Using the 555 Timer

День тому

Learn how to use the classic 555 timer and build some simple projects with it.
Article with hookup diagrams: dronebotworkshop.com/555-timer
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Today we are looking at one of the most famous and useful integrated circuits ever produced - the 555 timer IC. Although this tiny device is over 50 years old it is still in use today, and for many applications, it is a better choice than using a microcontroller.
I’ll explain how the 555 works and how to use it in its three different modes - Astable, Monostable, and Bistable.
We’ll then build some simple, but useful, projects using the 555 timer, including a light chaser and a DC motor controller. They are easy to build and, unlike a microcontroller, don’t require any programming.
In fact, there are a lot of situations where the 555 is a better choice than a microcontroller, especially when you consider how inexpensive and easy to use it is.
Here is the Table of Contents for today's video:
00:00 - Introduction
01:40 - 555 Timer Operation
10:28 - Astable Mode
15:09 - Monostable Mode
19:14 - Bistable Mode
23:12 - Light Chaser
28:15 - Latching Switch
30:39 - DC Motor Controller
34:36 - Touch Switch
37:20 - Servo Motor Tester
40:03 - Conclusion
If you’ve already used a 555 then you’re probably aware just how versatile it is. If you’ve never used one, then hopefully this video and article will inspire you to build a few projects with it. Hope you enjoy it!

КОМЕНТАРІ: 580

@Dronebotworkshop 3 місяці тому

Hi everyone - It's come to my attention that there has been someone masquerading as myself, responding to some comments here with a link to a Telegram chat to win a prize from me. THIS IS A SCAM, I am not holding a contest, nor do I have a Telegram account. PLEASE DO NOT RESPOND TO THESE MESSAGES!! It's happening on a lot of my videos, I'm taking steps to remove them manually, but as I have 162 videos, it will take some time. If you do run across a suspicious comment, I would appreciate you letting me know at info@dronebotworkshop.com. Thanks! Bill (The real one!)

@feezyadz5940 2 місяці тому

Hi sir, thanks a lot for this amazing video. i didn't quite catch the working principle of the latching switch circuit. i am also trying to simulate it but no luck. any more explaination would be great or even the reel. thanks a lot

@SirMo 2 місяці тому

I'm teaching my nephew about electronics. So I'm building some very basic circuits with him, to get him familiar with different components and some very basic theory. But a 555 project with some blinking LEDs is what really got him excited about electronics. Everyone should have some 555s in their electronics draw. Such simple yet versatile little components. This video came in really handy on reminding me of how to use the chip. Great explanation!

@jimdean7335 2 роки тому

Awesome. I sure wish you’d have done this back in 75 when I first learned the 555. I still have a book from back in the day that I refer to from time to time. You have an effective style of teaching, keep up the good work.

@diggee172 2 роки тому

I totally agree. My sentiments exactly. 🤣. This is great. Young people today are so blessed to have teachers like this, the internet and UKposts. I’m learning so much.

@alcroc 2 роки тому

Well said Jim, the book just confused the hell out of me. Gonna get me a 555! lol.

@rdhunkins 2 роки тому

@@diggee172 Yep, these whippersnappers got it so easy! (Now get off my lawn!)😉

@oldmech619 2 роки тому

It was always a 555 in my projects back in the early 70s. Very versatile

@raylularoussef247dasilva6 2 роки тому

@@alcroc p

@nicholasmaude6906 2 роки тому

This IC combined with the 741 op-amp IC can be used create literally thousands of different circuits.

@octogames6823 2 роки тому

This was a great intro to 555's. The last time I used a 555 was in the mid 90's.

@mateo77ish 2 роки тому

I’m an older dood that was surrounded by electronics growing up, but never cared about any of it until recently. I grabbed an off-market Arduino kit and began collecting and disassembling all sorts of machines to try and teach myself. These videos are great for helping me wrap my mind around this stuff. Thank you.

@acestudioscouk-Ace-G0ACE 2 роки тому

So true and me likewise!

