebay thinking that what I’m looking for should be easy to buy made but not turning out so easy. There are a lot of relays that delay power on, or turn power off after a set time, but the supply power needs to be on. What I’m after is a device that once my ignition is turned off, a relay stays open for a set amount of time so that I can hook one up to my electric windows & another to the cooling fan under my intercooler.
I did buy one off ebay & thought maybe the cap on it & adjustable pot would be enough to hold the relay open & direct power to the relay would stay on the load for a few seconds for windows, minutes for fan.
Cheers
Dale
Hi Dale,
I think you should try the following circuit, it might be exactly what your are looking for.
Great work , I needed help on, how to do the manual calculations, for the *With push button Delay timer*, circuit
Thank you, unfortunately I do not have the formula for calculating the RC time constants.
Thanks for these so simple, though efficient, working circuitries. Great Swagatam !!!
I wish to trigger the mains timer with sound (clap or any), together with the pushbutton : do I just add a microphone in parallel with the pushbutton ? Does a MOSFET improve anything ?
Thank you Ambroise, Glad you liked it!
If you want to activate the delay OFF timer with a MIC then you may have to build the design discussed in the following article:
https://www.homemade-circuits.com/simplest-sound-activated-relay-switch/
If you have a heavy DC load then you can eliminate the relay and replace the PNP transistor with a MOSFET. The referred diagram is enclosed in the above link.
Good afternoon my friend Swagatam!
Unfortunately, I severely broke my leg and spent a long time in the hospital. Therefore, I could not proceed with the manufacture of the circuit that you kindly suggested. (https://www.homemade-circuits.com/simple-touch-sensor-switch-circuit/#comment-133997)
This circuit needs thyristors, but I don’t have them and I can’t go to the store yet. But I can already sit on a chair!
But I have another request for you.
I thought about making an alarm for the open door of the refrigerator. I want to use a magnet and a reed switch as a sensor. When the door is opened, the reed switch closes and connects power to the circuit. The timer waits for 30-40 seconds, after which the beep sounds, indicating that the door is still open.
If after that the door is closed, then the reed switch opens with the help of a magnet, the power supply to the circuit is interrupted, the signal stops.
I want to power the circuit from a 1.5 volt battery. I would like to increase the voltage to 3 volts using the HH004F chip. Is it possible?
Can you suggest me such a scheme?
Respectfully,
Jorge
I am sorry to hear that friend. I hope you will recover soon.
For the fridge open delay ON buzzer circuit, you can try the following concept:
Let me know if you have any further doubts!
Thank you! Some questions…
What is the working principle of this scheme? What is the delay time? Regulated by R1 and C2?
When power is switched ON through the relay, the capacitor C2 is charged via R2. While C2 charges the T1 base is inhibited from the required 0.6V biasing voltage. This keeps T1 switched OFF and with T1 switched OFF T2 also remains switched OFF. After the intended delay when C2 charges fully, D3 gets reversed biased and turns off, which allows a 0.6V to develop at the base of T1 switching it ON. When T1 switches ON, T2 also switches ON, turning ON the load.
R2 and C2 are responsible for the delay timing.
There should be a 1N4148 diode in series with the emitter of T1 to balance out D3, which is accidentally not shown in the diagram.
Good afternoon my friend Swagatam!
I made a circuit from the link
Everything works, but only from 3 volts. If the voltage is reduced to 2.4 volts, the circuit stops working.
I changed C2 and R2 so that the signal is delayed by 30-40 seconds. I do not specifically publish the modified data of these components, since I think that a lot depends on the gain of the transistors.
There is a question: what can be done to make the circuit work from 1.5 volts?
Hi Jorge,
You can try doing a few modifications in the existing design and see if that helps.
Reduce R2 to 330K or lower and increase C2 to a higher value until the combination provides the required 30 seconds delay.
Reduce the value of R3 to 100 ohms.
Let me know if the above allows the circuit to work with 1.5 V supply.
Hi my friend Swagatam!
