FREQUENCY MEASUREMENTS

USING PC
PROBIR GOYAL

H
ere is a simple technique for ter are not used. When a wave is found, limit (UL) of frequency is given by
measuring frequencies over along with its time-period and frequency UL=19xN5 Hz. Thus for MOD 16 counters
quite a wide frequency range components, its measurement precision in UL≈20 MHz, and for MOD 10 counters
and with acceptable accuracy limits us- percentage is also calculated and dis- UL≈1.9 MHz. Care should be taken to
ing a PC. It follows the basic technique of played. Number of data taken in 54.9 ms ensure that this upper limit is within the
measuring low frequencies, i.e. at low is also displayed. operating frequency range of counter IC
frequency, period is measured for a com- As stated above, the lower starting used. Precision of measurement is a ma-
plete wave and frequency is calculated range is about 19 Hz. Data is read for chine-dependent parameter. High-speed
from the measured time-period. approximately 54.9 ms. Thus, the lowest machines will have better precision com-
Cascaded binary counters are used for possible frequency that can be measured pared to others. Basically, precision de-
converting the high-frequency signals into is 1/.0549 Hz. Lower frequency range de- pends directly upon the number of data
low-frequency signals. The parallel port pends only on the sampling time and is read in a standard time. Precision of mea-
of a computer is used for data input from practically fixed at 19 Hz (18.2 Hz, to be surement varies inversely as the value of
binary counters. This data is used for precise). Upper frequency range depends MOD counter used. Precision is high when
measuring time and calculating the on factors such as value of the MOD coun- MOD 10 counters are used in place of
frequency of the signal. ter used and the operating frequency MOD 16 counters, but this will restrict
The block diagram shows the basic range of the counter IC. If MOD-N coun- the upper limit of frequency measurement
connections of the counters and parallel ter is used (where N is an integer), upper and vice-versa.
port pin numbers on 25-pin ‘D’ connector
of a PC (control register 379 Hex is used
for input). External hardware is used only
for converting the higher frequency sig-
nals into low frequency signals. Thus, the
major role in frequency-measurement is
played by the software.
The PC generates a time-interrupt
at a frequency of 18.21 Hz, i.e. after
every 54.92 millisecond. Software uses
this time-interrupt as a time-reference.
The control register of the PC’s parallel
port is read and the data is stored con-
tinuously in an array for approximately
54.9 ms using a loop. This stored data is
then analysed bit-wise. Initially, the
higher-order bit (MSB or the seventh-
bit) of every array element is scanned
for the presence of a complete square
wave. If it is found, its time period is
measured and if not then the second-
highest order bit (sixth bit) is scanned.
This operation is performed till the third
bit and if no full square wave is still
found, an error message is generated
which indicates that either there is an
error in reading or the frequency signal
is lower than 19 Hz.
Lower three bits of the control regis-

ELECTRONICS PROJECTS Vol. 20 141

 PROGRAM IN TURBO C
#include <stdio.h> { ps=data[j] & N;
#include <dos.h> if(ls!=ps) st++; /* finding a complete wave */
#include <conio.h> if(st>0 && st<4) count++;
#define MOD 16 /* define counter mod used */ if(st==3) break; /* wave found */
#define LPT 0x379/* LPT1 input port address */ ls=ps;
void interrupt (*old_clock)(); }

M
void interrupt new_clock (); if(st==3) /* calculate frequency of the wave */
static int t;

A
{mul=1; for(j=3;j<k;j++) mul=mul*MOD;count--;
void main() printf(“%d %f %d “,k,mul,count);

R
{ /* tick = Time for which LPT will be read */ tm=((count*div)/mul); fq=1/tm; pri=(100.0/count);

G
float div,mul,tick=54800.0; /* tick is in micro sec. */ gotoxy(20,7); printf(“Frequency = %0.3lf Kilo Hz “, fq*1000);
double fq,tm,pri; gotoxy(20,10); printf(“Time = %0.3lf micro sec “, tm);

O
char data[50000],c; gotoxy(15,23); printf(“Precision = %0.5lf percent of main

R
int count,ls,ps,k,j,N,st; frequency”,pri);

P
unsigned i; gotoxy(15,24); printf(“Samples taken in %0.2f ms = %d “, tick/
old_clock = getvect(0x08);///* capturing time vector */ 1000, i);
setvect(0x08,new_clock); /* assigning new time vector */ break;
do }
{ i=0; t=0; clrscr(); if(st<3 && k==3) /* no complete wave was present */
gotoxy(25,1); printf(“FREQUENCY MEASUREMENTS”); { gotoxy(24,7); printf(“Error in Reading ...!”); }
gotoxy(23,17); printf(“Press any key to Pause.....”); } } t=0; i=0;
while(!kbhit()) /* reading LPT between two time interrupts */ }
{ /* use “inp(LPT)” if using MS product */ getch(); gotoxy(13,21);
while(t<8) while(t>2 && t<4) {data[i] = inportb(LPT); i++; }} printf(“ Press E Esc for Exit any other key to continue”);
if(t==8) c=getch();
{ div=tick/i; }while (c!=27 && c !=’e’ && c!=’E’);
for(k=7;k>2;k—) /* analyzing each bit of read data */ setvect(0x08,old_clock); /* assigning original time interupt */
{ N=1; for(j=0;j<k;j++) N=N*2; }
st=0; count=0; void interrupt new_clock() /* new time interrupt service */
ps=(data[0] & N); ls=ps; { t++; (*old_clock)(); }
for(j=0;j<i;j++)

TELEPHONE NUMBER DISPLAY

BHASKAR BANERJEE

T
he given circuit, when connected its equivalent BCD number that corre- cuit which converts an input of ‘10102’
in parallel to a telephone, dis- sponds to the dialled number. This bi- into ‘00002’ without affecting the inputs
plays the number dialled from the nary number is stored sequentially in 10 ‘1’ through ‘9’. This is accomplished by
telephone set using the DTMF mode. This latches each time a number is dialled from gates N13 through N15 (IC11) and N1
circuit can also show the number dialled the phone. The first number is stored in (IC12).
from the phone of the calling party. This IC5A (1/2 of CD4508) while the second The storing of numbers in respective
is particularly helpful for receiving any number is stored in IC5B and so on. The latches is done by IC2 (4017). The data
number over the phone lines. binary output from IC1 for digit ‘0’ as valid output from pin 15 of IC1 is
The DTMF signal—generated by the decoded by IC1 is 10102 (=1010), and this used to clock IC2. The ten outputs of IC2
phone on dialling a number—is decoded cannot be displayed by the seven-segment are sequentially connected to the store
by DTMF decoder CM8870P1 (IC1), which decoder, IC10. Therefore the binary out- and clear inputs of all the latches,
converts the received DTMF signal into put of IC1 is passed through a logic-cir- except the last one, where the clear

142 ELECTRONICS PROJECTS Vol. 20

 input is tied to ground. When an output
pin of IC2 is high, the corresponding
latch is cleared of previous data and
kept ready for storing new data. Then,
on clocking IC2, the same pin becomes
low and the data present at the inputs
of that latch at that instant gets stored
and the next latch is cleared and kept
ready. The similar input and output
pins of all latches are connected together
to form two separate input and output
buses.
There is only one 7-segment decoder/
driver IC10 for all the ten displays. This
not only reduces size and cost but re-
duces power requirement too. The out-
put from a latch is available only when
its disable pins (3 and 15) are brought
low. This is done by IC3, IC12 and IC13.
IC3 is clocked by an astable multivibrator
IC4 (555). IC3 also drives the displays
by switching corresponding transistors.
When a latch is enabled, its correspond-
ing display is turned on and the content
of that latch, after decoding by IC10,
gets displayed in the corresponding dis-
play. For instance, contents of IC5A are
displayed on display ‘DIS1,’ that of IC5B
on ‘DIS2’ and so on. The system should
be connected to the telephone lines via a
DPDT switch (not shown) for manual
switching, otherwise any circuit capable
of sensing handset’s off-hook condition
and thereby switching relays, etc. can be
used for automatic switching. The power-
supply switch can also be replaced then.
Such circuits, under different captions,
can be found in EFY’s back issues.
Though this circuit is capable of showing
a maximum of ten digits, one can reduce
the display digits as required. For doing
this, connect the reset pin of IC2, say,
for a 7-digit display, with S6 output at
pin 5.
The present circuit can be built
on a veroboard and housed in a
suitable box. The displays are common-
cathode type. To make the system
compact, small, 7-segment displays can
be used but with some extra cost. Also,
different colour displays can be used for
the first three or four digits to separate
the exchange code/STD code, etc. The
circuit can be suitably adopted for
calling-line display.

Readers Comments: 2. The pin connections of DIS1 to DIS9 ❑ I have the following queries regarding
❑ I would like to have the following doubts are not mentioned properly. How should this circuit:
clarified: we connect them? 1. What is meant by DTMF mode?
1. What is the function of external Sunny Hercleas 2. Can the proposed circuit be used in
reset switch S2? How it is used? Hyderabad a telephone set that doesn’t have the

ELECTRONICS PROJECTS Vol. 20 143

 DTMF output, e.g. Priyadarshni set? note that the output of IC1
3. Can I use an LCD instead of 7- corresponding to ‘0’ in the
segment display? If yes, what are the telephone is converted to
changes to be made in the circuit? ‘0’ binary by gates P1, P2,
4. Is it possible to increase the num- P3 and N1 (and not as
ber of 7-segment displays from 10 to 12? stated in the text). Though
If yes, kindly suggest the changes to be a 5V supply is shown, a
made in the circuit. better choice would be a
5. Can the proposed circuit be 9V supply.
used with telephone exchanges which In reply to T. Kartik, I
have calling line identification (CLI) would like to thank the
facility? reader for showing inter-
T. Kartik est in my circuit idea. Here
Madurai are the answers to his que-
The author Bhaskar Banarjee replies: ries:
In reply to Sunny Hercleas: 1. With modern tele-
When the circuit is switched on, phones, we can dial a
it is automatically reset, it has to be number in pulse mode or Fig. 1: Cascading for up to 18-digit display
reset manually each time, which is done in tone mode. In DTMF
using switch S2. You may also use a (dual-tone multi-frequency) mode (tone 3. LCD cannot be used with this cir-
comparator circuit to monitor the line mode) of dialling, a particular frequency cuit. It is possible only after considerable
voltage and provide a positive pulse to pair is generated corresponding to the key changes in the present circuit.
pin 15 of IC2 each time the handset in pressed instead of pulses in the pulse 4. To increase the display up to 18
lifted. mode of dialling. The generated tones can digits, cascade another 4017 with IC2 as
Regarding displays, all the similar be heard in the earphone. shown in Fig. 1.
pins of the ten displays should be con- 2. The present circuit cannot be used 5. This circuit can be used as CLI, but
nected together and then the seven com- with telephones that don’t have tone dial- it is too basic and rather uneconomical
mon wires connected to the IC10. Also ling (DTMF) mode. for such purpose.

