The Biggest Little Chip: An Intro to the Versatile 555 Timer
Chain three 555s together to create a gadget that will allow you to impose a time limit in games like checkers or Scrabble.
555
Play That Funky Tune…with Weekend Projects!
The LDR Synth is a light-to-sound noisemaker built with relatively common components. Build it on a breadboard, follow our perfboard design, or come up with your own permanent circuit layout. We’ll show you how-to with Weekend Projects!
Valentine LED Chaser
The object of your desire will not be able to resist this heart shaped kitsch-o-tron, lovingly hand-crafted on perfboard with a CD4017B decade counter and 555 astable. But you probably can’t go wrong with flowers and chocolates as well. Just to be on the safe side.
Gifts for the Electronics Whiz, Geek, Nerd, Wonk, Ace, Pro, Babe, or Stud in Your Life
Take it from one who knows: this stuff is awesome. Even if you have no idea what it does or why anyone would care.
555 Timer Weekend Projects
The 555 timer IC has been used in many of our Weekend Projects, from beginner-friendly breadboard experiments to advanced weekend-long builds.
555 Memorial Circuit
To mark the passing of Hans R. Camenzind (designer of the 555 timer chip), MAKE reader Jim Frize freeformed this lovely little oscillating circuit as a solemn tribute. More: See all of the posts for 555 Week.
555 Timer Contest Highlights
To mark the recent passing of Hans Camenzind, we are running a 555 mini-retrospective this week. Last year Jeri Ellsworth held a 555 timer contest in the categories of Artistic, Complex, Minimalist, and Utility. Here are some photos and schematics of the first place winners from that contest.