I changed the values of the resistor R2 to 300k, and the capacitor to 330uF. Thus, I achieved a signal delay of up to 30 seconds. But changing the value of the resistor R3 did nothing. The minimum voltage required for the circuit to work is 2.4 volts.
I solved this problem by using a mini boost module from 1.5v to 3v. Now everything works as it should.
If you are interested, you can see photo of the module and layout here:
Respectfully,
Jorge
That is great my friend Jorge!
Reducing R3 value was supposed to make the PNP more sensitive and respond to lower base voltages.
But no problems, I am glad you could finally make the circuit to work with 1.5 V using a boost converter circuit.
Thank your for updating and keep up the good work!
Hello Sir, I want to make a Delay ON Timer Circuit operating with 5 volts. Can you please design a schematic for me?
Best regards,
Hello Ajaira, a delay ON timer circuit is given in the above article. You can use it with a 5V supply also, just make sure to change the 12V relay with a 5V one.
Thank you so much for your reply. I want to know one thing if I want to get 0.16 volt output, what will be the value of the resistor?
If your supply is 5V, then the delay ON output will be also 5V, 0.16 V cannot be obtained in this design.
Thanks for your reply. Is there any system to drop the output voltage from 5 to 0.16 or 1 volt? If yes please explain. I want to design a security module with an IR sensor for my car garage.
It can be dropped using resistors if a low current output is acceptable. For higher current you can use a buck converter to drop 5V to 1V. But I do not have this type low voltage buck converter circuit with me right now.
Thank you so much. Hope I’ll ask more questions about electronics in the future.
Sure, not a problem at all!
Good day Swagatam, thank you so much for teaching everyone so much.
Greetings from Brazil.
I’m trying to create a circuit to work with a 18650 battery between 3.3V and 4.2V that after a brief press of a push button, turn on a relay for between 30 and 60 seconds, after that turn off the relay. But it can no longer be triggered by the button, only if the circuit is turned off that it could be reset. Could you be so kind as to suggest a schematic?
Thank you so much in advance.
Thank you Macelo, you can try the following design, it looks close to what you are looking for:

However I could not correctly understand what you meant by: “…..But it can no longer be triggered by the button, only if the circuit is turned off that it could be reset”
Hi, thanks for your quick reply. I meant that the circuit can only be triggered by the push button once. So after activation and consequent deactivation of the relay after the given time, the push button will no longer be able to activate the relay. And this cycle will only work again when the entire circuit is turned off and on again. It would be some kind of circuit that only works once and then has to be turned off to become operational again.
Sorry for my poor english. Thank you.
OK, got it. In that case you can try the following 555 based design:

However make sure to use a CMOS version of the 555, such as a 7555 IC so that it can work optimally right from 3 V onward.
Thanks Swagatam, I will test your circuit. All the best.
No problem, wish you all the best!
Hi Swagatam,
I tested the circuit you indicated above.
I did a simulation in Multisim, it happens that the SCR, after pressing the button, leaves the trigger in low voltage. I think it should just give a pulse on low, to trigger the 555 and then lock on high so that the button only works on the first press. In this way, the circuit is permanently activated, as if the button was always pressed. Do you have any suggestions? Thank you again.
Hi Marcelo,
Even if pin#2 is permanently grounded by the SCR, the output at pin#3 will produce only a momentary delay pulse.
If you don’t want pin#2 to be permanently grounded, you can put a 0.22uF capacitor between pin#2 and the SCR anode.
Also remember to put a 10K resistor between the positive supply line and the pin#2 of the IC.
IT WORKED! Thank you again. Your work and your promptness are exemplary.
Great! Glad it worked!
Is it possible to create a delay circuit that trips if the delay is very short, but does not trip if the delay is long? For instance, if the delay is anything less than 2/10ths of a second, it trips. But if the delay is any longer, it doesn’t.
Sorry, it looks difficult, not sure how this can be implemented practically.
Good day Swagatam,
Thank you for your prompt response (impressive!) and yes, the circuit works well.
Best,
Andre
No problem Andre! Glad the circuit worked!