DIGITAL SWITCHING SYSTEM

RAJESH K.P.

T
his circuit can control any one out counter acts as a master-controller for the IC1 (74LS193) is a presettable up/
of 16 devices with the help of two system. A visual indication in the form of down counter. IC2 and IC3 (74LS154) (1
push-to-on switches. An up/down LEDs is also available. of 16 decoder/demultiplexer) perform dif-

144 ELECTRONICS PROJECTS Vol. 20

ferent functions, i.e. IC2 is used to indi- by one count. Likewise, by pressing switch The outputs of IC3 are passed through
cate the channel number while IC3 S3 the counter counts downwards. inverter gates (IC4 through IC6) because
switches on the selected channel. The counter provides BCD output. IC3 provides negative going pulses while
Before using the circuit, press switch This BCD output is used as address input for driving the triacs we need positive-
S1 to reset the circuit. Now the circuit is for IC2 and IC3 to switch one (desired going pulses. The high output of inverter
ready to receive the input clock. By press- channel) out of sixteen channels by turn- gates turn on the npn transistors to drive
ing switch S2 once, the counter advances ing on the appropriate triac and the cor- the triacs. Diodes connected in series with
by one count. Thus, each pressing of responding LED to indicate the selected triac gates serve to provide unidirectional
switch S2 enables the counter to advance channel. current for the gate-drive.

40-METRE DIRECT
CONVERSION RECEIVER
PRADEEP G.

U
sing the circuit of direct-conver- into the gate of first FET (T1) through control VR1. An audio output from the
sion receiver described here, one 10pF capacitor C16. The VFO is tuned to AF amplifier is connected to an 8-ohm, 1-
can listen to amateur radio QSO a frequency which differs from the watt speaker.
signals in CW as well as in SSB mode in incoming CW signal frequency by about 1 The receiver can be powered by a 12-
the 40-metre band. kHz to produce a beat frequency note in volt power-supply, capable of sourcing
The circuit makes use of three the audio range at the output around 250mA current. Audio-output
n-channel FETs (BFW10). The first of transformer X1, which is an audio stage can be substituted with a readymade
FET (T1) performs the function of ant./ driver transformer of the type used in L-plate audio output circuit used in
RF amplifier-cum-product detector, transistor radios. transistor amplifiers, if desired. The
while the second and third FETs (T2 and The audio output from transformer X1 necessary data regarding the coils used
T3) together form a VFO (variable fre- is connected to the input of audio amplifier in the circuit is given in the circuit
quency oscillator) whose output is injected built around IC1 (TBA820M) via volume diagram itself.

ELECTRONICS PROJECTS Vol. 20 145

 PRECISION 1HZ CLOCK GENERATOR
USING CHIP-ON-BOARD
K. UDHAYAKUMARAN, VU3GTH

U
sually the circuits for generation clock pulse has a very low amplitude Preset VR1
of 1Hz clock for applications in of the order of a few milli-volts which is offset null
digital clock and counter circuits cannot be used to drive the digital cir- control used to
make use of ICs in conjunction with a cuits directly. This low-level voltage is adjust proper
crystal and trimmer capacitors, etc. How- amplified several times by op-amp IC 1Hz pulse at the
ever, similar or better accuracy can be CA3140. output terminal
achieved using a chip-on-board (COB) The op-amp CA3140 is connected in ‘E’. Connect one
device found inside a digital clock, which a non-inverting mode, and its gain is set LED in series
is readily available in the market for by resistors R4 and R3. Capacitor C2 with 220-ohm
Rs 15-20. This COB consists of IC, ca- reduces the AC gain and unwanted stray resistor between
pacitors and quartz crystal, etc which are pick-up and thus improves stability of the terminal ‘E’
mounted on its surface. It works on 1.4 the circuit. and ground and adjust preset VR1 till
volt DC source. This COB can be used to The input impedance of IC CA3140 the LED blinks once every second.
derive 1Hz clock. is very high and thus there is no drop at When using the COB, affix the same
on a general-pur-
pose PCB using rub-
ber based adhesive
and solder the ter-
minals neatly using
thin single-strand
wire.
Lab Note: The
COBs used in dif-
ferent watches may
differ some-what in
their configuration.
But by trial-and-
error one can
always find out the
appropriate points
corresponding to
Resistor R1, capacitor C3, diodes D1 the input when 1Hz clock signal of low points A, B, C and D. Figure of a second
and D2 shown in the circuit convert 5V level is connected across its input termi- COB used by EFY Lab is shown along-
DC into 1.4V DC. A ½Hz clock is avail- nals from the COB. Amplified 1Hz clock side. The points A and B (on the COB
able at terminals A and B with a phase pulse is available at its output pin 6, used by us) were observed to have
difference of 90o. The two outputs, are which is further amplified by transistors complementary 1Hz outputs and hence
combined using capacitors C1 and C2 to T1 and T2 to drive the digital clocks and anyone (only) could be used as input to
obtain a complete 1Hz clock. This 1Hz timers. opamp CA3140.

Readers Comments: make digital clocks? You may use an electronic

❑ I thought of using these COBs which R.R. Kodial quartz analogue wall clock COB in
are easily available as scrap at watch New Delhi any circuit without any modification,
repair shops. Is it possible to use The author K. Udhaya Kumaran but both terminals A and B should be
them with some add-on circuitry to replies: used.

146 ELECTRONICS PROJECTS Vol. 20

 ELECTRONIC JAM
RAJESH K.P.

T
his jam circuit can be used in quiz as well as 8-input NAND gate 74LS30 of any other switch S1 through S8 has
contests wherein any participant (IC3). The output of IC3 thus becomes no effect. Thus, the contestant who
who presses his button (switch) logic 0 which, after inversion by NAND presses his switch first, jams the display
before the other contestants, gets the first gate N2, is applied to latch-enable pin 11 to show only his number. In the unlikely
chance to answer a question. The circuit of IC1. With all input pins of IC2 being event of simultaneous pressing (within
given here permits up to eight contestants logic 1, its BCD output is 0000, which few nano-seconds difference) of more than
with each one allotted a distinct number is applied to 7-segment decoder/driver one switch, the higher priority number
(1 to 8). The display will show the number 74LS47 (IC6) after inversion by hex in- (switch no.) will be displayed.
of the contestant pressing his button before verter gates inside 74LS04 (IC5). Thus, on Simultaneously, the logic 0 output of gate
the others. Simultaneously, a buzzer will reset the display shows 0. N1 drives the buzzer via pnp transistor
also sound. Both, the display as well as When any one of the push-to-on BC158 (T1). The buzzer as well the
the buzzer have to be reset manually using switches—S1 through S8—is pressed, the display can be reset (to show 0) by
a common reset switch. corresponding output line of IC1 is momentary pressing of reset switch S9
Initially, when reset switch S9 is mo- latched at logic 0 level and the display so that next round may start.
mentarily pressed and released, all out- indicates the number associated with the Lab Note: The original circuit sent
puts of 74LS373 (IC1) transparent latch specific pressed switch. At the same time, by the author has been modified as it did
go ‘high’ since all the input data lines are output pin 8 of IC3 becomes high, which not jam the display, and a higher number
returned to Vcc via resistors R1 through causes outputs of both gates N1 and N2 switch (higher priority), even when
R8. All eight outputs of IC1 are connected to go to logic 0 state. Logic 0 output of pressed later, was able to change the dis-
to inputs of priority encoder 74LS147 (IC2) gate N2 inhibits IC1, and thus pressing played number.

ELECTRONICS PROJECTS Vol. 20 147

 TINY DEW SENSOR
T.K. HAREENDRAN

D
ew (condensed moisture) ad- can be procured from authorised service lar dual op-amp IC LM358N which is con-
versely affects the normal per- centres of reputed companies. The author figured here as a comparator. (Note that
formance of sensitive electronic used the dew sensor for FUNAI VCP only one half of the IC is used here.) Un-
devices. A low-cost circuit described here model No. V.I.P. 3000A (Part No: 6808- der normal conditions, resistance of the
can be used to switch off any gadget 08-04, reference no. 336) in his prototype. dew sensor is low (1 kilo-ohm or so) and
automatically in case of excessive In practice, it is observed that all dew thus the voltage at its non-inverting ter-
humidity. sensors available for video application minal (pin 3) is low compared to that at
At the heart of the circuit is an inex- possess the same electrical characteris- its inverting input (pin 2) terminal. The
pensive (resistor type) dew sensor ele- tics irrespective of their physical shape/ corresponding output of the comparator
ment. Although dew sensor elements are size, and hence are interchangeable and (at pin 1) is accordingly low and thus noth-
widely used in video cassette players and can be used in this project. ing happens in the circuit.
recorders, these may not be easily avail- The circuit is basically a switching When humidity exceeds 80 per cent,
able in local market. However, the same type circuit made with the help of a popu- the sensor resistance increases rapidly.
As a result, the non-inverting pin becomes
more positive than the inverting pin. This
pushes up the output of IC1 to a high
level. As a consequence, the LED inside
the opto-coupler is energised. At the same
time LED1 provides a visual indication.
The opto-coupler can be suitably
interfaced to any electronic device for
switching purpose.
Circuit comprising diode D1, resistors
R8 and R6 and capacitor C1 forms a low-
voltage, low-current power supply unit.
This simple arrangement obviates the
requirement for a bulky and expensive
step-down transformer.

