In this post we learn how to build a simple yet accurate timer circuit using the IC 4060 and some ordinary passive components.
Main Advantage of using IC 4060 as the Timer IC
I have already discussed this IC comprehensively in one of my previous articles, everything regarding its pin outs have been discussed there in detail. We studied that the IC 4060 is specifically suited for timer applications and also as an oscillator. In this article we’ll study how a simple versatile timer can be built using the IC 4060.
Other than the IC you would require just a couple of resistors, one pot and a capacitor for making this timer.
Referring the figure, the simplicity of the design becomes evident and therefore this circuit is perfectly suited for all electronic newcomers, who can easily build this project and enjoy its useful service.
As explained earlier in one my articles, the IC has an in built oscillator that needs just a few passive external components for making it tick.
Depending upon the values of the external RC components, the oscillation periods can be varied right from a few fractions of a second to many hours.
RC components refer to the values of the external time determining components consisting of a resistor or a pot and a capacitor.
The outputs produce a varied rate of time periods; each output generates time periods that’s exactly double to that of the previous output in a certain order of the IC pin outs.
Since here we want to use this unit as a timer we have selected the pin out which is last in the order as far the length of the time period is concerned, meaning we have selected pin #3 which generates the highest delay period.
The biggest advantage of making a timer using IC 4060 is that the involved timing capacitor cam ne kept as small as possible by increasing the complementary timing component value, which is the resistor.
This helps to keep the circuit simple, smaller and very sleek, unlike other timer IC like 555 which require high value electrolytic capacitors for generating even ordinary time delays.
How the Circuit is Latched when Time is Elapsed
In the figure you can see a diode being introduced from the output pin #3 to one of the oscillator pin #11. This diode acts as a latching component, which latches the IC once the set time lapses and the output of the IC goes high.
If this diode is not inserted, the output would go freewheeling from logic high to logic low and keep repeating the time delays.
The circuit may be powered from a small 9 volt battery which will last almost for ever.
A buzzer is fitted at the output for the required indications of the timer output after the time delay has elapsed.
How to Reset the Timer
The IC may be reset simply by pressing the reset button or alternatively the circuit gets automatically reset when switched off and powered again.
How to Calculate Frequency or Time Delay of IC 4060 - The Formula
PCB Design
Understanding the Basic ON/OFF sequence of IC 4060 pinouts
The following video shows how a basic timer circuit may be configured using an IC 4060 and a few supporting passive components.
The schematic for the circuit discussed in the video can be visualized in the following diagrams:
The following image shows how to latch IC 4060 output by adding a diode across the selected output pin and pin#11
As we already know that the timing output or delay across all the shown output pins of the IC 4060 depends on the product of the values of R1 and C1, here pin#3 can be seen going after 32 logic pulses from pin#14 of the IC. Meaning when the LED at pin#14 completes 32 pulses, the LED at pin#3 switches ON, and switches OFF after another 32 pulses from pin#14. Identically you may find different equivalent rates at the other output pins of the IC.
This timing proportion is observed when R2 and C1 are selected to be 10K and 0.1uF respectively.
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Kesav.N says
Sir…
Pls tell the reason for using capacitor c2 0.1uf…
And tell how to calculate both resistors and capacitor for time delay
Swag says
Kesav, it is called a decoupling capacitor, this is normally recommended for all CMOS ICs and should be connected directly across their supply pins (Vcc/Vss)…It is required to ensure a healthy functioning of the IC and prevent voltage transients from affecting the IC functioning during power switch ON periods
Eduardo says
Hi,
I need to make a timer circuit wich will works with 3 times options (10min 15min and 20min)
It will receive a pulse from differents relays, by the required time.
For example:
If the required time is 10minutes, the correspondent relay of 10 minutes turn on, and the timer need to turn on a DC Motor, count 10 min, then turn off a DC Motor.
The Dame with the other times (15 minutes, and 20 minutes).
Could you help me?
Swagatam says
Hi, to achieve this you can simply build three separate IC555 monostable timer modules with preset level of timing output, and attach the triggers to the respective 555 inputs.
Unknown says
Is possible in this 4060 to generate nonsymetrical on/off timings. For example 16hours on and 8hours off?
Swagatam says
for two unique time sequences, you may have to employ two 4060 IC s instead of one as discussed in the following article
https://homemade-circuits.com/2012/04/how-to-make-simple-programmable-timer.html
Rishabh says
Hi sir,
my name is Rishabh. Sir can you please make a timer based on 4060 ic that can turn on and off a relay for 10 to 30 sec twice in 24 hours, once in morning and at evening.
Swagatam says
Hi Rishabh, you can try the following circuit
https://homemade-circuits.com/2012/04/how-to-make-simple-programmable-timer.html
andrea says
Hi swagatam,
I have read this post on cd4060 and other on its pinout, but i am sorry i not understand how it work.
I get it that pinout 9,10,11 set the frequency, but how it can counter the time?
With an capacitor and two resistors i have an frequency signal at these pinout.
Now,this frequency how come used for counter?
I hope that you can to explain this.
Thank you so much and congratulations for your job.
Swagatam says
Hi Andrea,
the counting is in the form of pulses generated across the different output pins of the IC…pin#3 generates the pulses at the slowest rate while pin#7 the fastest…others do it at other specified frequency rates.
these rates of frequency are determined by the charging and discharging period of the capacitor, through the internal CMOS gates…however how these different speeds or frequency rates are attributed across the pinouts of the IC is a little complex to understand and will need a thorough study of the internal structure of the IC.