Good day Swagatam,
Thank you for readily sharing your expertise, I appreciate you!
We are having many power cuts due to load shedding.
When the power comes back there is often damage due to voltage spikes and fluctuations.
I would like to switch my mains power on 10 seconds after the mains power comes back to ensure that the voltage has settled down, stabilized. (Yes, it can take this long here!)
I want a delay circuit that does not need to be energized by a switch, I want the delay to start automatically when the mains power comes back.
I only need the delay circuit, the mains switching part is taken care of already.
I would appreciate you kind assistance, my efforts so far with 555 timers has not worked reliably.
Andre Jordaan
Hello Andre,
You can try implementing the following delay ON circuit concept:

Let me know if you have any further doubts or questions?
Show me the name of the
component that can be used to make 4 minutes delay 4minutes delay
You can try the following design:
Adjustable Timer Circuit Using IC 555
Hi!
I’m a beginner electronics enthusiast. been trying to build a blinking LED Circuit with a Relay and a capacitor. The capacitor is supposed to introduce a time delay so the LED could blink but it doesn’t seem to be working so. I am terribly confused. Please help! ????
Hi,
why would you need a relay for blinking an LED? You can simply use a transistor/capacitor circuit to blink an LED?
Hi Swagatam, thanks for sharing your knowledge.
I wonder if does exist simple one component delay timer.
I need to delay 12V DC rail for 7-15s. It may be fixed, preferably adjustable.
I have seen various schematics for popular IC 555 timer – is it possible to do it simple with one component, please?
Is it possible to do it with something like resistor or capacitor?
Thanks David,
To control the supply rail delay you will need some kind of control device which could be a transistor at the least. The resistor and capacitor timing components will control this transistor for implementing the delay.
If you use only an RC, the delay will not be sharp, it will rise gradually until the full voltage is reached. Moreover the series resistor will not allow the desired high current on the supply rail. So it doesn’t appear to be a feasible option.
Hi Swagatam,
Thanks so much for your quick response. You are the best!!!
Thanks Norman, I am glad to help!
Hi Swagatam,
I have a circuit using the very small delay chip c-005. This chip works on 2-5v. If you ground its trigger, it supplies a negative output for a delayed time adjusted with a resistor. I have connected a 10k resistor between the output of the c-005 and the base of a bc807 smd transistor. I have also connected a 10k resistor from the positive voltage of 5v to the base of the bc807 transistor. This circuit has worked for me on several projects. This new circuit uses 9v so I installed an ams1117 regulator to reduce the supply to 5v for the c-005 delay chip. So, the bc807 transistor emitter has 9v and the base has 5v which can be grounded by the c-005. Grounding the base of the bc807 transistor is supposed to turn the transistor on. My problem is the transistor is always on, no matter what the output from the c-005 delay. Is the 9v on the emitter of the transistor causing the problem? Do I need to supply 9v to the base of the bc807 transistor?
Hi Norman,
yes it is due to the 9V supplied at the emitter and 5V available from the C-005 IC. Since the 5V is lower than 9V, it is unable to block the 9V from the BC807 emitter. Meaning the BC807 is always getting 5 – 9 = -4V which is sufficient to keep it switched ON all the time.
To rectify this issue, both the voltages, at BC807 emitter and at the output of the C-005 must be equal.
????????♂️Fantastic site ???? i wonder if you can help me? I am building a model rc submarine reading your site i thought placing a timer on servo controlling dive it would reset the vanes to vertical once again the delay not worked out yet but could you help? Take care stay safe and well????♂️????
Glad you liked the site! Can you please explain the specifications of the timer, if possible I will try to help!
????????♂️ thank you ???? the needs run from receiver to two servos, that dips and raises the diving vanes for settable ( secs ) to control depth of 2.4ghz antenna after which the vanes will return to horizontal level then rest ready for the next manouvre? Not being to knowledgeable with certain circuits ???? ????the smaller the better.could you make board? Thank you,if my autistic grandson had his way he’d have it fly!!????? Probably next project ????????????
