like every newbie i need a bit of help

wireaddict

Joined Nov 1, 2006
133
Hi Zac, welcome aboard. Do you have a 'scope or logic probe? They'll help you trace the pulses from the oscillator [555]. Pay particular attention to the IC pins; make sure your 5V, common & appropriate signal pulses are connected or routed to the proper pins. If you used a "ready made, tried & true" PC board, the chance of wiring errors is much less & more likely a faulty part but also check for solder bridges & cold solder connections. Good luck.
 

beenthere

Joined Apr 20, 2004
15,819
Hi,

If you're using a non-CMOS based logic family, like 74LS, thn inputs taken high need to have a resistor in series. Use something like 10K to pull up pin 10 on the 74LS190, for instance.

The schematic is inadequate, too, in that all unsued inputs must be tied high or low to prevent the usused sections from going into destructive oscillation.

The 74LS190 is ok, with the exception of needing the resistor on pin 10. The 74LS76 needs pins 1 & 6 taken high (disables the clock inputs) and pins 4, 9, 12, & 16 tied to ground (disables the J & K inputs). Remember the resistors for pins 1 & 6.

Another note - if you're concerned with battery life, increase the size of R2 - R11. Taking them up to 360 ohms will still give you decent LED brightness, and cut battery drain significantly.
 
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