Wednesday, October 19, 2011

8 Step Sequencer with 555 Timer and 4017 Decade Counter


I set this one down some time ago but it was my goal was to build an 8 step sequencer with a 555 Timer and a 4017 Decade Counter.
I know this shit is old school but you gotta learn somehow.


supplies:
4017 decade counter
555 timer
capacitors
resisters
perf. board or bread board

Some knowledge of the 555 Timer is helpful.

 I picked up a few 4017s from Jameco Electronics  for like .40 cents each.
The rest of the stuff I got from a local Radio Shack.
The 555 timer produces an oscillating square wave, which triggers the 4017 decade counter IC, 8 of which its outputs are connected to LEDs. I have the counter set to reset after 8 steps, by simply connecting the next output pin to the reset pin. The green wires are the outputs of the 4017.
For an example check my video.
                                                      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rR9tFKMrAFs

Suggestions and/or inspiration would be greatly appreciated. I may pick this project up again.
  • Should each output of the 4017 Decade Counter be connected to a separate tone generator?
  • Should I connect all of the outputs to the same tone generator and vary the frequency of the tone via a potentiometer connected in between each out output of the 4017 and the tone generator? ...and if so some direction as to the implementation would be greatly appreciated.

11 comments:

  1. the video is pretty cool. i think it would be cool to connect them to separate tone generators. can you make the lights go in reverse order also?

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  2. This is a touch beyond my level but I'll be watching to see what you do!

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  3. Really great, I like it too much.The project is pretty and clean

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  4. Major.Mack its not talent. It is just a desire to be doing anything other than what I am supposed to be doing. I will say that it is definitely an exercise in patience because I have very little.
    Thanks for the comment.

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  5. I have a PAL198X. Look it up if you're interested, it has to do with making music though.

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  6. this is awesome man, great work with everything

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  7. Nice one man.. Keep up the good work

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  8. Great work. I'm planning to build something like this myself and I was wondering how you managed to reset the counter after 8 steps? You help would be much appreciated. Thanks.

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    Replies
    1. Connect the next output pin to the reset pin.

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