I appreciate your explanation, however I am sorry, it can be difficult for me to understand the working of your system. I only need the details of the timer, how the timer needs to function? Is it a delay OFF timer or delay ON timer? How much delay period is it supposed to produce?
????????♂️Ok thank you, the power is 12v dc,the timer is off until receiver tells the timer to allow the servo to operate the pushrod for manual adjustable time ?it being manual to adjust so the rate of descent the alloted time after which the timer will return the vanes to horizontal position ready to be used to raise the sub????? taken on a challenge haha i am no captain Nemo ????♂️ i have no other means to explain ???? for my grandson i want it to be as easy as pos for his motor skills so i thank you kindly for your time and patience if it can not be done ???? take care stay safe and well ????♂️????
No problem! I guess you are looking for a delay OFF timer. I can suggest you the following design, however I won’t be able to suggest about the mechanical integrations.
In the timer circuit below, when a trigger or a pulse is sent to the base of the BC547 transistor, the pin#3 output of the IC 555 becomes high with a 12V output. This 12V output at pin#3 remains ON for a short duration of time and then it switches OFF. This short duration depends on the adjustment of the 1M pot and the value of the 1000uf capacitor. Both can be altered for getting different output delays at pin#3 of the IC. A relay can be connected across pin#3 and ground for the necessary integrations with the mechanical systems and the relevant operations.
????????♂️ wow!! thank you very much ???????? ???? .is there a board for this circuit? Thank you take care stay safe and well ????♂️????
You are most welcome, however unfortunately there is no PCB for this design, you may have to construct it over strip-board or a vero-board
????????♂️ THANK YOU SO MUCH ???? FOR ALL YOUR HELP ???? TAKE CARE STAY SAFE AND WELL ????♂️????
Hi Swagatam,
Can your time delay on circuit be adjusted for 60 sec’s delay before turning on the relay? I also need to use the circuit in a 28vdc system it looks like the transistors are capable of 28vdc. Also how critical is the 3v zener on the emitter of T1 is it fully required?
Hi Bill,
you can create a 60 second delay by suitably adjusting the values of R2/C2 components. The BC547/557 can handle upto 45V, so 28V looks fine.
3V is introduced to easily extend the delay even while R2 C2 are relatively smaller in value. With 3V zener attached the base cannot activate until the voltage across C2 has comfortably reached above 3V which takes more time, therefore the delay is longer. Without the zener the base voltage would only require 0.6V to activate which can reach much sooner across the capacitor C2.
Thanks for the quick response I may need the Zener tried using the circuit without the Zener and could not achieve slow delays. Tried different values for R2, C2 without much success will try different Zener values as well to see what happens.
Bill
You are welcome! The zener is not the crucial element, R2 and C2 are crucial, and they should definitely cause the delay time to change significantly.
I want to construct a time delay relay circuit for an amateur radio tube type amplifier, The TD relay will be used to control the delay time in turning off the cooling fan – which should be approximately 3 minutes after turning of the AC power rocker switch for the amplifier. The fan is a 120VAC, which obtains its operating voltage from a tap on the main transformer. The amplifier power is supply is wired for 230VAC. When the rocker switch is turned OFF, the power to the amplifier is OFF. However, there is STILL 230VAC being supplied to the INPUT side of the rocker switch. This is my dilemma. I still have 230 VAC available on the input side of the rocker switch. How do I supply 120VAC to keep the fan operational for 3 minutes, with only 230VAC available on the input side of the rocker switch?
We will have use a separate capacitive power supply for operating the timer circuit, with a triac. The fan will be powered through the triac. The timer circuit will get the switching voltage from the rocker switch. Once the rocker switch is turned OFF, the timer circuit will keep the fan powered ON through the charge stored inside a timing capacitor. Once the charge inside the capacitor is exhausted the timer will switch OFF the fan.
yes, the 120V to the fan must be continuously operational. If this voltage is switched OFF then I am afraid the fan will not work.
Can you provide me circuit sketch, with component values, to make this circuit? Much appreciated.