@thebeequeeper5424 2 роки тому

@@acestudioscouk-Ace-G0ACE , I'm 76 and just starting to learn electronic's, Pilot and Business owner for 50 years, so I have a lot to learn, would like to connect, if possible.

@acestudioscouk-Ace-G0ACE 2 роки тому

@@thebeequeeper5424, you are welcome to contact me through my website.

@S24W2 9 місяців тому

Anyone know what the idea of the diodes are in the potentiometer (fan part)?

@kamakaziozzie3038 Місяць тому

dood!

@yteicosf1103 2 роки тому

Finally a video on one of the most used IC in the world.

@sinjhguddu4974 2 роки тому

I have not come across a 555 timer illustration this beautifully done. Thank you Sir, for the time and hard work put in.

@anonymous.youtuber 2 роки тому

That’s a very nice walk through memory lane, I used the 555 40 years ago to build a voltage controlled 50 kV power supply.

@namlow 2 роки тому

Working on it while first introduced over 50 years ago. Did not work on digital electronics/ICs since 1979. What a refreshing memory from your video! Thx!

@citizengkar7824 Рік тому

The best 555 timer tutorial I have seen. As usual, you have encapsulated the essentials, of the tested component, with your direct, concise, & precise instructional methodology. Thanks.

@joerinaldi5 2 роки тому

I studied Logic gates and 555 timers back in 1986 glad to see there is still someone teaching the basic electronic building blocks.

@KJ6EAD 2 роки тому

The 555 and 556 have 2-transistor totem pole outputs. In the 4017 sequencer circuit there's no need for 10 current limiting resistors for the LEDs. Since only one output is high at a time, a single resistor on the ground side of the LEDs can be shared.

@Theineluctable_SOME_CANT Рік тому

And..... The 4017 will current limit (run out of drive), so the resistor really is moot.

@KJ6EAD Рік тому

@@Theineluctable_SOME_CANT I've only been able to get about 15mA out of the 4017 but can't recall finding a clear specification in the data sheet. It often makes good sense to use drive transistors.

@Theineluctable_SOME_CANT Рік тому

@@KJ6EAD only for heavier loads...

@Jvavolerpareil 2 роки тому

Great ! I'm using 555 for a lot of projects since long time, so I got some experience about this chip. I still learned new things by watching your video. Very easy to understand for beginners, but still useful for experienced technicians. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us.

@YLprime Рік тому

This is a REAL tutorial, none of that 12 mins joke, thank u!

@derekloudon8731 2 роки тому

Hi Bill, sometimes it's nice to 'step outside' the microcontroller world and get back to basics. The 555 has always been a most useful device. It would be good to see more videos along this line (and perhaps some hybrid micro/logic chip outings).

@tomaszwota1465 2 роки тому

A dive into the good old 555! Just what I needed on a Sunday, thanks!

@stormztron 2 роки тому

👌

@nigelman9506 Рік тому

Your explanations and graphical illustrations are 100% easy to understand, the best I've seen so far, well done

@matteocassino3172 7 місяців тому

Excellent introduction in the 555. Exactly what I needed: 555 in monostable mode in combination with a PIR motion sensor.

@Jeff-0621 2 роки тому

Thank you! Like the 50 caliber machine gun, it’s a classic and still in use years later. Although there are others that could be use, it’s reliability seem exceptional. I’ve always wanted to learn more, and I know breadboards are the best way to learn circuitry. Knowing about the 555 makes it even easier (financially) to acquire it.

@andresalejandrogazaba9885 2 роки тому

jajajaja con una calibre 50 lo comparo!! ajajjaja ay ay ay!

@eddyelectron9234 2 роки тому

Have to agree with Jim Dean re: your teaching style. Thanks for the 555 refresher course. I do however prefer the CMOS 555 in my projects. Many thanks for all your videos.

@FW190D9 2 роки тому

Thanks for making these videos. I’m a beginner and your attention to detail helps me immensely !!

@BirdYoumans 11 місяців тому

Thank you my friend for what you do. Your production techniques are well above the norm and you teach without a lot of fluff. Just to the point. You make it look easier than it is!