ELECTRONIC SCORING GAME

SUDHEESH N.

Y
ou can play this game alone
or with your friends. The
circuit comprises a timer IC,
two decade counters and a display
driver along with a 7-segment
display.
The game is simple. As stated
above, it is a scoring game and the
competitor who scores 100 points
rapidly (in short steps) is the win-
ner. For scoring, one has the option
of pressing either switch S2 or S3.

148 ELECTRONICS PROJECTS Vol. 20

Switch S2, when pressed, makes the coun- The sequence of operations for play- and repeats the steps shown in step 1
ter count in the forward direction, while ing the game between, say two players ‘X’ above and notes down his new score (say,
switch S3 helps to count downwards. Be- and ‘Y’, is summarised below: X2). He adds up this score to his previous
fore starting a fresh game, and for that 1. Player ‘X’ starts by momentary score. The same procedure is repeated by
matter even a fresh move, you must press pressing of reset switch S1 followed player ‘Y’ in his turn.
switch S1 to reset the circuit. Thereafter, by pressing and releasing of either 4. The game carries on until the score
press any of the two switches, i.e. S2 or switch S2 or S3. Thereafter he presses attained by one of the two players totals
S3. switch S4 to read the display (score) up to or exceeds 100, to be declared as the
On pressing switch S2 or S3, the and notes down this number (say X1) winner.
counter’s BCD outputs change very manually. Several players can participate in this
rapidly and when you release the switch, 2. Player ‘Y’ also starts by momen- game, with each getting a chance to score
the last number remains latched at the tary pressing of switch S1 followed during his own turn.
output of IC2. The latched BCD number by pressing of switch S2 or S3 and The circuit may be assembled
is input to BCD to 7-segment decoder/ then notes down his score (say Y1), using a multipurpose board. Fix the
driver IC3 which drives a common- after pressing switch S4, exactly display (LEDs and 7-segment display) on
anode display DIS1. However, you can in the same fashion as done by the first top of the cabinet along with the
read this number only when you press player. three switches. The supply voltage for
switch S4. 3. Player ‘X’ again presses switch S1 the circuit is 5V.

SIMPLE SENSITIVE REMOTE

CONTROL TESTER
HARISH KUMAR

H
ere is a handy gadget for test-
ing of infrared (IR) based re-
mote control transmitters used
for TVs and VCRs etc.
The IR signals from a remote control
transmitter are sensed by the IR sensor
module in the tester and its output at
pin 2 goes low. This in turn switches on
transistor T1 and causes LED1 to blink.
At the same time, the buzzer beeps at
the same rate as the incoming signals
from the remote control transmitter. The
pressing of different buttons on the re-
mote control will result in different pulse
rates which would change the rate at
which the LED blinks or the buzzer
beeps.
When no signal is sensed by the Capacitor C1 smoothes DC input are effectively grounded and do not inter-
sensor module, output pin 2 of the sen- while capacitor C2 suppresses any spikes fere with the functioning of the circuit.
sor goes high and, as a result, transistor appearing in the input supply. The proposed layout of the box containing
T1 switches off and hence LED1 and Proper grounding of the metal case the circuit is shown in the figure. The 9-
buzzer BZ1 go off. This circuit requires will ensure that the electromagnetic emis- volt DC supply from the eliminator can
5V regulated power supply which can be sions which are produced by tube-lights be fed into the jack using a banana-type
obtained from 9V eliminator and con- and electronic ballasts etc (which lie plug.
nected to the circuit through a jack. within the bandwidth of receiver circuit)

ELECTRONICS PROJECTS Vol. 20 149

 ULTRA LOW DROP LINEAR
REGULATOR
P.S. SINI

T
he circuit is a MOSFET based output at slightly elevated minimum volt- will get triggered, pulling down the gate
linear voltage regulator with a age drop. Trimpot VR1 in the circuit is used voltage to ground, and thus limiting the
voltage drop of as low as 60 mV for fine adjustment of the output voltage. output current. The circuit will remain
at 1 ampere. Drop of a fewer millivolts is Combination of capacitor C5 and resistor latched in this state, and input voltage
possible with better MOSFETs having R2 provides er-
lower RDS(on) resistance. ror-amplifier
The circuit in Fig. 1 uses 15V-0-15V compensation.
secondary output from a step-down trans- The circuit is
former and employs an n-channel provided with a
MOSFET IRF540 to get the regulated 12V short-circuit
output from DC input, which could be as crow-bar protec-
low as 12.06V. The gate drive voltage re- tion to guard the
quired for the MOSFET is generated us- components
ing a voltage doubler circuit consisting of against over-
diodes D1 and D2 and capacitors C1 and stress during ac-
C4. To turn the MOSFET fully on, the cidental short at
gate terminal should be around 10V above the output. This
the source terminal which is connected to crow-bar protec- Fig. 2
the output here. The voltage doubler feeds tion will work as
this voltage to the gate through resistor follows: Under normal working conditions, has to be switched off to reset the circuit.
R1. Adjustable shunt regulator TL431 the voltage across capacitor C3 will be The circuit shown in Fig. 2 follows a
(IC2) is used here as an error amplifier, 6.3V and diode D5 will be in the off state similar scheme. It can be utilised when
and it dynamically adjusts the gate volt- since it will be reverse-biased with the the regulator has to work from a DC rail
age to maintain the regulation at the out- output voltage of 12V. However, during in place of 15V-0-15V AC supply. The gate
put. output short-circuit condition, the output voltage here is generated using an LM555
With adequate heatsink for the will momentarily drop, causing D5 to con- charge pump circuit as follows:
MOSFET, the circuit can provide up to 3A duct and the opto-triac MOC3011 (IC1) When 555 output is low, capacitor C2
will get charged through di-
ode D1 to the input voltage.
In the next half cycle, when
the 555 output goes high, ca-
pacitor C3 will get charged to
almost double the input volt-
age. The rest of the circuit
works in a similar fashion as
the circuit of Fig. 1.
The above circuits will help
reduce power-loss by allowing
to keep input voltage range to
the regulator low during ini-
tial design or even in existing
circuits. This will keep the out-
put regulated with relatively
low input voltage compared to
the conventional regulators.
The minimum voltage
drop can be further reduced
using low RDS(on) MOSFETs or
Fig. 1 by paralleling them.

150 ELECTRONICS PROJECTS Vol. 20

 MAGNETIC PROXIMITY SWITCH
T.K. HAREENDRAN

H
ere is an interesting circuit for
a magnetic proximity switch
which can be used in various
applications.
The circuit, consists of a reed switch
at its heart. When a magnet is brought
in the vicinity of the sensor (reed switch),
its contacts close to control the rest
of the switching circuit. In place of the
reed switch, one may, as well, use a
general-purpose electromagnetic reed re-
lay (by making use of the reed switch
contacts) as the sensor, if required. These
tiny reed relays are easily available as
they are widely used in telecom prod-
ucts. The reed switch or relay to be used a consequence its output at pin 3 used. Note that the flip-flop is wired in
with this circuit should be the ‘normally goes high for a short duration and toggle mode with data input (pin 5) con-
open’ type. supplies clock to the clock input nected to the Q (pin 2) output. On receipt
When a magnet is brought/placed (pin 3) of IC2 (CD4013—dual D-type of clock pulse, the Q output at pin 1
in the vicinity of the sensor element flip-flop). LED D2 is used as a response changes from low to high state and due to
for a moment, the contacts of the indicator. this the relay driver transistor T1 gets
reed switch close to trigger timer This CMOS IC2 consists of two inde- forward-biased. As a result the relay RL1
IC1 wired in monostable mode. As pendent flip-flops though here only one is is energised.

SIMPLE LOW-COST
DIGITAL CODE LOCK
A. JEYABAL

M
any digital code lock circuits lock circuit is presented in this article. 2. Elimination of power amplifier tran-
have been published in this Here the keying-in code is rather unique. sistor to energise the relay.
magazine. In those circuits a Six switches are to be pressed to open 3. Low cost and small PCB size.
set of switches (conforming to code) are the lock, but only two switches at a time. An essential property of this electronic
pressed one by one within the specified Thus a total of three sets of switches code lock is that it works in monostable
time to open the lock. In some other cir- have to be pressed in a particular se- mode, i.e. once triggered, the output
cuits, custom-built ICs are used and posi- quence. (Of these three sets, one set is becomes high and remains so for a period
tive and negative logic pulses are keyed repeated.) The salient features of this of time, governed by the timing
in sequence as per the code by two circuit are: components, before returing to the quies-
switches to open the lock. 1. Use of 16 switches, which suggests cent low state. In this circuit, timer IC
A very simple low-cost digital code that there is a microprocessor inside. 555 with 8 pins is used. The IC is inex-

ELECTRONICS PROJECTS Vol. 20 151

 pensive and easily available. Its pin 2 is these two switches, capacitor C3 starts code-switch pair S3-S4. These switches
the trigger input pin which, when held discharging through resistor R4. Capaci- connect the relay to output pin 3 and the
below 1/3 of the supply voltage, drives the tor C3 and resistor R4 are so selected relay is energised. The contacts of the relay
output to high state. The threshold pin 6, that it takes about five seconds to fully close and the solenoid pulls in the latch
when held higher than 2/3 of the supply discharge C3. (forming part of a lock) and the lock opens.
voltage, drives the output to low state. By Depressing switches S1 and S8 in uni- The remaining switches are connected be-
applying a low-going pulse to the reset son, within five seconds of releasing the tween reset pin 4 and ground. If any one of
pin 4, the output at pin 3 can be brought switches SA and SC, pulls pin 2 to ground these switches is pressed, the IC is reset
to the quiescent low level. Thus the reset and IC 555 is triggered. The capacitor C1 and the output goes to its quiescent low
pin 4 should be held high for normal op- starts charging through resistor R1. As a state. Possibilities of pressing these reset
eration of the IC. result, the output (pin 3) goes high for switches are more when a code breaker
Three sets of switches SA-SC, five seconds (i.e. the charging time T of tries to open the lock.
S1-S8 and S3-S4 are required to be the capacitor C1 to the threshold voltage, LED D5 indicates the presence of
pressed, in that order, to open the lock. which is calculated by the relation T=1.1 power supply while resistor R5 is a cur-
On pressing the switches SA and SC R1 x C1 seconds). rent limiting resistor.
simultaneously, capacitor C3 charges Within these five seconds, switches SA The given circuit can be recoded eas-
through the potential divider comprising and SC are to be pressed momentarily once ily by rearranging connections to the
resistors R3 and R4, and on releasing again, followed by the depression of last switches as desired by the user.

