556 timers

[fox_60289]

I need helping finding a source to show me how to USE these the way i want to (556 timers). Most of the places i visit just tell me how to make particular projects, i would like to learn how to use them the ways i want to in my particular projects. I've devulged into Parallex micro controllers and found them realitivly simple yet quite expensive. I just want a semi-simple project controller that isn't super expensive. Websites or books that anyone knows of would be nice

-fox-

[ScatterPlot]

http://www.circuit-innovations.co.uk/555.html

Just googled 556 timer. Basically it's just a pair of 555's, which work in two ways: oscillating and one-shot. So for something like, say, a piezo buzzer from the link above, one of them would be oscillating very fast to run the piezo, then the other would cycle it on and off. If you wanted to use it in a paintball gun, you'd probably just wanna use a single 555, cause it takes up less space, but whatever. The 556 info is at the bottom of the page, but the info at the top about 555s will help you understand the 556. Just what kind of thing are you looking at making?

[fox_60289]

thanks

Thanks!

I mostly wanted to use them in paintball marker boards(but also to further my electronic knowledge). Thanks I checked google, but didn't quite know what i was looking for. If you have anything good on 555 timers more help would be appreciated.

-fox-

[ScatterPlot]

I personally haven't used any yet, but if you can find a pin diagram for them and a little info on what each one does you can use your imagination. I plan on making some stuff soon. If I make something cool I might post it on here.

One thing I would mention-
I have heard that 555's are not good for paintball boards because the capacitor it requires for timing can be screwed up by the wide variety of weather that guns can be subjected to. Not like rapid changes, but I've heard that heat, humidity, coldness, etc. can cause the capacitance to change slightly, but enough that you might have to reset your dwell depending on the weather, which would be pretty gay, but that's just what I've heard. Someone with some knowledge around here tell me what you think, cause I would like to use some 555's in a paintball gun as well, cause they seem to be pretty simple, but I don't know if they will work.

[fox_60289]

thanks again

ya i've heard that too ICD or someone along those lines tried making a board useing them but their reaction to changes in tempature were to drastict. Again, though i plan on playing with them anyway; it's all a learning experience, you know? If i seriously wanted to make a one off, do anything board i would probably use a basic stamp II. I've heard (warpig.com) that they do make rather good paintball marker boards.

Thanks,
-fox-

/\ dancing bananas ... don't have those on the other boards i visit...

[Titansu]

I'll dig around my old college books to find a TTL (Transistor-Transistor Logic) manual. It's probably dated around 1989-92, but that information hasn't changed. If you could use it, I'll shoot it out to you.