@carlgradolph9676 Рік тому

Thanks for making and sharing this video. It's obvious that you spend a good deal of time devising your projects, as well as writing scripts, setting up lighting and camera angles and so forth in order to create outstanding educational content. I wish I could say the same about every UKpostsr....!

@chrisfuller1268 Рік тому

Great video! For de-bouncing I always used 74LS221 or whatever version of the 221 provided the speed and interface voltage needed. Similarly, I used the 74LS74 or other flip flop parts over the 555 due to the simplified operation. Cool to see all the functions of the 555!

@AMGTOM Рік тому

I live far in north Africa and never seen such a great electronic Teacher. Thanks Sir.

@fuhkoffandie 2 роки тому

The 555 and 556, two of the most useful IC's they've ever made.

@jj74qformerlyjailbreak3 2 роки тому

I didn’t realize this was a NEW video. I thought it was at least 5year old. 😂 It was still gold. God Bless.

@stichter51 2 роки тому

Another great, crystal-clear video. The thought and effort you put into the graphics is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

@Bromon655 7 місяців тому

I love your schematics, as someone new to this stuff I found them very easy to interpret and replicate compared to elsewhere.

@davidmaloney4860 2 роки тому

Thanks! Outstanding video with a great explanation of how the 555 works and a lot of practical uses. On of your best videos to date (of many)!

@abasahmed Рік тому

Hans Camenzed, the creator of the legendary 555 would be so happy that you made this video. It was my first IC that I made something with back in 1989.

@OcenaSoft 2 роки тому

Wow, I love this IC and have books from the late 70’s just for this IC - well done on this video - one of my favourite so far - THANKS

@jamesbiswas3309 2 роки тому

This is an age-appropriate training. I have personally benefited a lot. Sir, thank you very much for this training. May God bless you

@whatstdiggn 2 роки тому

I love your channel. I've been watching it for a couple of years now. You're like the Mr. Rogers of electronics.

@flaviusnita6008 Рік тому

One of the best circuits ever! You find over 1000 examples of using it!

@KaziNazmulYT Рік тому

Hello sir. I'm commenting here just to inform you that you are doing excellent work uploading such informative, descriptive, and quality video tutorials. I'm from Bangladesh, and I always watch your tutorials. Since I am an undergraduate student in the EEE discipline, your previous tutorials helped me immensely in my applied study field. I am happy to thank you and wish you good health. Please keep supporting us.

@terrygerhart1485 Рік тому

👍 👍 👍 👍 Always good Karma to acknowledge the people that help you through out life. All the best from Canada

@_FJB_ Рік тому

This is byfar the most effective and easiest to understand while explaining everything. I'm going to binge on your channel sir! Thank you greatly!

@baldrickdaisy8982 2 роки тому

A very detailed and informative lesson on the 555 timer and how they can be used 👌 Neat little animations in your video too Bill 😄. Thanks 🙏🏻

@gooddealonly Рік тому

The 555 timer was available in 1972 by Signetics. I remember making a timer for the darkroom photo enlarger exposure. The 20222A and 2N3055 transistors were very popular for projects at the time also.

@MiguelAbd 9 місяців тому

Absolutely amazing video. Even I, an absolute beginner, can understand things this way. Thanks!

@johnsantos975 2 роки тому

Thank your diagram was the best one to follow as your expertise shows that you can get anyone to understand this circuit. Thank you...

@thishandlecrapisstupid Рік тому

Thoroughly enjoy learning about the basics without feeling like I'm in kindergarten, or trying to fake it in some graduate class. Well done!

@Dronebotworkshop 2 роки тому

One thing I forgot to mention in the video, but did mention in the article, is the units used in the formulas for calculating the time with the resistors and capacitors: Time is in Seconds Resistance is in Ohms Capacitance is in Farads

@ThomasAndersonbsf 2 роки тому

flashback to Forest M Mimms III engineering booklets sold at radioshack LOL

@cnc-maker 2 роки тому

Your bistable mode schematic is incorrect. You have both switches going to Vcc, when they should be going to ground.