HAND PROXIMITY MUSICAL

TONE GENERATOR
RISHI KHATRI

T
his circuit generates a musical through a player’s hand will vary as the the sensor.
tone whose pitch varies as the hand’s distance varies from the sensor. The output of hand proximity detec-
distance of the hand from the sen- The sensor plate is connected to an tor is fed to IC2(a) which forms a voltage
sor varies. It consists of two stages: unstable op-amp IC1(a) (1/2 µA747) which controlled oscillator. The output of oscil-
1. Hand proximity detector oscillates at varying frequency in the lator at pin 12 of IC2 is a triangular
2. Oscillator and output stage neighbourhood of 20 kHz. This frequency wave whose frequency lies in the audio
The detector portion consists of a sen- lies in the slew rate limited range. Thus range. This output is fed into power stage
sor plate (10cm x 10cm) which can be output at pin 12 of IC1 is a triangular realised from µA741 (IC3) acting as a
made from an aluminium sheet, or we wave whose peak varies with frequency. voltage amplifier followed by a power
may use a circular loop (10cm in diam- This is followed by a peak detector wired stage which uses TIP 122 (npn) and
eter) made from an insulated copper or around IC1(b).The net output of proxim- TIP127(pnp) power Darlingtons connected
aluminium wire. The capacitance between ity detector is a voltage whose magnitude in class AB complementary push-pull con-
the sensor plate (or loop) and ground depends upon distance of hand from figuration. Their output is fed into an 8-

152 ELECTRONICS PROJECTS Vol. 20

ohm, 4W loudspeaker. The maximum out-
put thus obtained is 3.6W.
Log potentiometer VR2 (10 kilo-ohm)
can be used to adjust the volume. TIP122
and TIP127 should be mounted on sepa-
rate heat sinks or on the same heat sink
but should be isolated from the heat sink
using a mica sheet insulator.
Variable resistor VR1 is a 10k
linearly variable resistance. Its wiper
arm is varied and adjusted until loud-
speaker output lies in reasonable
frequency range and the sound is pleas-
ant to hear—with your hand and body
away from the sensor. Then as the hand
is brought near the sensor, the output
frequency decreases. Potmeter VR1
should, in fact, be so adjusted that the
output becomes zero when the hand is
brought extremely close to the sensor
(without touching it).

WIRELESS MUSICAL CALLING BELL

PRADEEP G.

M
usical and voice-generating has three terminals. One lead is con- Remote control receiver module
electronic calling bells are very nected to a compact 9V PP3 battery and VG40R is connected in input side of the
popular nowadays. These call- the other is connected to negative termi- musical bell as shown in the figure.
ing bells use a pair of wires between the nal of the battery. Central terminal is Dimensions of receiver module are
switch and bell circuit. The circuit idea connected to trigger switch as shown in 4.5cm x 2.1cm x 1.3cm. This module is
described here is for a remote wireless the diagram. The transmitter’s standby also sealed and has three external
calling bell which can work up to a dis- current is only 5 microamperes. Thus a terminals. One terminal is positive and
tance of about 15 metres. 9V PP3 battery would have a long life the other is negative across which a 3V
For wireless operation, a pair of sealed when used in this circuit. When micro battery is connected. The third terminal,
VHF remote control transmitter and switch S1 is pressed, a modulated signal the trigger terminal, is connected to
receiver modules have been employed. is transmitted which has a reception input of musical circuit as shown in the
Transmitter module VG40T is com- range of about 15 metres (50 feet) from diagram. Standby current drawn by
pact, measuring 3.4cm x 2.9cm x 1cm. It the transmitter module. the receiver module is about 300 micro-
amperes.
No PCB is required for the
transmitter because transmit-
ter module does not need any
external component. Transmit-
ter generates VHF signals of
about 300 MHz frequency. PCB
of musical section is freely
available from the components
vendors at a low cost. Modules
can be connected to the circuit
with a short length of flexible
Fig. 1: Transmitter Fig. 2: Receiver wire.
Connect a 9V PP3 battery

ELECTRONICS PROJECTS Vol. 20 153

 to the transmitter and 3V battery to the will automatically stop. Depression of tunes can be heard. Transmitter and
receiver. Keep the transmitter at a dis- switch S1 on transmitter again will receiver-sealed modules have no antenna.
tance of about 5 metres. Press push generate the musical tone again. Without any antenna, a range of up to
switch S1 of transmitter for a moment. If UM3481/3482 ICs are used in the 15 metres is possible. Range will be
The music will be heard from the remote circuit, 12 different tunes can be heard. higher if the gadget is used in open
bell. After completing a musical note, it If CIC4822 IC is used, then up to 16 space.

Readers Comments: K. Venugopal can be connected to these modules

❑ In the call bell circuit, modules VG40T Cuddapah without opening their plastic moulding.
and VG40R have been used. Where can The author, Pradeep G. replies: These remote control modules are
these be procured from? Can an aerial be VG40T transmitter and VG40R available with leading component
attached to the circuit to extend the range receiver are scaled modules which have suppliers in metro cities, such as Visha
further? no antenna terminal. Thus no aerial Electronics, Mumbai.

SIMPLE TELEPHONE
PRIVACY CIRCUIT
RAJ K. GORKHALI

W
hen several telephone exten- ceasing conduction
sions use one telephone line when current is too low
pair, it becomes possible for an- to sustain it.
other extension user to overhear your con- Diacs permit the
versation. This very simple circuit arrange- ringing tone to pass,
ment prevents that possibility, cutting off since they conduct
all extensions except the one in use, with both ways as long as
no discernible effect on performance. peak voltage exceeds
As the diagram shows, each handset their break-over volt-
is connected via a diac. The telephone line age of ± 25V to 35V.
voltage is around 48V DC when all If an extension then
handsets are on hook and it drops to 6V to lifts its handset, breakdown occurs at to 10V.
10V DC when any one of the handsets is that diac and the extension is operative If two handsets are lifted simulta-
lifted. Diacs start to conduct when the since the diac is conducting with 6V now neously, the one with the diac of lower
applied voltage is above their breakover across it and with a current of around 20 breakover voltage will be activated. Thus
voltage of ± 25 to 35V DC and continue to mA through the handset. The other diacs at one time only one of the several exten-
conduct when voltage drops to a low level, cannot break over at this voltage of 6V sions become operative.

BIDIRECTIONAL CODE CONVERTER

P.R. NARAYANASWAMY

T
here are a number of codes in use code or vice versa using EXCLUSIVE OR and S1(b) are in position 1, the circuit
in digital systems. One such code (XOR) gates. Only the modes of connec- works as a binary-to-Gray code converter.
is the Gray code. A number in tion of the XOR gates differ. This is illus- In position 2 of these switches, it func-
natural binary can be converted to Gray trated in Fig. 1(a). When switches S1(a) tions as a Gray-to-binary code converter.

154 ELECTRONICS PROJECTS Vol. 20

The number of switches in- D5-D0 are the input code bits and Y5-Y0
creases with the increasing are the output code bits. When switch is
value of binary or Gray code in logic 1 position, the output at pins 4, 7,
input. 9 and 12 of 74LS157 correspond to input
These switches can be data bits D4 - D1 respectively, perform-
replaced by a 2-line to 1-line ing binary-to-Gray code conversion. When
multiplexer shown in Fig. switch S1 is flipped to logic 0, the outputs
1(b). In Fig. 1(b), when at pins 4, 7, 9 and 12 of IC1 correspond to
switch S1 is at logic 1, the output data bits Y4 - Y1 respectively, per-
forming Gray-to-binary code
conversion.
Fig. 2 shows a test circuit
which the author used for
testing of the code converter
using software (MICRO-
LOGIC II). For clarity and
simplicity in testing the
circuit using software MI-
CROLOGIC II, a four-bit in-
put code is used. The data in-
puts DATA4 to DATA1 are for
generating a four-bit input
code D3 - D0 ranging from 0
0 0 0 through 1 1 1 1 in as-
cending order. DATA5 in Fig.
2 simulates the switch S1 in
Fig. 1(c).
The simulation results
obtained are shown in Fig. 3.
When data S is at logic 0 (low)
upper AND gate is position, a Gray code input (Y3-Y0) of 0 1
enabled, perform- 1 1 results in corresponding binary output
ing binary-to-Gray (D3-D0) of 0 1 0 1. Similarly, when signal
code conversion. S is at logic 1 (high), a binary input (D3 -
When switch S1 is D0) of 0 1 1 1, results in the correspond-
flipped to logic 0, ing Gray code output (Y3 - Y0) of 0 1 0 0.
the lower AND When signal S was low and also when it
gate is enabled, was high, all other input codes and the
performing Gray- corresponding output codes were verified
to-binary code con- and found correct.
version. Simulation results indicate that the
A complete 6- code converter of Fig. 1(c) performs
bit code converter bi-directional code conversion. The code
using quad 2-line converter of Fig. 1(c) is thus an ideal
to 1-line multi- proposition. This is an interesting
plexer 74LS157 laboratory assignment for undergradu-
(IC1) is shown in ate degree curriculum in Electrical
Fig. 1(c). Data bits Engineering.

