How to Make a Classroom Debate Timer Circuit

In this post we learn how to make a simple classroom debate timer circuit which can be used to illuminate two sequentially toggling lamps to indicate the start and finish of the lecture time delivered by the respective members in the class. The idea was requested by Animale.

Technical Specifications

I'm trying to make a visual device to be used in debates among students. So I came with this idea: two colored bulbs, one blue one red.

The blue one is turned ON 5 minutes while the participant is talking, after this time is automatically OFF and the red one is turned ON 5 seconds, to indicate the end of speech time and the other participant can be prepared.

Then, 5 seconds after, the red bulb is turned OFF and the blue one is ON again. This is a permanent loop after is connected to the power outlet (120v).

I think that a visual device its less disturbing and distracting, and that's why i avoiding the use of alarms or buzzers.

I don't know if this project is simple. I know how to do basic soldering but i'm don't know nothing about electronics.

It's a small countryside school, so they don't have anyone who knows about electronics and i'm doing some volunteer job.

I'll we be glad if you can help me with this and i'm sure this will be really useful in the student meetings.

Thank you very much in advance and sorry if i do some mistakes in my writing.

Greetings from Colombia.

How The Circuit is Designed

The above request for a classroom debate timer circuit can be implemented with the help of the shown design.

The circuit is basically made by interconnecting two IC 555 monostable stages, which conduct in sequence as per the set predetermined delays, once the circuit is powered.

The delay lengths is adjustable and can be set by appropriately by adjusting the respective 1M pots, and also the respective 1uF/25V capacitors which may be increased for achieving higher delay responses from the ICs.

When power is switched ON, the left IC activates by issuing a high logic at its pin#3 owing to the instantaneous grounding of its pin#2 via the PNP transistor.

While the pin#3 of the left IC remains ON, this IC counts the timing, and in the meantime the right hand side IC stays dormant with its pin#3 at logic zero. The connected relay also stays switched OFF and in the course connects the N/C contact lamp with the mains, the relevant lamp is illuminated.

Once the set time is elapsed, the left IC's pin#3 goes low and in the process grounds the right side IC's pin#2 to ground. The right side IC now switches ON allowing its pin#3 to go high.

The above sequence turns ON the relay which in turn switches OFF the erarlier lamp and toggles the second lamp connected across its N/O contact.

The left IC now begins counting, while this IC counts, the high from its pin#3 switches OFF the PNP
enabling the left IC's 0.22uF capacitor at its pin#2 to get discharged.

After the set time is elapsed, its pin#3 goes low, the relay deactivates flipping the lamp illumination, this also switches ON the PNP grounding the pin#2 of the left IC via the 0.22uF capacitor....the process now loops up and keeps cycling.

About Swagatam

I am an electronic engineer (dipIETE ), hobbyist, inventor, schematic/PCB designer, manufacturer. I am also the founder of the website: https://www.homemade-circuits.com/, where I love sharing my innovative circuit ideas and tutorials.
If you have any circuit related query, you may interact through comments, I'll be most happy to help!