So, the fan will draw its power, continuously, from the TD circuit? That had not occurred to me. But it is quite logical.
Regards
Yes the fan must have a continuous access from the 120V source. TD will provide the switching voltage for the triac. No relay is used here.

Here’s the proposed diagram for you:
Hello sir,I’m intending on building one of your sg3525 inverter circuit but the problem is that I will need a timer circuit so that when the battery reaches around 11.5v it switches on for some seconds and eventually shuts off so that I can get an indicator of low battery before it reaches 11v and switches off the inverter. And I would like the indicator to be a buzzer . Pls sir I would be great full concerning any positive response
Hello Melvis, you can attach the following circuit with your battery:

You will have to adjust the 10K preset such that 741 IC output just becomes high at 11.5V battery voltage
Sir, i need to 5v delay on circuit with a 5v relay, is there a circuit diagram available
Saroop, a delay ON circuit is already given in the above article. Please see it under the heading “Delay ON Timer Circuit Working Details”
You can use 5V supply and a 5V relay in that circuit
Thank you sir, can you provide the time for delay on circuit as per the specifications of components provided in that section
Swaroop, Only R2 and C2 determine the output delay, you will have to test it practically to check how much delay you get with the specified values, and then you can adjust their values to get your own desired delay ON time.
I have a module for use as a watel level alarm. When the higher level is reached it gives an alarm, so that we can shut down the water flow (manually). The problem is that the alarm is ON Continously until the water level goes down. I need the alarm to be ON for maybe 2 minutes and then trigger OFF even when the probes are in conduction. Putting a switch in output is easiest solution, but then we have to switch ON/OFF the switch every time, which can be forgetful. Please suggest some design for this. If needed I can send a basic diagram of components used but it has a covered module which I have not broken into. The probes use AC for water level detection.
Thanks.
I can suggest a simple circuit to solve your problem but the circuit will not use an AC based probes, will this be OK for you?
Dear sir,
Recently I started reading your blog. I became regular. Nice explanations. Kudo to you.
BTW, I have a requirment. There is intermittent DC voltage available in case of a fault. Say, 12V is “on for 2 sec and off for next two secs” and the cycle repeats, till the fault is cleared. I want to use this intermittent DC voltage to switch on a relay irrespective of on/off state of the input. ie once the DC voltage starts available, the relay should get energised until this intermittent supply is totally off which will happen on clearance of fault.
Please suggest a suitable scheme. Thanks in advance.
Thank you S Lakshminarayan, your application is quite easy to implement. You can use the first circuit from top, remove the push button, connect the intermittent signal across the capacitor through a diode 1N4148, replace the LED with a relay (with a freewheeling diode connected across the coil). You will also need to replace the 1000uF capacitor with a lower value capacitor such as a 47uF/25V. Let me know if you have any further questions.
Dear Mr Majumder,
Thanks a lot for your valuable suggestion. I will try and let you know the result in a day or two.
With regards.
You are welcome S Laxminarayan, let me know if you have any problems.
Dear sir,
I have built the circuit with bd139 and found working fine. Thanks a lot.
I have one more requirement. I have a built plasma flashback astable driver with 555. The frequency is about 25 kHz with duty cycle of 59%. Output of 555 goes to small signal push pull transistors, driving a MOSFET with very low RDS. Though the circuit is working fine (good plasma arc is produced with moderate heating of MOSFET), I am having 555 failure after some time, due to fly back voltage, though the output current of 555 is limited to 100 milliampere. The entire circuit operates on 12v DC. Current is about 2A on arcing. Transformer is wound by me with ferrite cores. No snubber or fast recovery diode across primary of transformer.
Please suggest a suitable protection circuit so as to protect 555 IC from failure.
Regards.
Dear S Lakshminarayan, the problem could be happening due to the reverse voltage spikes from the flyback coil. You can try putting a few extra components around the supply pins of the IC 555, as shown in the following diagram, and see if that helps. You can additionally put a reverse 1N5402 diode across the drain/source pins of the MOSFET
Hello.
