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1Hz timer — Parallax Forums

1Hz timer

ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
edited 2000-08-20 19:14 in General Discussion
I need an accurate timer that sends a pulse to the BS2
once a second. The various packaged real-time clocks are
not suitable since I have only one I/O pin available.

I considered a crystal and down counter (74HC4060 or equiv)
but having problems finding a standard crystal frequency
that can be divided down to 1Hz.

Any help would be appreciated.

A Stumpf

Comments

  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2000-08-14 00:02
    If you have some money to spare, consider a GPS unit. Most of these can
    deliver a 1Hz pulse with an accuracy of microseconds. Some GPS boards can be
    picked up for under $120.

    All the best,

    Mike

    Original Message
    From: "Adolph Stumpf" <astumpf@u...>
    To: <basicstamps@egroups.com>
    Sent: Monday, August 14, 2000 12:59 AM
    Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] 1Hz timer


    >
    > I need an accurate timer that sends a pulse to the BS2
    > once a second. The various packaged real-time clocks are
    > not suitable since I have only one I/O pin available.
    >
    > I considered a crystal and down counter (74HC4060 or equiv)
    > but having problems finding a standard crystal frequency
    > that can be divided down to 1Hz.
    >
    > Any help would be appreciated.
    >
    > A Stumpf
    >
    >
    >
    >
    >
    >
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2000-08-14 00:09
    I'd be thinking about a 555 timer. If you really need crystal accuracy, you
    can divide down a 1MHz or 100kHz crystal with decade counters. If you want
    to use a binary divider, 32.768kHz crystals are very common for just this
    reason.

    Regards,

    Al Williams
    AWC
    *Floating point math for the Stamp, PIC, SX, or any microcontroller:
    http://www.al-williams.com/awce/pak1.htm


    >
    Original Message
    > From: Adolph Stumpf [noparse]/noparse]mailto:[url=http://forums.parallaxinc.com/group/basicstamps/post?postID=wO5ekqQK-k_W_K9fXmdmFVfCz1bx_0quORiGsrWJOl4qklq4wqmXbLdnffFnqHYpzTSnsjGqOQsLZcIHLw]astumpf@u...[/url
    > Sent: Sunday, August 13, 2000 6:00 PM
    > To: basicstamps@egroups.com
    > Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] 1Hz timer
    >
    >
    >
    > I need an accurate timer that sends a pulse to the BS2
    > once a second. The various packaged real-time clocks are
    > not suitable since I have only one I/O pin available.
    >
    > I considered a crystal and down counter (74HC4060 or equiv)
    > but having problems finding a standard crystal frequency
    > that can be divided down to 1Hz.
    >
    > Any help would be appreciated.
    >
    > A Stumpf
    >
    >
    >
    >
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2000-08-14 01:02
    I would use a 12C508 or 12C671 PIC to generate a 1 second pulse. How
    much accuracy do you need? Also, what duty cycle, or pulse width do you
    need. The PIC's are approaching the price of TTL logic chips now. I
    can help you off the list if you need a PIC programmed.
    Allan

    Adolph Stumpf wrote:

    > I need an accurate timer that sends a pulse to the BS2
    > once a second. The various packaged real-time clocks are
    > not suitable since I have only one I/O pin available.
    >
    > I considered a crystal and down counter (74HC4060 or equiv)
    > but having problems finding a standard crystal frequency
    > that can be divided down to 1Hz.
    >
    > Any help would be appreciated.
    >
    > A Stumpf
    >

    --
    _____________________________________________________________________
    "This year will go down in history.
    For the first time, a civilized nation has full gun registration.
    Our streets will be safer, our police more efficient,
    and the world will follow our lead into the future!"
    -- Adolph Hitler, 1933
    ______________________________________________________________________
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2000-08-14 01:55
    Another possibility:

    The CHEAPEST way is to connect the power line to the BS2 pin through a 47K
    resistor. Then you get an ACCURATE 60 Hz. This is good as long as you
    don't need UL approval, in which case you should use an optoisolator.

