inkriminator

Does anyone know what specifics are needed to create a circuit that will output two separate signals running at different time invervals. That is to say, an output that will send a signal to one load at say, every two seconds, and a second output signal at every 4 seconds. I've tried a solid state clock, but the square wave is too cumbersome to work with.

christophagust

Perhaps some more elaboration on the problem? I don't think anyone has taken a crack at it becasue there isn't enough information it seems.

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Loki

erm, the only real way that i could think of that is to have the devices trigger on different signals, and have the output signal send both signals at what ever time period you want. the only real problem with that is overlap, i.e. both devices cant be activated/deactivated during the same time period

sorry if that doesnt help you, but im only guessing at what your asking. perhaps post a diagram or something?

Mango

what kind of signal? You could use timers. Omron (and others) make decent timers that are really accurate. They have contacts rated to 5-10 amps for the less expensive ones. They come analog or digital. You can get programmable relays with multiple outputs that are like micro PLCs for about $100.
If you elaborate more I could be more specific. How much you wanna spend?

inkriminator

What i'm trying to make is a Table tennis server that uses compressed air. So the two electrical components so far are going to be two solenoids that will 1) close/open a door to release a ball and 2) Another solenoid that will close/open a valve linked to a regulator, to let the air flow out and propel the ball. Thinking about it, the interval's would be the same, but the there would have to be a lag between when the 2nd solenoid goes off and when the first goes off. I'm really not looking too spend much beyond...$5...I was hoping there might be some sort of timer signaling I could use...again, I'm really new at circuitry building, so this help is very much appreciated

Shadowman

You could do that with a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller). They're quite costly, but by just reading its manual, you'll learn very quickly. I actually use PLC's in my trade (Im an electrician), so Im fairly knowledgable on them. Another way is using timers and contactors. You'll need two 8 pin (3 contact, plus coil) timers, plus 4 contactors, wire, etc. Contact me if you need more advice!

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Shadowman

Mango

Ya a PLC will do it but so will a couple timers &/or relays. If you give a really detailed description of how you want them set up I could draw you a schematic (really simple one). I'm an Electrical engineer and do a lot of control design using PLCs and relay logic. This would take a couple minutes to design and probably run less than $50 in materials.

stingc

If I'm understanding you correctly, this could be done for around $5 with components bought from a surplus store (many online). Do you just want a delay signal? Or two oscillators out of phase? Either can be done with e.g. a 555 timer (maybe 50 cents NOT from radio shack) or two. Most of the suggestions here are way overkill.

inkriminator

stingc, an oscillating signal out of phase is what I'm thinking of, can you give me more details about doing that with a 555? Thanks.