I appreciate your hard work.
I’m going to construct the following circuit.
I am going to drive a 12V relay using a 12V power supply.
If you press the button, the relay turns on after 0.5s
If you release the button, the relay will be turned off after 0.5s.
I need your help.
Thank you.
You can try the second circuit from top. You will have to disconnect the capacitor from its existing position and shift it across the base/emitter of BC547.
The 2m2 could be reduced to 100K, and the 1000uF which is now connected across base/emitter of BC547 can be reduced to 33uF/25V….the values will need to be experimented.
The LED/resistor will need to be replaced with the relay….the relay coil must have a freewheeling 1N4007 diode.
Hello.
Thank you for your help.
I want to make another request to you.
I’m using a 220v light.
I want to BLINK by installing LED on the light switch. But the light switch has only one phase out of 220v voltage.
Will it be possible?
I look forward to hearing from you.
You will need phase and neutral both for flashing the LED, only phase will not work.
it doesn’t work.
I am still trying to drive a 12V relay using a 12V power supply.
Pressing the button will illuminate the relay 0.5 seconds later
. Release the button and the relay will turn off after 0.5 seconds.
I need your help.
Try the following set up. But the time will not be exactly 0.5 second, you will have to adjust the two capacitors to get the desired timings.
Hello.
Thank you for your reply.
I will go to the office on Friday and test it and contact you again.
I hope you have a great week.
Thank you.
Sure, no problem!
Hi.
I did a test in the office.
But it still doesn’t work.
Pressing the switch also shortens the + and -.
So I removed the – associated with the switch.
Also, if you change the first 10k to 100k, it turns on after 0.5 seconds. But off works immediately.
Which circuit operates exactly 0.5 seconds on and 0.5 seconds off?
Thank you for your help.
Sorry, yes there was short circuit in the diagram, I have removed it now. However I cannot find any other easy circuit which would give you exact 0.5V second ON/OFF. You will have to experiment with this circuit only….you can try adding a 470uF right across the relay coil and see if that helps.
The following diagram is the last option I can see. You can experiment with the capacitor C for adjusting the relay ON/OFF timing:
Oh, thank you.
Press Switch -> 0.5 second delay on
Switch off -> 0.5 second delay off
What is a simple circuit?
The time doesn’t have to be accurate.
Thank you.
The transistor circuit which I gave you is the simplest one. You can try adding a 470uF across the relay coil, or try adding a 100uF directly across the base/emitter of the transistor and see that gives you the required results.
0.5s on and 0.5s off circuit?
you can use the following circuit, just press calculate
https://www.homemade-circuits.com/transistor-astable-multivibrator-amv-calculator/
Hi
I am a member of a model railway club and for signalling we use inductive sensors in the rails. The sensors are npn i.e. when the wheel of an engine passes the sensor grounds a relay coil, the other end being connected to +12v. I am looking for a circuit to delay the on time of the relay for say 1sec. with an output from the sensor going from 12v to zero to activate.
All the above use circuits use plus volts to trigger.
Hi,
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You will need to do the following modifications to your NPN transistor for getting the 1 sec or more delay:
For 1 sec delay the value of the capacitor could be around 100uF, however the 10K might need to be increased to 47K
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This is as far as we have got, looking to hold the relay on for 0.5sec. This is by trial and error, we cannot measure the time on, what do you think.
Hi, It Looks good to me,
You can use a Darlington transistor and increase the resistor value to 100K, for getting higher delays.
Thanks, I may follow up that idea.
Hello Swagatam, I am trying to design a circuit similar to an automatic nightlight. The difference being that it needs to be off when the room lights are on, then switch on for about 10 seconds only when the lights go out, then switch off fully until the room lights come back on without doing a fade out. The other requirement is the light sensor section be powered by a solar battery and not draw off of the LED batteries, or some other type of light sensor that draws a miniscule amount of current (photo transistor?) when no light is detected. I figure there will be a capacitor in the sensor section, but I can’t figure out how to charge it without the LED’s switching on, or keeping the LED’s off when the capacitor becomes fully charged and as long as the room lights are on. I was planning on using a 2N2222 NPN transistor for the switch. The lights are 8 LED’s wired in parallel. The batteries will supply 4.5 volts. I really appreciate your help on this.