ELECTRONICS PROJECTS Vol. 20 155

 PRIORITY INDICATOR
FOR QUIZ CONTESTS
SUSOBHAN DAS

I
n a quiz show, a contestant who press their buttons. The present circuit data lines of RAM against the current
presses his button before any other can be used for a maximum of four con- address (on its address lines A0 through
contestant gets the top priority for testants. A3). A sixth 74LS121 (IC10) is used for
answering the quiz. Similarly, the prior- The answer button allocated to each viewing/checking the contestants’ prior-
ity of the other contestants is decided by contestant is used in conjunction with a ity for answering the quiz and also for
the order in which each one presses his/ non-retriggerable monostable flip-flop clearing contents of the selected RAM lo-
her answer button. 74LS121. These mono flip-flop ICs (IC5 cation by writing 0000 against it.
In this circuit, the main role is played through IC8) function with switches S1 For understanding the circuit opera-
by IC3 (74LS89) which is a 64-bit RAM through S4 respectively. IC4, which is tion, assume that switch S7 is in normal
organised as 4-bit x 16-word array. It is again a 74LS121 flip-flop, is used for gen- position, switch S8 is open and counter
used for storing the sequence in which erating a write pulse (active low) for writ- IC2 (74LS93) is reset (with the help of
the contestants, during a quiz contest, ing the status (Q output logic level) on switch S6) so that all of its output pins

156 ELECTRONICS PROJECTS Vol. 20

are low. Thus initial address output of (IC9) when Q output of any of the four through L4). This happens because only
IC2 is 0000. This address (0) is also dis- flip-flops (IC5 through IC8) makes a that data output pin (5, 7, 9 or 11) which
played on 7-segment display after decod- transition from high to low. corresponds to the first depression of an
ing by IC1 (74LS47). This is the situation Now that the address has incremented answer button by a specific contestant
at the start of a fresh quiz. to 0001 at the output of 74LS93 (IC2), the would go to logic 0 and activate correspond-
At this stage if any competitor next depression of an answer button by a ing relay/bulb via its driver transistor (T1
presses his answer button, the concerned competitor has his data (logic 1) written through T4). The address of the concerned
74LS121 generates a single clock pulse against address 0001. The address line at contestant is simultaneously displayed on
at its Q output. This Q output is con- end of each depression of the switches (S1 7-segment display.
nected to a specific data line of IC3. through S4) increments by one so as to The address can be incremented by
Simultaneously Q output of the same enable writing of new data at an one by a momentary depression of switch
74LS121 IC causes output of IC9 (74LS20) incremented address. S5 to check the next contestant who
to go high and triggers IC4. The Q output When answering time allotted for a pressed his answer button next. After
of IC4 is used for writing the data present question is over, the person conducting the the round is over, switch S7 is to
on data lines at address 0000. The ad- quiz flips switch S7 to check position and be flipped to its normal position. Switch
dress which was being indicated on the resets counter output to 0000 using reset S8, which is optional, can be used for
display (0), gets incremented by one at switch S6. Now the contestant which had erasing RAM contents against the dis-
the trailing end of the pulse which pressed his button first would be indicated played locations by pressing switch S5
becomes available at the output of 74LS20 by lighting of the corresponding lamp (L1 momentarily.

DUAL-CHANNEL DIGITAL
VOLUME CONTROL
SHEENA K.

T
his circuit could be used for re- S1 and S2. To vary the pulse width of two quad bi-polar analogue switches in
placing your manual volume con- pulses from IC1, one may replace timing each of the two CD4066 ICs (IC3 and
trol in a stereo amplifier. In this resistor R1 with a variable resistor. IC4). Each of the output bits, when high,
circuit, push-to-on switch S1 controls the Operation of switch S1 (up) causes the short a part of the resistor network com-
forward (volume increase) operation of binary output to increment while opera- prising series resistors R6 through R9
both channels while a similar switch S2 tion of S2 (down) causes the binary output for one channel and R10 through R13
controls reverse (volume decrease) opera- to decrement. The maximum count being for the other channel, and thereby con-
tion of both channels. 15 (all outputs logic 1) and minimum trol the output of the audio signals be-
Here IC1 timer 555 is configured as count being 0 (all outputs logic 0), it re- ing fed to the inputs of stereo amplifier.
an astable flip-flop to provide low-fre- sults in maximum and minimum volume Push-to-on switch S3 is used for reset-
quency pulses to up/down clock input respectively. ting the output of counter to 0000, and
pins of pre-setable up/down counter The active high outputs A, B, C and thereby turning the volume of both chan-
74LS193 (IC2) via push-to-on switches D of the counter are used for controlling nels to the minimum level.

ELECTRONICS PROJECTS Vol. 20 157

 WATER LEVEL CONTROLLER
CUM MOTOR PROTECTOR
RAMAKRISHNAN K.

N
owadays, usage of overhead tank latched by resistor R1 and transistor T1
(OHT) with an electrically oper- is biased to cut-off state, and hence both
ated water pump is a common relay RL1 and motor M are in off state.
sight. The pump, being a costly item, When we push switch S1 momentarily,
should be protected against damage due the input of inverter gate N1 becomes high
to high and low voltages. People find it and output of gate N2 also becomes high.
very inconvenient to switch off the pump As a result, transistor T1 turns on and both
even when their OHT starts overflowing, relay RL1 and motor are activated (pro-
specially when they are busy or it is rain- vided transistors T2 and T3 are forward
ing. This circuit provides a solution for all biased). When water level in OHT
such problems. The main features of this touches the sensors, input of N1 become
circuit are: low, which turns relay RL1 off and the
1. Low and high voltage cut-off motor stops. The motor can be turned off
2. Automatic switching off of motor manually also by pushing switch S2 at
when overhead tank is full any time. Transistors T2 and T3 are both
3. Use of convenient push-to-on but- forward biased if the line voltage is
tons for switching on and switching off of within certain low and high voltage limits, a pre-determined value, output of gate
motor. as explained below. N4 becomes high, which turns off
The heart of the circuit is IC CD4011, When the voltage level rises above a transistor T3 and relay RL1. Thus when
which has four inverter gates. When the pre-determined value, input to gate N3 the mains AC voltage (or the DC voltage
circuit gets 12V power supply, capacitor becomes high and its output become low, sample derived from mains) is above or
C1 pulls input of N1 low, and this causes which turns off transistor T2 and also the below certain limits, which could damage
the output of N2 to go low. This state is relay. When the voltage level drops below the pump motor, the supply to the motor
is cut-off.
D2 provides a constant DC voltage
to IC1.
For setting the low voltage cut-off,
adjust potmeter VR2 in such a way that
when supply voltage goes below 190V,
output of N4 goes high. Similarly, for
setting the high voltage cut-off, adjust
potmeter VR1 in such a way that when
supply voltage goes above 250V, output
of N3 goes low. The high and low cut-off
voltages can be changed according to
the requirement for a given motor.
Two wires are needed to connect the
circuit to the sensors which are fitted
in the OHT. Sensors must be fitted as
shown in figure. A simple power supply
circuit is also shown here. The circuit
can be assembled on a general-purpose
PCB and housed in an eliminator case
which is easily available in the market.
Use good-quality insulated wire to con-
nect sensor to the circuit.

158 ELECTRONICS PROJECTS Vol. 20

 UNDER VOLTAGE CUT-OUT
AND DELAY FOR
REFRIGERATORS
S. CHANDRA SEKHAR

T
he circuits previously published, lished in various circuit ideas and also voltage through diode D6 and resistor R6.
and also those which are used in incorporated in the devices available in When the supply fails, capacitor C2
majority of voltage stabilisers sold the market. discharges through resistors R7 and R8
in the market, either use too many com- This circuit is most economical as and the base-emitter junction of transis-
ponents to perform what is after all a both the above-mentioned functions tor T3. If the supply is resumed after the
simple task, or perform this task badly, are implemented using only three tran- set time delay, capacitor C2 will be com-
or both. Some elaborate designs use 555 sistors, and needs only a single contact pletely discharged and transistor T3 would
timers and comparator ICs but the delay (N/O type) relay. Since the operating remain cut-off.
is present at the start of each power-up. forces are not shared amongst multiple If the supply resumes before capacitor
Other circuits implement the time contacts, the relay with a single C2 has been completely discharged,
delay correctly as the minimum time contact is sturdier than multiple contact transistor T3 turns on and clamps
between power off and power on. types. The time delay is entirely electronic, the base of transistor T2, preventing
That is, time delay is not executed if does not use relay contacts for switching it from turning on. The emitter current
the power failure lasts longer than and comes into operation only when of transistor T3 (about 200 microamperes)
the set time delay. But then, this type needed. is insufficient to actuate the relay.
of time delay uses relay contacts for When relay RL1 operates, its contacts When, after the required delay, transistor
switching the timing capacitor around - connect the supply voltage to the com- T3 turns off, the base of transistor
but the relay contacts designed pressor in the refrigerator. At the same T2 rises to the fraction of the supply
for high current do not switch time, capacitor C2 charges to the supply voltage set by preset VR1. If this voltage is
low voltages very
well. And slight
misalignment or
wear and tear of the
contacts is reflected
in erratic timing.
The circuit
presented here uses
the principle of
charging a capacitor
during the ‘on’ time
and discharging it
through a resistor
during the ‘off’ time.
This is implemented
electronically, avoid-
ing relay contacts.
Consequently, the
relay can be a simple
‘normally off’ type.
The rest of the circuit,
including the voltage
sensing part, is the
same as that pub-

