Troubleshooting My Timer: Why Won't My Relay Open and Shut?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on troubleshooting a timer circuit designed to control a relay. The user confirmed that their output is directly shorted to ground, which is a critical design choice. A suggestion was made to disconnect the output/diode junction from ground to assess current sinking capabilities. Calculations indicate that the 555 timer can sink approximately 11mA, which is sufficient for the intended operation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of 555 timer operation
  • Basic knowledge of relay circuits
  • Familiarity with current sinking and sourcing concepts
  • Experience with diode junctions in electronic circuits
NEXT STEPS
  • Research 555 timer configurations for relay control
  • Learn about current sinking vs. sourcing in electronic components
  • Explore troubleshooting techniques for relay circuits
  • Investigate the role of diodes in timer circuits
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Electronics enthusiasts, hobbyists working on timer circuits, and engineers troubleshooting relay control systems.

simo
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Can you tell me what is wrong with my timer. I want it to make a relay open and shut periodically. For some reason it's not working.
 

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simo said:
Can you tell me what is wrong with my timer. I want it to make a relay open and shut periodically. For some reason it's not working.

You show your output directly shorted to ground. Is that correct, or a typo?
 
berkeman said:
You show your output directly shorted to ground. Is that correct, or a typo?

Nope, that's how I made it.

If I disconnect the output/diode junction from ground, would it sink the current?
 
If you do the calculation from the numbers you give, the sink current would be about 11ma, so the 555 should be able to sink that.
 

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