@ThomasAndersonbsf 2 роки тому

would have been nice to touch on the frequency differences between the types as I have seen most are 500kHz while LMC I believe are capable of 3mHz high end range.

@tnamen1307 2 роки тому

Sir... Can I used 555 Timer for a car to automatically lock all doors when speed reaches 40 kmph? Please kindly make video for this auto door locked circuit. Thanks in advance.

@shaylehirschman1748 Рік тому

@@tnamen1307 Would you consider doing your design in a PLD or FPGA, or even a microcontroller, which can come on an off-the-shelf board that you program? Then you use an oscillator for the clock. The 555 and assorted logic chips could be used for fun, instead, but you’ll have a better platform and still be simple to program if you use a microcontroller or FPGA.

@mrcleanisin 4 місяці тому

Excellent video. I no longer have the project or the schematic, but back before cell phones I put together a circuit using a 555 timer in order to patch my mobile CB radio to my home telephone. I was able to do this only when touch tone phones were in use. I only had one-way communication, but it worked well, even got about 10 miles from my base antenna, which was mounted in the top of a pine tree.

@marknkatz Рік тому

Boy, this brings back memories. I haven't done any hardware design and building in decades but used these a lot in the 1970s for my own designs and those copied from the likes of Popular Electronics and Radio-Electronics, among others. Somewhat surprised that the device is still being used 50 years later.

@allnicksweretaken Рік тому

I built that PWM motor speed controller about a year ago for a prototype. Worked like a charm! ^^

@jamestaddeo4435 2 роки тому

I have a couple of tubes of these left in my own parts collection. A very cool, versatile, and useful IC for sure.

@paulrichards2365 Рік тому

i had tubes of 6502 microprocessors and 6502 ram that my wife had me throw out. Not long after I hear NASA wants them for the old Space Shuttle :(

@allthegearnoidea6752 Рік тому

I’m using one of these to control the power to a pico in an IOT application. I was going to make a video on the 555 timer but couldn’t possibly make such a good job as you have in this video. Beautiful done my hat is off to you sir! ,

@LeonMatthews 2 роки тому

That is a fantastic diagram of the chip's functional blocks. Excellent video, as usual. Thank you.

@Ymanntronics Рік тому

Thank you so much again! Honestly you are one of the best teachers I have ever encountered in my life🙏

@joelkoren3241 3 місяці тому

Sir, you are a naturally gifted trainer of God's misteries. Brief precise operating principles reinforced by excellent schematics and models.Excellent talents not many instructors have.

@t1d100 2 роки тому

Thank you, for another wonderful video! Your point about the price advantage of the 555 verses micro-controllers is well taken and not disputed, at all. But, I would like to share some knowledge, for the folks that don't know much about MCUs. There are many small micro-controllers that fall within your $1 total project budget... The ATtiny85, PIC12F683, etc. 1) They offer different functions than a 555 and those different "muscles" may be advantageous to the project's goals, so they are worth considering. 2) These are older MCUs and they are being phased out by the OEMs, in favor of their newer designs. I know all the business reasons for phasing out a product, but losing these little powerhouses is a pet peeve of mine. If we will continue to buy them, they will surely continue to make them.

@lukebowers536 5 місяців тому

My fave chip ever invented & so useful for so many things, you have a fantastic clear way of teaching, the internet needs more folks like you, keep up the fantastic work,

@JonathanDeWitt1988 2 роки тому

Bill, that was an excellent video! Seriously, you put a lot of work into it and it shows. I thoroughly enjoyed your projects section of the video showing how to apply the 555 timer. You definitely showed why it has a 50 year life span. Thank you for clearing up the origin of the name! Thank you for taking the time to create and upload this quality content Bill. It is much appreciated!

@t1d100 2 роки тому

Taking us through the circuit operations of the projects in the second half of this tutorial would make a nice follow-up video. Example: Non-Inverting Comparator X is held low. When the switch is pushed, X goes high. This causes Transistor Y to go high and the LED lights...