    Rob Richmond


    Original Message
    From: Adolph Stumpf [noparse]/noparse]mailto:[url=http://forums.parallaxinc.com/group/basicstamps/post?postID=sOBFwU2rUWHfiOrzcZqNLWK1tGuGWhtPo9qKBoFnG5omKZHO4X82mX-oNlwLqt5GMCQi_UKDQrw]astumpf@u...[/url
    Sent: Sunday, August 13, 2000 3:00 PM
    To: basicstamps@egroups.com
    Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] 1Hz timer



    I need an accurate timer that sends a pulse to the BS2
    once a second. The various packaged real-time clocks are
    not suitable since I have only one I/O pin available.

    I considered a crystal and down counter (74HC4060 or equiv)
    but having problems finding a standard crystal frequency
    that can be divided down to 1Hz.

    Any help would be appreciated.

    A Stumpf
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2000-08-14 15:14
    At 22:59 13.08.2000 -0000, you wrote:
    >
    >I need an accurate timer that sends a pulse to the BS2
    >once a second. The various packaged real-time clocks are
    >not suitable since I have only one I/O pin available.
    >
    >I considered a crystal and down counter (74HC4060 or equiv)
    >but having problems finding a standard crystal frequency
    >that can be divided down to 1Hz.
    >
    >Any help would be appreciated.
    >
    >A Stumpf
    >
    >

    Adolph,
    For using counter-ICs with home-made crystal oscillators You have
    a good result with calculating 2^15 = 32768. Mostly used crystals
    for watches comes with 32768 Hz. The divider IC with 14 binary stages
    provides 0.5 Hz for common watch stepper-motors. Also to make with
    discrete components for oscillator/divider in own design..

    Two contributions I have to use any wanted pin of BS2-IC for
    clocked input. I assume for your polling the BS2-IC in loop with included
    deciding from the input state (IF ... THEN) for aligned actions.
    Take care for shortnes (<<< 1 sec) for running your loop, the "precise"
    input clocks make delay with using the needed polling loop for actions.
    (Sorry, PIC16C57 has no interrupts, but perhaps You should thinking
    about clocking to the BS2-IC reset pin for more"real time actions").

    1. Why not use a external BASIC Stamp (toggle a pin with pause <time>
    in loop). You can use a cheaper BS1-IC.

    2. .... The cheapest solution: From a old watch (mostly in mechanical
    defect, I used an old alarm clock ) dismantle the PCB. Replace the two
    stepper-coils with resists. So You have a precise 0.5 Hz - stepper
    pulse for your own using . Because it is driven by a low voltage
    power-supply (1.2 to 3 V) you have to add a single transistor
    to convert the voltage level for BASIC Stamp input.If needed a clock
    of 1 Hz You should insert one divider stage or a no retriggered
    Mono-Flop . Some more hints and a scheme you find in our book:

    Kuehnel/Zahnert: "BASIC Stamp 2. Edition" ,NEWNES 2000, page 208

    Regards Klaus
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2000-08-14 19:16
    Hi Adolph,

    If you live in EUROPE, you can try a DCF-77 atomic time clock, it send one
    pulse par second during 59 sec then 1 no pulse who is the synchro to get
    time atomic.
    It 's not very xpensive module 99 FF in/ www.selectronic.fr/ .
    If you are intersting pair the source, see the next mail "dcf-77 & bs2sx".
    john john

    Original Message
    From: Adolph Stumpf <astumpf@u...>
    To: <basicstamps@egroups.com>
    Sent: Monday, August 14, 2000 12:59 AM
    Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] 1Hz timer


    >
    > I need an accurate timer that sends a pulse to the BS2
    > once a second. The various packaged real-time clocks are
    > not suitable since I have only one I/O pin available.
    >
    > I considered a crystal and down counter (74HC4060 or equiv)
    > but having problems finding a standard crystal frequency
    > that can be divided down to 1Hz.
    >
    > Any help would be appreciated.
    >
    > A Stumpf
    >
    >
    >
    >
    >
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2000-08-15 05:46
    Thanks for all the suggestion with my 1Hz timer problem.