ELECTRONICS PROJECTS Vol. 20 159

 greater than 7.4 volts (zener voltage + VBE relay chatter because the supply voltage the supply voltage to a certain extent.
of transistor T2) then transistor T2 turns drops as the relay turns on. If over- Connecting a 12V, 250mW zener diode
on, applying forward bias to transistor T1, voltage cut-off is also desired, the across capacitor C2 will eliminate this
which drives the relay on. If this voltage required circuitry around transistor T4 dependence.
falls below 7.4V, transistor T2 will turn may be added. Preset VR2 may be ad- The circuit can be assembled on a
off, cutting off the base current of transis- justed such that transistor T4 conducts general-purpose PCB and conveniently
tor T1 which turns off, causing the relay to when the mains voltage reaches the over- wired into the refrigerator. This has
de-energise. Preset VR1 is used to adjust voltage level. This would cause the col- the advantage that the lamp inside the
the voltage corresponding to the mains lector of transistor T4 (and base of refrigerator is always operational, and
voltage, at which this happens. transistor T2) to be clamped to around that the compressor motor is protected
Resistors R3 and R4 introduce posi- 6V to cut-off transistors T2 and T1 and even if the thermostat turns off and on in
tive feedback for a certain amount of relay RL1. quick succession.
hysterisis. This is necessary to prevent The time delay is dependent on

INFRARED CORDLESS
HEADPHONE
PRADEEP G.

U
sing this low-cost project one can sistor amplifier to drive two series-con- LED1 in transmitter circuit functions as
reproduce audio from TV with- nected IR LEDs. An audio output a zener diode (0.65V) as well as supply-
out disturbing others. It does not transformer is used (in reverse) to couple on indicator.
use any wire connection between TV and audio output from TV to the IR transmit- IR receiver uses 3-stage transistor
headphones. In place of a pair of wires, it ter. Transistors T1 and T2 amplify amplifier. The first two transistors (T4
uses invisible infrared light to transmit the audio signals received from TV and T5) form audio signal amplifier while
audio signals from TV to headphones. through the audio transformer. Low- the third transistor T6 is used to drive a
Without using any lens, a range of up to impedance output windings (lower gauge headphone. Adjust potmeter VR2 for max.
6 metres is possible. Range can be ex- or thicker wires) are used for connection clarity.
tended by using lenses and reflectors with to TV side while high-impedance wind- Direct photo-transistor towards IR
IR sensors comprising transmitter and ings are connected to IR transmitter. LEDs of transmitter for max. range. A 9-
receiver. This IR transmitter can be powered from volt battery can be used with receiver for
IR transmitter uses two-stage tran- a 9-volt mains adapter or battery. Red portable operation.

160 ELECTRONICS PROJECTS Vol. 20

Readers Comments: my doubts. phototransistors. The part numbers are
❑ I have doubt on the audio output Sukanta Kumar Swain TS-8, PT-224, and SLT-15 flat head
transformer, as the rating was not men- Ganjam, Orissa (product brochure is available at
tioned on it. I used a 6V audio output EFY: You have correctly used the ‘www.microimpex.com’ of Mumbai). The
transformer. Also, the part number of 6V audio output transformer. There pin with a longer lead is normally the
the IR phototransistor in the receiver are a number of brands available collector and the pin with a shorter lead
was not mentioned. Please clear in the market. You can use 2-pin is the emitter.

STABILISER WITH AUTO

CUT-OFF ARRANGEMENT
S.C. DAS

S
tabilisers incorporating auto cut- 1. One relay with single changeover relay at serial No. 1.
off arrangement are manufac- contacts To operate the stabiliser, it is to be
tured by most of the reputed 2. One relay with two changeover con- plugged into a mains wall socket and
manufacturers using different methods. tacts the following sequence of operations is
The stabiliser circuit presented here 3. One start push-button, a DPDT to be performed:
makes use of the following major compo- changeover switch and a rotary switch Start push-button is momentarily
nents to provide the auto cut-off facility: 4. One bridge rectifier to energise the pressed so that the neutral line connec-

ELECTRONICS PROJECTS Vol. 20 161

 tion to lower limb of auto-transformer is auto-transformer is connected to live relay RL1 energises while relay RL2
completed through it while the other limb point of the output socket via contacts of de-energises, cutting off supply to the
of auto-transformer is connected to live switch S3 and second set of normally- auto-transformer as well as the output
line through one of the contacts of the closed contacts of relay RL1. Note socket.
DPDT switch. The voltage developed that rotary switch is thrown to up Now the supply can be resumed only
across secondary of transformer X1 is position when mains voltage is higher after manual change of voltage tapping
available to the bridge rectifier via one than the required output voltage and it using rotary switch S4 and DPDT switch
set of normally-closed contacts of relay is flipped to down position when mains S3, or by varying the threshold voltage
RL1. As a result relay RL2 gets voltage is lower than the output voltage. level using preset VR1. Start switch is
energised to provide hold-on contacts The secondary of transformer X1 is again required to be pressed for getting
across start switch S1 to connect neutral also used to sample the output voltage. the output. This arrangement protects the
line to the neutral point of output When the output voltage exceeds a load against mains voltage variations
socket as well as the lower limb of auto- preset value, dependent upon the above the preset limit. (Note: Once ad-
transformer. The live line from the threshold value set by preset VR1, tran- justed, preset VR1 should not be fiddled
selected (by rotary switch S4) tap of the sistor T1 conducts and as a result with, unnecessarily.)

SIMPLE ANALOGUE-TO-
DIGITAL CONVERTER
B.P. LADGAONKAR

N
ormally analogue-to-digital con- here is configured around ADC 0808, (digitisation). This EOC output is coupled
verter (ADC) needs interfacing avoiding the use of a microprocessor. The to SC input, where falling edge of EOC
through a microprocessor to con- ADC 0808 is an 8-bit A-to-D converter, output acts as SC input to direct the ADC
vert analogue data into digital format. This having data output lines D0-D7. It works to start the next conversion.
requires additional hardware and neces- on the principle of successive approxima- As the conversion starts, EOC signal
sary software, resulting in increased com- tion. It has a total of eight analogue input goes high. At next clock pulse EOC out-
plexity and hence the total cost. channels, out of which any one can be se- put again goes low, and hence SC is en-
The circuit of A-to-D converter shown lected using address lines A, B and C. abled to start the next conversion. Thus,
Here, in this case, input chan- it provides continuous 8-bit digital output
nel IN0 is selected by ground- corresponding to instantaneous value of
ing A, B and C address lines. analogue input. The maximum level of
Usually the control signals analogue input voltage should be appro-
EOC (end of conversion), SC priately scaled down below positive refer-
(start conversion), ALE (ad- ence (+5V) level.
dress latch enable) and OE The ADC 0808 IC requires clock
(output enable) are interfaced signal of typically 550 kHz, which can
by means of a microprocessor. be easily derived from an astable
However, the circuit shown multivibrator constructed using 7404 in-
here is built to operate in its verter gates. In order to visualise the
continuous mode without using digital output, the row of eight LEDs
any microprocessor. Therefore (LED1 through LED8) have been used,
the input control signals wherein each LED is connected to respec-
ALE and OE, being active-high, tive data output lines D0 through D7.
are tied to Vcc (+5 volts). The Since ADC works in the continuous mode,
input control signal SC, being it displays digital output as soon as ana-
active-low, initiates start of logue input is applied. The decimal
conversion at falling edge of the equivalent digital output value D for a
pulse, whereas the output given analogue input voltage Vin can
signal EOC becomes high after be calculated from the relationship
completion of conversion

162 ELECTRONICS PROJECTS Vol. 20

 SLEEP-SWITCH CUM
WAKE-UP TIMER
SHEENA K.

H
ere is a sleep-switch circuit that nary output as it counts up the input sistor T1 (normally conducting) when set
can be easily converted into a pulses and IC5 decodes/converts them to time is reached. When transistor T1 cuts
wake-up timer. A dual-mode time 1-of-10 outputs (units). Similarly, the IC6- off, its collector goes high to reset oscilla-
setting makes the system versatile. The IC7 pair provides tens output since IC6 tor IC1, and thus count at output of IC4
circuit is low-cost and can function as a clock input pin is connected to D output and IC6 gets locked. For resetting or
precise timer. pin of IC4. restarting, the power supply to the circuit
The heartbeat produced by IC1 is a Rotary switches S2 and S3 can be set should be switched off and then switched
sharp 1Hz square wave signal having a to select any time between either 0 to 99 on again.
duty cycle of 50 per cent. This is achieved seconds or 0 to 99 minutes, depending The BCD outputs of IC4 and IC6 are
by using a 4.194304MHz crystal in combi- upon the position of mode switch S1. converted to seven-segment outputs by
nation with discrete components around Switches S2 and S3 could also be replaced IC9 and IC10 to drive the units and tens
it. The 1Hz output of IC1 is connected to by thumb-wheel type switches or 10-posi- displays respectively for indicating
IC2 as well as one of the terminals of tion DIP switches with one of their side elapsed time continuously. The relay con-
switch S1. IC2 is configured as divide-by-6 terminals shorted together to serve as a tacts (normally open and normally closed)
counter while IC3 further divides the pole. Please note that IC5 and IC7 (74145) can be suitably used to energise or de-
output of IC2 by ten to produce one-minute have active low outputs. energise an alarm after the preset delay.
output at its pin 12. This is brought to the The outputs from switches S2 and S3 It can thus be used as wake-up alarm or
second terminal of two-way switch S1 to are input to a two-input OR gate inside sleep timer.
help select either the ‘minutes’ or the ‘sec- IC8 (7432) to obtain active low output on If you want to de-energise the relay,
onds’ mode of operation for IC4. completion of the set time delay to deacti- say after 30 minutes, then set switch S1
The decade counter IC4 provides bi- vate relay RL1 through relay driver tran- to minutes mode, S2 to 0 and S3 to 3, and

ELECTRONICS PROJECTS Vol. 20 163

 then switch on the supply to the circuit. result, transistor T1 will be cut-off to de- to the minutes counter section compris-
After 30 minutes the outputs at poles of energise the relay. ing IC2 and IC3. Input clock for hours
switches S2 and S3 will go low and so One can easily add 0-99 hours capa- counter would be the minutes clock avail-
also the output of OR gate (IC8). As a bility by cascading two counters similar able at pin 12 of IC3.