@alcroc 2 роки тому

Where were you 40 years ago when I needed a simple yet great explanation of the 555? 😄

@carlossaraiva7968 2 роки тому

You are a must see teacher. You're great, soft and clear explanation, great English , easy to understand, in sum, Great Professional channel

@acestudioscouk-Ace-G0ACE 2 роки тому

I'm 50 years late learning about this chip but you've inspired me to try it...thanks and better late than never!

@MatthewRaw 2 роки тому

Easily the best vid on the 555 anywhere on the internet! Thanks so much for making this!

@kensyootoob 22 дні тому

Excellent video sir! Thanks for being so thorough and having so many examples. Cheers!

@advX 5 місяців тому

We’ve been using 555 timer chip back in college labs 1998, very useful! Awesome!

@qwkimball 2 роки тому

Wow. This is the best explanation of the 555 I've ever come across, and I'm older than the darn chip is.

@geoffphillips5293 9 місяців тому

I loved the 555. My clumsy efforts and poor soldering managed to make a wheel of fortune that spun down from fast to slow using a series of these.

@sideburn 2 роки тому

One of the first things I played with as a kid in the 80s. I still have my Forest Mims Engineers Mini Notebook on the 555.

@billnicholson2470 2 роки тому

I built a 10 minute timer to remind me to ID on ham radio using a 555 timer and a buzzer with 2 led's and a switch to select between led run and time is up or buzzer. That was 30 years ago and it still works fine. Has an adjustable resister to set time. Brings back memories. 73 de kb7ici

@thomasparisi5333 2 роки тому

Brings back memories :) I remember ordering some 555's, 741's, and 2222's back in the late '70's from James Electronics, fond memories......

@DesertVox 2 роки тому

I just got an order of 20 555 timers, dirt cheap. I was looking around for a good tutorial. This is it.

@beeman1885 2 роки тому

Great video. Love the “back to basics” material along with the Arduino and Pi material.

@xianyingzhang1106 8 місяців тому

非常好的老师，非常好的教学，让我学到了很多

@barry7608 Рік тому

Very informative, and very well demonstrated. I reckon with my limited knowledge I could build and understand these circuits

@ismaelissah2518 Рік тому

So far this is the best video I have seen on youtube about 555-timers. This video is awesome! Thanks for the good work.

@lorencarlin2087 4 місяці тому

Very informative! I've breadboarded lots of 555 projects, mostly audio oscillators. Thank you for this video. I understand this chip much better.

@FreakyDudeEx Рік тому

ahh the classic... i remember when i fiddle with this one as a kid in school... remembered also how to choose PIC for my projects as well... man it was fun doing these things with my friends...

@niconine268 8 місяців тому

Very cool & relevant content

@akshay.kumar.k 2 роки тому

Probably the marketer himself took the name from the three resistors..?

@amnprince9121 6 місяців тому

agreed, thats most likely the case

@BlackDragonBE 3 місяці тому

@@amnprince9121 3:31

@xpcwalker9421 3 місяці тому

Yes

@scotty3114 2 місяці тому

Idk, I have marketing to totally ignorant of the item they are trying to sell. They throw crap at a wall to see what sticks. Almost as (tongue in cheek) intellgent as the cost reduction department!

@larrygraham3377 Рік тому

Thanks for a great video on 555 Timmers. Takes me back to my lab days when I was in school earning my B.S Degree in electronics. 😉😉😉

@yupingliao4078 2 роки тому

NE555是老掉牙的蕊片，真的是前輩時代所使用的，真叫人懷念，謝謝你

@Dabaiko 8 місяців тому

Awesome. If I use the monostable configuration proposed in the video example, will my battery be drained while not in use?

@user-qw3jn7bd7i 5 місяців тому

소중한정보를 실제회로를 통해 알려주시니 감사합니다. 영상 만드시느라 수고하셨습니다.😊

@MOOKAMILLION 15 днів тому

What an AMAZING Video!! There really is a lot of great information that is packed in, well detailed and smoothly organized!! This has been a useful teaching tool as well as such useful review and new information/ideas for Instructors🙏🏼

@mickeyfilmer5551 2 роки тому

A fantastic video. So useful for people learning electronics.

