R1 might be two low and R2 too high.
Keep R1 and R2 between 2k and 200kΩ.

That will alter the frequency range I need and which I'm already getting with these values.. the problem of big voltage drop is the issue.
It seems each setting is giving me one of the requirements but I need both.. the frequency range and the voltage

 

Install a 10uf cap from pin 8 to ground. I duplicated the circuit using a 5.1K for R2 and .1uf for C1. The frequency was stable at 1600hz with an average output voltage of 7.3 volts with a 14.8 supply.

I may try these values.. but still 7.3 volts is too low for me.. need at least 10 or 11 volts

 

What voltage are you expecting?

I may try these values.. but still 7.3 volts is too low for me.. need at least 10 or 11 volts

You don't understand the output of the 555 as an oscillator.
My digital scope shows appx 13.5 volts peak but the average is 6.5 volts DC because of the duty cycle.

 

I'm also using a software oscilloscope.. voltage reading is not very trusted but in comparison between both my settings it still indicates a big difference in voltage drops

I suspect that a software oscilloscope is using the mic input.
Do you know what is the bandwidth of your software oscilloscope?
I think you need a better oscilloscope.

 

I may try these values.. but still 7.3 volts is too low for me.. need at least 10 or 11 volts

So you mean disconnect pin 8 from the Vcc (14.8 v) and connect it to ground via the cap?

 

So you mean disconnect pin 8 from the Vcc (14.8 v) and connect it to ground via the cap?

No! put the cap from ground to pin 8.

 

I suspect that a software oscilloscope is using the mic input.
Do you know what is the bandwidth of your software oscilloscope?
I think you need a better oscilloscope.

Yes using mic input with attenuator and calibrating the software.. and I have to deal with what I have.. oscilloscopes are expensive lol
I'm using the Visual Analyser by the way

 

No! put the cap from ground to pin 8.

So actually I'll be connecting Vcc to ground through the cap.. is that right?

 

So actually I'll be connecting Vcc to ground through the cap.. is that right?

Like this: Minus side of cap to ground, plus side to pin 8.

 

but still 7.3 volts is too low for me.. need at least 10 or 11 volts

To get an average output of 11 volts the duty cycle needs to be at appx 83%.

 

Yes using mic input with attenuator and calibrating the software.. and I have to deal with what I have.. oscilloscopes are expensive lol
I'm using the Visual Analyser by the way

Post a screen shot of your oscilloscope while probing output at pin 3.

 

If you want to measure the peak output voltage with a multimeter you can add a peak detect circuit consisting of a silicon diode, a resistor, and a capacitor (below):
The Out_Pk voltage (green trace) will have a DC value of about a half volt below the peak square-wave output (yellow trace) of the 555 due to the diode voltage drop.
Using a Schottky diode would reduce the difference to about 0.2V.

 

Like this: Minus side of cap to ground, plus side to pin 8.
View attachment 285844

Ok.. I'll try it

Like this: Minus side of cap to ground, plus side to pin 8.
View attachment 285844

Let's get one step back on

To get an average output of 11 volts the duty cycle needs to be at appx 83%.

Let's take a step back.. talking about peak and average readings from your scope.. can you duplicate my circuit with my set values (R2= 1M, R1= 1K and C1= 0.01 micro) to compare with my modest oscilloscope readings?
With the a.m. values I'm getting stable frequencies from around 60Hz to 1300Hz. Other readings are:
TRms ~8v
Vpeak~9.5v
Vpeak to peak ~19v
Note: I installed a 1k resistor in series with R2 to clip any higher frequency

Thank you

 

Post a screen shot of your oscilloscope while probing output at pin 3.

 

If you want to measure the peak output voltage with a multimeter you can add a peak detect circuit consisting of a silicon diode, a resistor, and a capacitor (below):
The Out_Pk voltage (green trace) will have a DC value of about a half volt below the peak square-wave output (yellow trace) of the 555 due to the diode voltage drop.
Using a Schottky diode would reduce the difference to about 0.2V.

View attachment 285845

Thanks.. I'll make one

 

Your oscilloscope is showing peak-to-peak voltage of about 19V.
If your supply voltage is 14.8V then your oscilloscope calibration is off.
Also your mic input is AC coupled. You cannot measure absolute voltages.

Conclusion: Your 555-timer circuit is operating properly.

 

This Circuit meets all the requirements previously stated .........
.
.
.

 

This Circuit meets all the requirements previously stated .........
.
.
.
View attachment 285851

Thanks buddy.. I'll build that one and let you know the results.
What does mean 2k2 for the resistors values shown in the diagram?

 

Your oscilloscope is showing peak-to-peak voltage of about 19V.
If your supply voltage is 14.8V then your oscilloscope calibration is off.
Also your mic input is AC coupled. You cannot measure absolute voltages.

Conclusion: Your 555-timer circuit is operating properly.

It is working but my problem is I can't confirm readings with the tools in hand.. I'll try to make a peak voltage prob today and re-measure everything

 

It is working but my problem is I can't confirm readings with the tools in hand.. I'll try to make a peak voltage prob today and re-measure everything

And correct me if I'm wrong.. if the mic input is ac coupled that won't affect the frequency or the wave shape.. only the voltage.. right?