Hello T.C., you can probably try the following circuit for the mentioned application: I have used IC 555 monostable since a fade out effect is not acceptable on the LEDs. R1 and R5 both can be 10K resistors.
Thank you for your reply. The circuit you have provided is very informative, but not quite what I need. The voltage requirements in the schematic is 5-12 volts. The maximum voltage available for my project is 4.5 volts, reducing to the minimum required to light the LED’s as the batteries drain. Could you please explain the function of the 2 NPN transistors in the input circuit? If I were to use the CMOS version of the 555 (to reduce voltage requirements and current draw) the solar cell should be enough to trigger it, or am I missing something here?
Yes CMOS version of IC 555 can be used which will work with 4.5 V easily. The BC547 connected with the solar cell ensures that while light is present it remains turned ON, and keeps the other BC547 transistor turned OFF. As soon as light is switched OFF, the left side BC547 associated with the solar cell turns off which turns ON the right side BC547, which in turn causes the pin#2 of the IC 555 to be grounded, initiating the timer action. Pin#3 now turns ON for sometime turning ON the TIP122 and the LEDs until the time elapses and the systems is completely switched OFF, until the external lights are turned ON again. The solar cell is enough to trigger the BC547 since it only required 0.6 V for the process.
I pretty much understand now, but still have one question. With a 10k between Vcc and the second transistor base, and a 2.2k going to ground, wouldn’t the greater negative potential prevent the second transistor from ever being able to switch on?
The BC547 requires just 0.6V base voltage to switch ON, which can be easily acquired from the shown resistor set up, it is fine according to me.
Hi!
I am currently working on a device that controls two 6VDC pumps, where the pumps are triggered with an IR sensor. The sensor will start the first pump and run for 1-2s, then with a time delay of 2-3s the second pump should start, while the first one has already stopped.
Do you have any tips how I could accomplish my goal? I was thinking of using capacitors and transistors for the time delay, but I’m not sure how I can make sure that the first pump stops before the second pump starts.
Thanks in advance!
Hi, How is the sensor supposed to start the timer, is it through a momentary pulse? And what happens after the second pump stops?
Yes, the sensor will cause a short pulse. After the second pump stops, the system should become idle and wait for a new trigger of the sensor – then the pumps should be activated again.
This device should work similar to an automatic disinfectant dispenser. I hope my description is understandable!
OK, understood, and how is the second pump triggered, is it through a second subsequent pulse from the sensor? And a 3rd pulse for resetting the circuit?
The second pump is not separatly triggered, it should just start after the first one has stopped. It would be great if there is no need for a pulse to reset the circuit, but if thats not possible then I will use a second pulse for now.
It looks difficult without a manual triggering for the second pump. However it can be perhaps accomplished using a 4017 IC along with 4069IC and a couple of transistors. The sequence will initiate through the sensor’s negative edge signal, meaning, when the sensor switches ON and OFF then the sequence will be triggered.
Hello,
Please, Can you explain how to use the rotary switch on timer to set the time interval for a semiconductor timer such as AB 700-RTC11200U1. Practical examples would be appreciated.
Thank you.
Hi, sorry I have never used the mentioned unit, so have no idea about it.
Hi Swagatam, Im working on a ac led strip my aim is to achieve the maximum efficiency..that means I want this circuit(AC strip) to work till 300v I have also designed a circuit but there is no way that i can share it with you… How can i contact you? I hope you get my mail when i post this comment… Hope you’ll reply..
Hi Manav, you can upload it to any free image hosting site online and provide the link to me here. Make sure to remove https while providing the link.
And please post it under an LED driver article, because the above article is related to timers not to LEDs.
What is the 2m2 resistance value shown in the circuits above?
2M2 = 2.2 Meg ohms
Thanks.