@ableutopia2721 2 роки тому

Outstanding in all regards, great job. Thanks for posting!

@jezues1286 2 роки тому

Broo. This dude sounds like my professor. So slow and and monotone it puts me to sleep. But no lie. This dude really be giving you all the info youll ever need fr fr tho.

@amnesie6615 2 роки тому

This video is so important, since the NE555 is so useful !!!

@gkdresden 10 місяців тому

For astable mode you can also use just one capacitor and one resistor between output (pin 3) and threshold and trigger (pin 2 and 6). so you don't need the discharge (pin 7). It is also the only way to get 50% duty cycle and it safes some current which goes unused through R1 into discharge if you use the circuit according the the NE555's data sheet. This is especially important if you use the low power CMOS versions of the 555. I like the TLC555 very much because it has the shortest rising and falling times of all these 555 devices. You can operate it up to frequencies of 1 MHz without problems. I use a TLC555 to test the jump response of audio power amplifiers with a 10 kHz rectangular test signal under mixed resistive an capacitive output loads.

@craign8ca Рік тому

I just watched this video again -- kinda like a refresher. Your videos are great.

@vihangatck Рік тому

wow this video is so good at explaining the whole process. Thank you so much. You are a brilliant teacher.

@p.g.pg38 2 роки тому

Excellent, comme d'habitude! Merci pour le partage.

@IMBlakeley 2 роки тому

Crikey it is for me a blast from the past, I built myself a Morse sender outputting to a telephone earpiece when I was teaching myself Morse code back in the late 70s

@khahynight009 7 місяців тому

Very helpful

@krishnaghatol1391 2 роки тому

To all the people new here... This guy is the best in the business

@lwentz5510 Рік тому

You have done this extremely well! Thank you!

@Standbackforscience 2 місяці тому

I came here looking for a simple timer for a very simple project, and I left with 4 additional solutions that I didn't even knew I needed.

@chriskaprys Місяць тому

Would you mind offering a quick description of the projects? I'm trying to wrap my head around this and end up feeling like I'm as dumb as a pile of rocks. I think if I could come up with a real-life purpose for using it then I could build my understanding up around that goal, but so far, apart from a light independently blinking at a given rate or sending a square wave to a stepper motor, it hasn't clicked for me why this is so useful. (I've also been staring at the Bistable Mode schematic and reading the description over and over and over for the past hour and at this point feel like I'm just going to cry out of frustration, because the language seems so contradictory and I can't figure out why someone would need to make what is ultimately On or Off so complex...)

@SamBatti88 6 місяців тому

You have the best UKposts channel for me ! Thank you for this excellent tutorials 😊 I learned many things from you 🎉

@gpTeacher 2 роки тому

Thanks for a really informative tutorial. Certainly demystifies the little workhorse!

@ReneStover Рік тому

Excellent demonstrations, thank you!

@RalphWLundvall 2 роки тому

For my Light Chase circuit I put a single resistor on the ground side of the LEDs. Only one LEDS is on at a time. Introducing the resistor network is a good idea as breadboarding multiple resistors certainly is tiring and few even know of them.

@00Skyfox 11 місяців тому

I used a 555 to build a monostable circuit to replace the rear defrost timer in my van when the controller quit working. I had to figure out how to make it not come on when the key was turned on and how to shut it off when I wanted to before the time ran out, and used a mom-off-mom rocker switch to control it. After a little bit of trial and error to get everything stable (using some pull up and pull down resistors) the thing works great. I just wish I could have figured out how to make it work with a single momentary button for push on/push off operation.

@Jestunes 2 роки тому

Awesome. I've been looking for a breakdown of various transistors. This is a great start. Thanks for sharing. I have a greater understanding. Wish more people would give better descriptions of electronic items. Thanks for sharing. New subscriber...