    I ended up with a 555 chip. After some time-consuming tweaks
    it's running at better than 1% accuracy which is acceptable
    for my application.

    Adolph Stumpf
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2000-08-15 06:58
    Hi Adolph,

    Nothing extraordinary, just a final thought: if you will be using
    this in varying temperatures, the accuracy will suffer (depending on the
    delta T and quality of components you use).

    Have a nice evening,
    Paul

    On Tue, 15 Aug 2000, Adolph Stumpf wrote:

    >
    > Thanks for all the suggestion with my 1Hz timer problem.
    >
    > I ended up with a 555 chip. After some time-consuming tweaks
    > it's running at better than 1% accuracy which is acceptable
    > for my application.
    >
    > Adolph Stumpf
    >
    >
    >
    >
    >
    >
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2000-08-20 01:14
    Hello Adolph,

    The oscillator for the BS2 is very stable with temperature, therefore it is
    possible to use the program itself to determine elapsed times, provided you
    first calibrate the system to know what programming will give the specific
    time you need.

    If you must use an external signal of EXACTLY 1 HZ, a one component solution
    that is extremely accurate is available (+/- 5 parts per million). It is
    the SPG-8651B from Epson Electronics America, Inc. This IC includes a super
    stable and super accurate crystal oscillator, and the dividers needed to get
    many different frequencies, including 1HZ.

    It is possible to try basic crystal oscillators, and add a series of
    dividers to them as well. Although the basic crystal oscillator method may
    appear cheaper, it is not usually as accurate, and may be more costly after
    you consider the time and effort to collect all the required parts, and
    connect/debug all the counters.

    I have used the SPG-8651B and find it is hard to beat!

    John


    Original Message
    From: Adolph Stumpf <astumpf@u...>
    To: basicstamps@egroups.com <basicstamps@egroups.com>
    Date: Sunday, August 13, 2000 7:00 PM
    Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] 1Hz timer


    >
    >I need an accurate timer that sends a pulse to the BS2 once a second. The
    various packaged real-time clocks are not suitable since I have only one I/O
    pin available. I considered a crystal and down counter (74HC4060 or equiv)
    but having problems finding a standard crystal frequency
    >that can be divided down to 1Hz.
    >
    >Any help would be appreciated.
    >
    >A Stumpf
    >
    >
    >
    >
    >
    >
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2000-08-20 19:14
    John,

    Thanks for the tip. The SPG-8651B seems to be the ideal solution
    for my timing problem.

    It's a bit pricey ($20 from Digikey) but I'd consider using
    it if my 555 setup isn't stable enough.

    Regards, Adolph



    --- In basicstamps@egroups.com, "Technology Electronics, Ltd."
    <teltd@i...> wrote:
    > Hello Adolph,
    >
    > The oscillator for the BS2 is very stable with temperature,
    therefore it is
    > possible to use the program itself to determine elapsed times,
    provided you
    > first calibrate the system to know what programming will give the
    specific
    > time you need.
    >
    > If you must use an external signal of EXACTLY 1 HZ, a one component
    solution
    > that is extremely accurate is available (+/- 5 parts per million).
    It is
    > the SPG-8651B from Epson Electronics America, Inc. This IC
    includes
    a super
    > stable and super accurate crystal oscillator, and the dividers
    needed to get
    > many different frequencies, including 1HZ.
    >
    > It is possible to try basic crystal oscillators, and add a series of
    > dividers to them as well. Although the basic crystal oscillator
    method may
    > appear cheaper, it is not usually as accurate, and may be more
    costly after
    > you consider the time and effort to collect all the required parts,
    and
    > connect/debug all the counters.
    >
    > I have used the SPG-8651B and find it is hard to beat!
    >
    > John
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