In the schematic where it says: “The following circuit shows how the associated push button may be rendered inactive as soon as it’s pressed and while the delay timer is in the activated state.”
Where is the load output pins?
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The load output is between BC557 collector and ground.
In the schematic where it says: “The following circuit shows how the associated push button may be rendered inactive as soon as it’s pressed and while the delay timer is in the activated state.” How many seconds of delay we are talking about, I need about 5 seconds delay, Can a potentiometer be added somewhere to make time delay adjustments?
I don’t remember the timing that can be achieved from a 2m2 resistor and a 1000uF capacitor. You will have to confirm it practically. You can replace the 2m2 with a 2m2 pot and a series 1K resistor. If a 2m2 pot is not available you can try a 1M instead. Remember to put a 1K resistor in series with the pot.
I also have a concern about the load resistance, I got a solenoid of 9.4 ohms with a tested 1.4 amps under 12V, do you think this load can be handled by the circuit?
If the load resistance is high, then the BC557 can be replaced with TIP127 or any similar transistor.
The load resistance is low (9.4 ohms pull solenoid), I was told by a forum member at eevblog that it will overload the T3 base even when a relay is used to energize the load.
T3 refers to the BC557 next to the diode.
You can use 10K resistor for the base of BC557 if you are using a relay. If you want to use the load directly at the collector of the transistor then you will have to calculate the base resistor, although it can be also estimated through some practical experimentation..
Dear Swagatam
Appreciate you can please assist, your guidance, thanks!!!. I want to charge a capacitor e.g. 16 V, 8 F from a car alternator and discharge the capacitor into a battery bank that is separate, not connected with the alternator. I want to, after the capacitor is charged up, electronically disconnect the alternator charging circuit from the capacitor and a few seconds thereafter electronically connect a seperate discharging circuit with the capacitor, discharging the capacitor into the battery bank (battery bank and alternator not connected). It is important that at no instance the alternator capacitor charging circiut and the capacitor discharging circuit into the battery bank will not make contact, not be connected. in contact. My question how to design the electronic alternator capacitor charging on off and the electronic battery capacitor discharging on of circuits. Apologise if this is off topic. Thanks, Regards
Thank you Andre, However this seems to be totally off-topic. If possible please post it under the following article, I will try to help:
https://www.homemade-circuits.com/multiple-battery-charger-using-dump-capacitor/
I want to make a delay push circuit in which Led should stays ON as long as push again for few seconds to turn it off.
what you are asking is a flip flop circuit, not a delay circuit:
https://www.homemade-circuits.com/build-these-simple-flip-flop-circuits/
Thanks for your efforts on this page! I haven’t seen what looks like a solution to my case, but I may have missed something. If I may, additional information on the behavior and application of each of your examples would be helpful. The descriptions are rather terse.
There are many solar powered lights on the market, and many of them have a dusk-to-dawn feature using a photovoltaic cell (whether the battery charge lasts that long is another matter). What I would like is to switch off the power a configurable length of time after the circuit is activated. For example, I’d like the light to run for one hour after the photovoltaic sensor switches on. Thus, I need a timer that operates from the moment power is applied and does so using the low power from a battery.
I imagine using a relay to control the power delivered to the light(s), but the relay control requires a timer that activates the relay initially and deactivates it after the delay (or vice versa, depending on the relay). The result will be used to illuminate a chicken coop at dusk long enough for the chickens, which have very poor night vision, to make their way inside without my having to switch lights on and off at the right time.
Thanks for your help!
Sure, that is possible using a IC 4060 circuit as described in the following article:
https://www.homemade-circuits.com/how-to-make-simple-versatile-timer/
You can try the relay based circuit, with the following modifications:
Connect the output from the dawn to dusk circuit to pin#12 of the above circuit through a 1N4148 diode.
Make sure the output from the dawn to dusk circuit is high during daytime, and becomes low during dusk or in the absence of ambient light.
Alternatively you can simply connect an LDR across the positive line and the pin#12 of the above IC 4060 circuit an get the very same results.