Learn how to use the classic 555 timer and build some simple projects with it.
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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!
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!)
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
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!
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.
I totally agree. My sentiments exactly. 🤣. This is great. Young people today are so blessed to have teachers like this, the internet and KZhead. I’m learning so much.
Well said Jim, the book just confused the hell out of me. Gonna get me a 555! lol.
@@diggee172 Yep, these whippersnappers got it so easy! (Now get off my lawn!)😉
It was always a 555 in my projects back in the early 70s. Very versatile
@@alcroc p
This was a great intro to 555's. The last time I used a 555 was in the mid 90's.
Finally a video on one of the most used IC in the world.
This IC combined with the 741 op-amp IC can be used create literally thousands of different circuits.
A dive into the good old 555! Just what I needed on a Sunday, thanks!
👌
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.
I have not come across a 555 timer illustration this beautifully done. Thank you Sir, for the time and hard work put in.
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.
I studied Logic gates and 555 timers back in 1986 glad to see there is still someone teaching the basic electronic building blocks.
This is a REAL tutorial, none of that 12 mins joke, thank u!
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!
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.
Your explanations and graphical illustrations are 100% easy to understand, the best I've seen so far, well done
Thanks for making these videos. I’m a beginner and your attention to detail helps me immensely !!
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.
So true and me likewise!
@@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.
@@thebeequeeper5424, you are welcome to contact me through my website.
Anyone know what the idea of the diodes are in the potentiometer (fan part)?
dood!
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.
And..... The 4017 will current limit (run out of drive), so the resistor really is moot.
@@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.
@@KJ6EAD only for heavier loads...
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).
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 KZheadr....!
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)!
소중한정보를 실제회로를 통해 알려주시니 감사합니다. 영상 만드시느라 수고하셨습니다.😊
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!
I live far in north Africa and never seen such a great electronic Teacher. Thanks Sir.
The 555 and 556, two of the most useful IC's they've ever made.
I love your schematics, as someone new to this stuff I found them very easy to interpret and replicate compared to elsewhere.
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.
jajajaja con una calibre 50 lo comparo!! ajajjaja ay ay ay!
I love your channel. I've been watching it for a couple of years now. You're like the Mr. Rogers of electronics.
Excellent introduction in the 555. Exactly what I needed: 555 in monostable mode in combination with a PIR motion sensor.
Another great, crystal-clear video. The thought and effort you put into the graphics is greatly appreciated. Thanks!
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
Never heard or a resistor array. Clearly Im new to this. Fantastic video, thanks very much for sharing.
One of the best circuits ever! You find over 1000 examples of using it!
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.
That is a fantastic diagram of the chip's functional blocks. Excellent video, as usual. Thank you.
Absolutely amazing video. Even I, an absolute beginner, can understand things this way. Thanks!
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!
I didn’t realize this was a NEW video. I thought it was at least 5year old. 😂 It was still gold. God Bless.
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 🙏🏻
I have a couple of tubes of these left in my own parts collection. A very cool, versatile, and useful IC for sure.
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 :(
Excellent video sir! Thanks for being so thorough and having so many examples. Cheers!
I built that PWM motor speed controller about a year ago for a prototype. Worked like a charm! ^^
Thank your diagram was the best one to follow as your expertise shows that you can get anyone to understand this circuit. Thank you...
Easily the best vid on the 555 anywhere on the internet! Thanks so much for making this!
Thoroughly enjoy learning about the basics without feeling like I'm in kindergarten, or trying to fake it in some graduate class. Well done!
A fantastic video. So useful for people learning electronics.
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
flashback to Forest M Mimms III engineering booklets sold at radioshack LOL
Your bistable mode schematic is incorrect. You have both switches going to Vcc, when they should be going to ground.
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.
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.
@@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.
This is an age-appropriate training. I have personally benefited a lot. Sir, thank you very much for this training. May God bless you
You are a must see teacher. You're great, soft and clear explanation, great English , easy to understand, in sum, Great Professional channel
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.
Thank you so much again! Honestly you are one of the best teachers I have ever encountered in my life🙏
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!
I'm 50 years late learning about this chip but you've inspired me to try it...thanks and better late than never!
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! ,
We’ve been using 555 timer chip back in college labs 1998, very useful! Awesome!
Great video. Love the “back to basics” material along with the Arduino and Pi material.
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.
👍 👍 👍 👍 Always good Karma to acknowledge the people that help you through out life. All the best from Canada
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.
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......
Wow. This is the best explanation of the 555 I've ever come across, and I'm older than the darn chip is.
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,
Very informative, and very well demonstrated. I reckon with my limited knowledge I could build and understand these circuits
So far this is the best video I have seen on youtube about 555-timers. This video is awesome! Thanks for the good work.
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.
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!
You have done this extremely well! Thank you!
This video is so important, since the NE555 is so useful !!!
I just watched this video again -- kinda like a refresher. Your videos are great.
Where were you 40 years ago when I needed a simple yet great explanation of the 555? 😄
Outstanding in all regards, great job. Thanks for posting!
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
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.
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.
Excellent demonstrations, thank you!
Very cool & relevant content
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🙏🏼
Thank you for such an insightful video! Keep making these!
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
非常好的老师，非常好的教学，让我学到了很多
I just got an order of 20 555 timers, dirt cheap. I was looking around for a good tutorial. This is it.
Very informative! I've breadboarded lots of 555 projects, mostly audio oscillators. Thank you for this video. I understand this chip much better.
Thanks Professor DroneBot ! So educational! Thank you!
Thanks for a really informative tutorial. Certainly demystifies the little workhorse!
This was incredibly useful,keep up the good work
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. 😉😉😉
First ever I C I used from TANDY UK back in 1981 !, still do today, an ace little chip😎 Gaz UK
Excellent, comme d'habitude! Merci pour le partage.
One of the best made videos I've seen on KZhead
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.
To all the people new here... This guy is the best in the business
As a student, this is really precious. Cheers from italy!
I once built a worble siren with a 556 (dual 555). It was so much fun, because it sounded just like a Italian police siren.
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.
Thanks for this tutorial. Super useful.
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...
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
Best explanation about 555👏
feels like listening to the hhgttg, what a calming voice.
wow this video is so good at explaining the whole process. Thank you so much. You are a brilliant teacher.
Absolutely great! Thanks a lot for that video!