Want to Program a 555 Timer? Here's What You Need!

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around programming a 555 timer for creating rapid-fire controllers for gaming consoles, specifically the Xbox 360. Participants explore the necessary equipment, software, and tips for beginners interested in this application of the 555 timer.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to learn how to program a 555 timer and seeks guidance on equipment and software needed.
  • Another participant provides a link to a datasheet and mentions that programming involves selecting specific resistor and capacitor values.
  • There is confusion about whether a 555 timer can be programmed like a microcontroller, with some participants clarifying that a standard 555 timer does not require reflashing like a microcontroller.
  • One participant mistakenly identifies a microcontroller as a 555 timer and is corrected by others, leading to a discussion about the differences between the two.
  • Concerns are raised about potential spam or misrepresentation, with one participant defending their intentions and clarifying their interest in building the circuit for personal use and local sales.
  • Another participant suggests that while it may be possible to emulate the function of a pre-programmed chip with a 555 timer, the feasibility in terms of time and cost is questioned.
  • A participant shares their positive experience with the 555 timer and provides a resource for learning more about it.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion contains multiple competing views regarding the programming of the 555 timer and whether it can effectively replace pre-programmed chips. There is no consensus on the best approach or the feasibility of using a 555 timer for the intended application.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the specific requirements for programming the 555 timer and the potential for cost-effectiveness in building the circuit compared to purchasing pre-made kits.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in electronics, specifically those looking to learn about timers, circuit building, and modifications for gaming consoles.

xboxmodandrep
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Hi guys I want to learn how to program a 555 timer. I searched google and there doesn't seem to be any sort of tutorials or good info for a beginner to get started I don't even know what equipment I would need to do it. I want to program a 555 timer for 15 pulses per second so I can make rapidfire controllers for the xbox 360 without paying for kits with preprogrammed timers on ebay. So what I want to know is:

what equipment do I need?
is there specific software I need?
tips to get started

Thanks in advance for any help this was one of the only sites I found that seemed like it might provide some insight.
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
So there is no plugging into some programming device and using a pc to reflash some hex thing on the chip? I was skeptical see the guys selling the kits on ebay were saying that their chips were pre-programmed so I assumed a standard 555 timer would not work.

Thanks for replying I've been refreshing every few minutes just waiting I am excited to build these things I love soldering ;)
 
xboxmodandrep said:
So there is no plugging into some programming device and using a pc to reflash some hex thing on the chip? I was skeptical see the guys selling the kits on ebay were saying that their chips were pre-programmed so I assumed a standard 555 timer would not work.

Thanks for replying I've been refreshing every few minutes just waiting I am excited to build these things I love soldering ;)

You might be thinking of programmable crystal oscillators.

http://electronicdesign.com/Articles/Index.cfm?ArticleID=4371

http://www.doveonline.com/programmable-oscillator/programmable-oscillator-default.php

.
 
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No, look at the part number, 12F683. That's a MicroChip (PIC) part number. It's a microprocessor not a 555.
 
why would you think that's got anything to do with a 555? you just here to represent your xbox modifications website?
 
Why does someone always have to butt in with no intentions of lending support or advice and assume that people are up to no good, If I was here to represent I would have done so not put on some front about needing help. I honestly thought that was a 555 timer just programmed somehow sorry for my ignorance. Just my opinion, logically it seems I would have been doing a very poor job of representing my modding site if I showed up sounding like I don't know anything and don't even recognize my own parts etc. That site is just one of many, not mine I don't even have a site. I was just an honest guy looking for advice. Skeptic 2 and Berkeman I thank you for your assistance and apologize for my ignorance (hence the cry for help) and Proton Soup you should learn some manners you are not representing this site positively I think. Good day gentlemen I will not waste time flaming etc. clearly I need to research more to get what I seek.
 
i'm not an idiot. see it too much, unfortunately. just recently, it was guys trying to get exposure for their mod site for water-powered cars. getting link backs to web sites adds an air of legitimacy to google and ups page rankings. i'll admit, you're smarter than most, but might want to change your name.
 
  • #10
xboxmodandrep said:
logically it seems I would have been doing a very poor job of representing my modding site if I showed up sounding like I don't know anything and don't even recognize my own parts etc. That site is just one of many, not mine I don't even have a site. I was just an honest guy looking for advice. Skeptic 2 and Berkeman I thank you for your assistance and apologize for my ignorance (hence the cry for help)

No worries. You did have us all pretty confused at first, but glad it's clearer now.

As Proton said, we get a lot of cases of spammers here with lots of different schemes. We do a pretty good job of weeding them out, but it can make us a bit sensitive at times.

Welcome again to the PF. You'll find it a very useful place as you continue your studies and learning.
 
  • #11
You don't get me at all Proton Soup, I am not trying to get exposure, I don't own a site I am a locally run business trying to save a buck, no schemes I did say right in my original post that all I wanted was to figure out how to build this circuit to avoid buying them pre-done from ebay. I didn't disguise my name because I am not being sneaky I promise. Seriously I am just trying to figure this out. Heres my take nothing but honesty:

I want to make rapidfire controllers for myself and friends and yes I will try to sell them locally because I got to pay my rent and I'm not good at much else but screwing with game consoles, but the kits to make these things run from 15-50$ so I ordered a few different types to see if I could recreate the effect with radio shack parts. I love tinkering and soldering and figuring things out anyway. They have that pre-programmed chip that produces 15 pulses per second approx. I thought that was a 555 timer I was wrong but I think it would still be possible to do with a 555 timer but I just don't understand it enough.

So what do you think, I promise never to link to another site for as long as I live to prove I'm not here on some underhanded mission to brainwash you all into buying my xbox mod stuff ;) based on your knowledge of 555 timers, is it possible for me to wire it up to another button to get a rapidfire effect?

Thanks guys sorry for the negativity Proton Soup I suppose you're just looking out for your territory ;)
 
  • #12
it's not possible to tell what it does without buying it because they don't have the datasheet available. perhaps you could emulate its function with a 555 and a few discrete components. whether you'd save either money or time (which are often the same thing) is another question. generally, you can't make money at component level test and repair (or mods) unless you're working for uncle sam. even in the 80's, television repair was a dying art. good luck.
 
  • #13
A few months ago I learned using the 555 timer, and it really rocks. I've done over a dozen of projects with 555's.
I started learning at http://www.uoguelph.ca/~antoon/gadgets/555/555.html" .
Hope that helps.
 
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  • #14
Thanks that's what I was looking for, I will check it out and see if I can get it hooked up and let you know.

Thanks again for the help I will come here for my techno needs from now on
 

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