CHARGE MONITOR FOR 12V

RECHARGEABLE LEAD-ACID BATTERY
SIDDHARTH SINGH AND SRINIVAS REDDY PINGLE

A
battery is a vital element of any 15 to 20 per cent. sophisticated method.
battery-backed system. In many It is therefore necessary for all con- Input from the battery under test is
cases the battery is more expen- cerned to monitor the charge level of their applied to LM3914 IC. This applied volt-
sive than the system it is backing up. batteries continuously. But, in practice, age is ranked anywhere between 0 and 10,
Hence we need to adopt all practical mea- many of the battery users are unable to depending upon its magnitude. The lower
sures to conserve battery life. do so because of non-availability of rea- reference voltage of 10.1V is ranked ‘0’ and
As per manufacturer’s data sheets, a sonably-priced monitoring equipment. The the upper voltage of 13.8V is ranked as
12V rechargeable lead-acid battery should circuit idea presented here will fill this ‘10.’ (Outputs 9 and 10 are logically ORed
be operated within 10.1V and 13.8V. When void by providing a circuit for monitoring in this circuit.) The calibration procedure
the battery charges higher than 13.8V it the charge level of lead-acid batteries con- of reference voltages is explained later.
is said to be overcharged, and when it tinuously. The circuit possesses two vital IC 74LS147 is a decimal-to-BCD pri-
discharges below 10.1V it can be deeply features: ority encoder which converts the output
discharged. A single event of overcharge • First, it reduces the requirement of of LM3914 into its BCD complement. The
or deep discharge can bring down the human attention by about 85 per cent. true BCD is obtained by using the hex
charge-holding capacity of a battery by • Second, it is a highly accurate and inverters inside IC 74LS04. This BCD

164 ELECTRONICS PROJECTS Vol. 20

output is displayed as a decimal digit charge falls to ten per cent. At this point it • Set the output of power supply
after conversion using IC5 (74LS247), is recommended that unnecessary load be source to 10.1V.
which is a BCD-to-seven-segment switched off and the remaining charge be • Connect the power supply source in
decoder/driver. The seven-segment LED conserved for more important purposes. place of the battery.
display (LTS-542) is used because it is Another simple combinational logic • Now the display will show some
easy to read compared to a bar graph or, circuit can also be designed that will sound reading. At this point vary preset VR2
for that matter, an analogue meter. The the buzzer when the display shows 9. Fur- until the reading on the display just
charge status of the battery can be ther charging should be stopped at this changes from 1 to 0.
quickly calculated from the display. For point in order to prevent overcharge. The higher reference voltage is cali-
instance, if the display shows 4, it means The circuit is powered by the battery brated similarly by setting the power sup-
that the battery is charged to 40 per under test, via a voltage regulator IC. The ply to 13.8V and varying preset VR1 until
cent of its maximum value of 13.8V. circuit takes about 100 mA for its opera- reading on the display just changes from
The use of digital principles enable us tion. 8 to 9.
to employ a buzzer that sounds whenever For calibrating the upper and lower After the calibration is completed, the
there is an overcharge or deep discharge, reference levels, a digital multimeter and circuit may be housed in a suitable enclo-
or there is a need to conserve battery a variable regulated power supply source sure. The cost of all the components,
charge. A buzzer is wired in the circuit are required. For calibrating the lower including the enclosure, would be around
such that it sounds whenever battery- reference voltage, follow the steps given: Rs 200.

WINDOW/FENCE CHARGER
T.K. HAREENDRAN

C
ircuit of a compact electrified win-
dow/fence charger is presented
here. The circuit is intended to
produce non-lethal mild shock to keep
away intruders.
It comprises transistors T1 and T2
which form an astable (free-running)
multivibrator with the associated resis-
tors and capacitors. The pulse repetition
rate is determined by the values of RC
time constant. With the component val-
ues used, it is about 6 Hz. The pulse
spacing can be increased by increasing
the values of resistors R3 and R4.
A high voltage generator is realised
with the help of an ordinary step-down
transformer and a medium-power tran- the pulse activity. and its output triggers switching
sistor which follows the astable When power is initially applied, ca- transistor T3. As a result, capacitor C3
multivibrator. Output of the astable pacitor C3 is charged through resistor is rapidly discharged via secondary wind-
multivibrator, from the collector of tran- R6. This RC network is used deliber- ing of transformer X1. Consequently, a
sistor T2, is directly connected to the base ately to limit the maximum output power high voltage is induced in the primary of
of switching transistor T3 to generate applied to the fence/window frame. At X1. At next pulse, the process repeats
high-amplitude pulses. LED D1 indicates the same time, oscillator starts working itself.

Readers Comments:
❑ The multivibrator stage comprising T3. Kindly suggest the required modifica- conduction of transistor T3 measures 0.8
transistors T1 and T2 works well, but when tions. volt (correct) and the circuit gave 150V
I connect the base of switching transistor J.T. Joglekar (peak) pulses at around 150ms intervals.
T3 (D313) to the collector of transistor T2, Nagpur On reducing the value of resistor R5 from
the collector voltage drops to 0.4 volt and EFY: We’ve retested the circuit and 4.7k to 1k, the pulse amplitude increased
and hence it is unable to drive transistor found that the collector voltage during to 250V (peak).

ELECTRONICS PROJECTS Vol. 20 165

 CORDLESS PHONE
BACKUP
P.V. VINOD KUMAR

N
ormally the base of a cordless unit through diode D3. A green LED and the cost of the backup unit, includ-
phone has an adaptor and the is used to indicate the presence of AC ing the box and cells, would not exceed
handset has Ni-Cd cells for its mains. Rs 300. Hence the circuit is well worth
operation. The base unit becomes inop- Each Ni-Cd cell costs around Rs 34, the investment.
erative in case of power fail-
ure. Under such conditions, it
is better to provide a backup
using Ni-Cd cells externally.
Here is a simple power
supply back-up circuit which
can be used with cordless
phone SANYO CLT-420 or
similar sets.
The working is simple.
When AC mains is present,
Ni-Cd cells are charged
through IC LM317L, which
is wired as a current source.
Also, diode D3 is reverse-
biased, which keeps Ni-Cd cells
isolated from positive rail.
When AC mains goes off, the
Ni-Cd cells provide supply
to the cordless phone base

Readers Comments: From where can I get the cabinet to To improve the Ni-Cd cells’ life, they
❑ The Cordless Phone Backup circuit has house the circuit and the cells? should be charged and used. Charged
no protection circuitry to avoid overcharg- Abhay K. Changedia cells should not be stored for long
ing of cells. Can an LED be added to Pune periods (even three days). To keep the
indicate supply availability from the The author, P.V. Vinod Kumar, cells in good condition, they must be dis-
backup during a power failure? Please give replies: charged—once a month—by shorting
the details of LM317. Can I use this circuit I have designed the circuit for a cord- them with the parallel combination of
for a cordless phone which runs on 9V, less phone that runs on a 12V adaptor. To two 4.7-ohm, 10W resistors. This should
800mA? use my circuit with Sanyo CLT-6700, you be done periodically to erase the memory-
Tribikram Kar will need a new 12V adaptor. effect of Ni-Cd cells.
56 APO Inside the base unit of Sanyo CLT You can buy a plastic box from any
❑ My cordless, Sanyo CLT-6700, has a 420 cordless phone there is a 7805 regu- plastic shop to use it as a cabinet. It is
9V-250mA adapter. Please suggest a modi- lator. Hence, giving anything above 8V is better to make a battery pack rather
fication to this circuit so that I can use it sufficient for the base unit to operate. One than using cell holdres. To make one,
with my cordless phone. may use either a 12V adaptor or 8.4V Ni- solder and interconnect cells together to
The number of cells required, as Cd cells or 6AA cells. make the pack compact. Fold the cells
shown is 1.2V×7 (=8.4V) for a 12V adap- Keeping the simplicity and the cost of on a thick paper and tape them. Take
tor. Please explain how will it work with the circuit in mind. I have compromised out two leads for positive and negative
8.4V? on the cell-protection feature. connections.

