battery powered programmable timer

Thread Starter

jg2monte

Joined Jan 31, 2011
1
what would be required to develop a battery powered programable time switch . it would operate a typical home air freshener . looking for programable mode of operation between every 30 to 120 minutes with a pulse on during a 12 hour period and then a total rest period for the remaining 12 hours
 

thatoneguy

Joined Feb 19, 2009
6,359
For that duration, and for the price, a small microcontroller, such as the PIC 12F683 (8 pin) would work great.

Do you know any programming languages? Startup cost for uC's is about $40 for the programmer and a couple ICs, but they allow design of advanced and complex projects with very minimal hardware. $35 for the programmer, $1-$9 for additional chips, typically under $5 ea though.

If you don't want to go the uC route, the solution would best be solved by a slow clock (square wave oscillator), clocking a counter/divider to get the delay you'd like. The hardware would involve a few more ICs and passive components, but your basic idea could be done as well.

What is your experience level with electronics/soldering/logic/etc?
 

Potato Pudding

Joined Jun 11, 2010
688
Use one or two 4541 programmable timers.

They are standard parts made by several different manufacturers.

Check out the datasheets and if you are still not sure, ask for help.
 
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