166 ELECTRONICS PROJECTS Vol. 20

 PC-BASED DICE GAME
V. RAJARAMAN

T
he dice has been used to deter- a good idea to use a buffer to prevent is taken from a look-up table. This acts as
mine one’s fortune from the ear- accidental damage to the PC. the translator between random number
liest days of civilisation. It has Arrange the seven LEDs on a vero- generator and display.
been used by gamblers, fortune tellers and board, or other suitable mounting plate If necessary, similar display unit can
statisticians alike. Dice made of wood, sil- exactly as per pattern shown in the fig- be connected to the second parallel port
ver, ivory, etc can be seen in many museums. ure. Connect the circuit to parallel port of the computer to simulate throwing of
A hi-tech die can be built around a designated LPT1 on the computer. If port two dice simultaneously. The modification
computer using a handful of LEDs and LPT2 is to be used, a minor modification necessary to the program is quite simple,
an IC, as shown in the figure. is necessary in the software. Just change and is left as an exercise for the reader.
Seven LEDs are arranged in the shape the line Good luck!
of the dots on a die. While a real die is a “#define PORT 0X378” to
“#define PORT 0X278” and the rest /* TEST.C */
#include <dos.h>
remains as it is. #include <stdio.h>
There is a small test program TEST.C #include <conio.h>
written using Borland C to test the inter- #include <stdlib.h>
#define PORT 0X378
face. Switch on 5V power supply and run main ()
the test program. Every time you press a {
key, LEDs 1 through 7 light up one by int i;
for (i=1; i < 0X7F; i *=2)
one, in the same order. This order is im- {
cube having six faces, this electronic die portant—otherwise the circuit will work printf (“Press any key…\n”)’
outportb (PORT, ~i);
has a single face, on which the dot pattern but the dot pattern on the die will not be getch ();
would change dynamically. consistent. Recheck the connections if }
These LEDs are activated using the these appear out of order. outportb (PORT, 0XFF);
}
parallel port of a PC. The interface circuit Now we are ready to test our fortune.
necessary for this is given in the figure. It Run the program DICE.C and press any /* DICE.C */
comprises seven LEDs connected to buffer/ key. With every key-stroke your die will #include <dos.h>
#include <stdio.h>
driver IC 74245 through current-limiting appear to roll. Finally, when it settles #include <conio.h>
resistors. down, it displays a random digit, between #include <stdlib.h>
#define PORT 0X378
The buffer helps to protect the com- one and six. Press ESC to terminate the #define ESC 0X1B
puter circuitry in case something goes program. int code[6] = {0XBF, 0XF3, 0X9E, 0XD2, 0X92,
wrong with this circuit. Whenever a home- The program makes use of the ran- 0XC0};
void run();
made gadget is connected to the PC, it is dom () function of the compiler to gener- main()
ate the pseudo random number. The com- {
int number;
puter, using some fixed algorithm, gen- printf (“press any key to throw the die. ESC to
erates this number. In this sense it is not exit…\n”);
strictly ‘random,’ since a true random randomize (); /* initialize the generator */
while (getch() !=ESC)
number is completely unpredictable, and {
cannot be generated by any mathemati- number = random(6);
cal formula! That is why it is called a printf (“%4d”,number+1);
run ();
pseudo random number. But do not worry, outportb (PORT, code [number]);
this level of randomness is sufficient for }
all day-to-day needs. outportb (PORT, 0XFF); /* all off */
}
To make it even more random, we have /*———————————————————*/
used the randomise () function. This takes void run ()
{
a clue from the real-time clock of the com- /* create running LEDs effect */
puter to initialise or ‘seed’ the random int i;
number generator. So we are assured that for (i=1; i < 0X7F; i *=2)
{
each time the program is started, we get a outporb (PORT, ~i);
different sequence of digits. delay (200);
Note how the bit pattern necessary to }
}
light the different combinations of LEDs /*———————————————————*/

ELECTRONICS PROJECTS Vol. 20 167

 TELEREMOTE CONTROL
R.G. KALE

H
ere is a teleremote cir-
cuit which enables
switching ‘on’ and ‘off’ of
appliances through telephone lines.
It can be used to switch appliances
from any distance, overcoming the
limited range of infrared and radio
remote controls.
The circuit can be used to
switch up to nine appliances (cor-
responding to the digits 1 through
9 of the telephone key-pad). The
DTMF signals on telephone instru-
ment are used as control signals.
The digit ‘0’ in DTMF mode is used
to toggle between the appliance
mode and normal telephone opera-
tion mode. Thus the telephone can
be used to switch on or switch off
the appliances also while being
used for normal conversation.
The circuit uses IC KT3170
(DTMF-to-BCD converter), 74154
(4-to-16-line demult-iplexer), and
five CD4013 (D flip-flop) ICs. The
working of the circuit is as
follows.
Once a call is established (af-
ter hearing ring-back tone), dial
‘0’ in DTMF mode. IC1 decodes
this as ‘1010,’ which is further
demultiplexed by IC2 as output O10
(at pin 11) of IC2 (74154). The ac-
tive low output of IC2, after inver-
sion by an inverter gate of IC3
(CD4049), becomes logic 1. This is
used to toggle flip-flop-1 (F/F-1)
and relay RL1 is energised. Relay
RL1 has two changeover contacts,
RL1(a) and RL1(b). The energised
RL1(a) contacts provide a 220-ohm
loop across the telephone line
while RL1(b) contacts inject a
10kHz tone on the line, which in-
dicates to the caller that appliance
mode has been selected. The 220-
ohm loop on telephone line discon-
nects the ringer from the telephone
line in the exchange. The line is

168 ELECTRONICS PROJECTS Vol. 20

now connected for appliance mode of op- output, after inversion by a CD4049 the 220-ohm loop resistance and 10kHz
eration. inverter gate, goes to logic 1 state. tone needs to be removed from the tel-
If digit ‘0’ is not dialed (in DTMF) This pulse toggles the corresponding ephone line. To achieve this, digit ‘0’ (in
after establishing the call, the ring con- flip-flop to alternate state. The flip-flop DTMF mode) is dialed again to toggle flip-
tinues and the telephone can be used for output is used to drive a relay (RL2) flop-1 to de-energise relay RL1, which
normal conversation. After selection of the which can switch on or switch off the terminates the loop on line and the 10kHz
appliance mode of operation, if digit ‘1’ is appliance connected through its contacts. tone is also disconnected. The telephone
dialed, it is decoded by IC1 and By dialing other digits in a similar way, line is thus again set free to receive nor-
its output is ‘0001’. This BCD code other appliances can also be switched mal calls.
is then demultiplexed by 4-to-16-line ‘on’ or ‘off .’ This circuit is to be connected in par-
demultiplexer IC2 whose corresponding Once the switching operation is over, allel to the telephone instrument.

Readers Comments: for inverters and flip-flops are easily avail- the other may be used to send a beep
❏ 1. Can we get some confirmation that able, I suggest their use. tone on the line when the appliance turns
the state of the appliance has really 5. Instead of using separate driving on.
toggled? stages for the relays, I suggest the use of 2. Readers are welcome to make their
2. Can we include some electronic cheaply available relay driving IC ULN own modifications to the circuit—like in-
security system (such as code lock), 2003. cluding code lock.
so that only the owner can use this K.P. Deshmukh 3. IC UM66 may be used in place of
facility? Solapur the 10kHz oscillator.
3. Instead of the 10 kHz oscillator used The author R. G. Kale replies: 4 & 5. I agree with the suggestions
for return tone, can the three-pin melodi- 1. Relays with two changeovers may put forward by the reader.
ous IC UM66 be used? be used for getting a confirmation about Keep the circuit disconnected while
4. In the circuit both TTL and CMOS the state of the appliance. One changeover making outgoing calls to prevent un-
ICs have been used. As TTL counterparts contact may be used for the appliance and wanted switching of the devices.

DISPLAY DIALED TELEPHONE

NUMBER USING CALCULATOR
SMIT KAPILA

S
ometimes, while dialing a num- of the ribbon cable. Thereafter, connect it the telephone circuitry so that it does not
ber on the telephone, we may back to the telephone circuitry as shown affect the working of the calculator—since
press a wrong key, but by using in Fig. 1. The resistors are used to buffer
a simple calcu-
lator’s display
we can check
whether the di-
aled number is
correct or not.
This can be done
as follows.
Disconnect
the ribbon cable
of the key-pad
from rest of the
telephone cir-
cuitry and insert
a series resis-
tance of 27 kilo-
ohm in all ten
(nine in some
key-pads) wires Fig. 1 Fig. 2

ELECTRONICS PROJECTS Vol. 20 169

 telephone is a high voltage device while Two such connections joining keys connecting leads; no other circuit
calculator is a very sensitive device oper- labeled ‘0’ and ‘1’ on telephone set components are required. Care should
ating with low voltage. Now, take two and calculator are shown in Fig. 2. be taken that leads are not shorted
leads directly from each of the contacts of Other connections may also be made together.
the keys numbered ‘0’ through ‘9’ of the in a similar way for keys ‘2’ through ‘9.’ After the above-mentioned modifica-
telephone key-pad PCB and join them to The advantage of this circuit is that tion, you will observe that the dialed num-
corresponding keys of the calculator. it needs only 9 or 10 resistances and ber gets displayed on the calculator screen.

8253 PROGRAMMABLE
INTERVAL TIMER
JUNOMON ABRAHAM

T
he circuit presented here is based counter IC 8253. IC 8253 was primarily It contains three independent 16-bit
on the commercially available designed for use as an MCS-80 periph- counters that can operate in any one of
programmable interval timer/ eral, but is now used in conjunction with the six modes (refer Table II(C)). It can

TABLE I TABLE II(A) TABLE II(C)

System Addresses SC-Select Counter (bits D6 and D7) M-mode bits (D1, D2, and D3)
A1 A0 Selects SC1 SC0 Description M2 M1 M0 Description
0 0 Counter 0 0 0 Select Counter 0 0 0 0 Mode 0: Interrupt on
0 1 Counter 1 0 1 Select Counter 1 terminal count
1 0 Counter 2 1 0 Select Counter 2 0 0 1 Mode 1: Hardware one shot
1 1 Control Word Register 1 1 Read Back Command X 1 0 Mode 2: Pulse generator
X 1 1 Mode 3: Square wave
almost all 8-bit microprocessors. generator
TABLE II Using this circuit we can study 1 0 0 Mode 4: Software triggered
Control Word Byte the operation of 8253 IC. strobe
D7 D6 D5 D4 D3 D2 D1 D0 1 0 1 Mode 5: Hardware
A long-time interval timer can triggered strobe
SC1 SCO RW1 RWO M2 M1 MO BCD also be constructed using this IC.

170 ELECTRONICS PROJECTS Vol. 20