Henrik Lauridsen says
Hi Swagatam,
Thank you for your fast reply.
I need to calculate the 4060 to give a 1 second interval, but have trouble to understand your formula.
Could you please help to get it right with the 2 resistors at pin 10 & 11 and the capacitor at pin 9?
Thank you
Swagatam says
Hi Henrik,
for solving the equation for "seconds" you will need to use the T(out) equation which will provide you the ON/OFF delay in seconds from the selected output pin of the IC.
Rt is the resistor involved with pin#10, Ct is the capacitor at pin#9…"n" is the serial number of the preferred output pin which you can find from the datasheet of the IC….for example the first pinout in the sequence is pin#7 (Q3) while the last is pin#3 (Q13)….if you selected pin#3 then N will correspond to "13"
and Ct will be in Fradas
radioman5097 says
Hi MIke
im looking into building a timer to replicate a broken siren at work for breaks and lunch times.
Will this circuit serv the perpose? I would need it to sound for 30 seconds at 10:00am, 12:00 and 3:00 pm each day of a 5 day work week.
if so can you provide a component rating for me?
thanks
Swagatam says
You can try the following design
https://homemade-circuits.com/2012/04/how-to-make-long-duration-timer-circuit.html
and assign the different outputs of the IC2 uniquely for the required intervals.
or probably the following one
https://homemade-circuits.com/2013/11/week-day-programmable-timer-circuit.html
Aadith Shaji says
Thanks!!
Can you please say the part list pls..
Swagatam says
it's already given in the circuit diagram….all resistors are 1/4 watt rated.
Ron says
Hi swagatam
I have made circuit using 4060 timer
But getting different on and off timings
M using 470nF capacitor 1M pot Rs-10M
Please help me out
Swagatam says
Hi Ron,
check all the outputs of the IC, you'll find the one which is may be most desirable to your need….pin3 will give highest delay, pin7 the lowest between the ON/OFFs
Mike says
Dear Swagatam, Thank you for considering my circuit. I will wait for the design. However, the transformer that I have has an output of 16 volts ac not 18. Sorry. Hope this will not be too much trouble.
Thank You kind Sir/
Mike
Mike says
Dear Swagatam, I am trying to build a timer circuit to control an automatic fish feeder.
It needs to operate on 12 volts. It needs to operate two relays. Both need to come on at
the same time. The first relay needs to shut off after 5.2 seconds. The second relay needs to shut off after 7 seconds. Then the process needs to repeat in 24 hours. Also can you convert 18 volts ac into 12 volts dc.
Thank you
Mike
Swagatam says
Hi Mike, I'll try to design it soon and post it in this blog, I'll provide you with the link once it's done…please be in touch.
kikira says
Dear sir,
I want to start a 12v /500mA max dc motor after 40-60secs of switching on and will stop after switching off.
Please refer any ckt.
I wrote u on saturday and also writing u on today. Sir please help……
Thanking you,
k.kausik
Swagatam says
Dear Kausik,
you can try the circuit shown in the above link.
remove the shown buzzer and connect a TIP122 base to pin3 of the IC via a 1k resistor, connect its emitter to negative of the supply, and connect one wire of your motor to the collector of the transistor and the other to the positive supply.
Now if you switch ON power, the motor will start after a predetermined period of time depending upon the value of P1
Swagatam says
correction: try the circuit that's given in the above article.
Devan Shah says
I m ok if it can work on 9 volt battery too
Swagatam says
you can try the circuit shown in the following link, it's a 10 stage programmable timer, you may reduce the number as per your requirement:
https://homemade-circuits.com/2014/01/programmable-diesel-generator-timer.html
The relay may be replaced with the COB alarm
Devan Shah says
Dear Swagatam,
If you have time, I would be very grateful if you could help me and design a circuit.
I need a circuit which will allow a speaker to play a Jingle using a COB at a fix or a pre set time, for example i want to set he speaker to play jingle at 9 AM than at 1 PM and so on.
It should work on a 3V Button cell ( 2032 )
regards
Devan.
Swagatam says
Dear Devan,
the circuit is possible but it cannot run on 3V, there's no IC that would run comfortably on 3V
Stevan Obradovic says
Dear Swagatam, my name is Stevan and I spend more than 20 hours on your site, searching for a circuit I need… My knowledge is not enough to figure which circuit I can use and I tried with many of them… If you have time, I would be very grateful if you could help me and design circuit. I need timer circuit which will allow me to chose for how long it will stay ON (3-10 sec) and how many times it will repeit that action during 7 days (1-7 times / once in a week, twice in a week, every day etc). I need it for controling 9-12V electro motor. Thank you very much in advance!
Swagatam says
Dear Stevan,
Thanks! I'll try to do it for you soon and post it in this blog.
Stevan Obradovic says
Thank you so much!!!
NomadAU says
Thanks for publishing this circuit. I'm using it on a boat to turn on the illumination for a switch panel, running at 12V. I've replaced the buzzer with a PNP transistor that switches the real load (the panel back lights) when Q14 (pin 3) is low, and turns it off when the pin goes HIGH…and this works just fine.
So, when I push the momentary (reset) button, the lights come on for a period of time, long enough for me to find the panel switch I am interested in and turn it on or off.
Now I am wondering if there is a way of turning off the lights BEFORE the timer expires? What I'd like is a second momentary switch that would drive the Q14 (pin 3) HIGH and keep it HIGH until the first button was pressed again.
Any ideas?
Swagatam says
You are welcome!
You can try putting a push-to-on momentary switch across the end terminals of P1/R2.
When you press this, C1 will quickly discharge making pin3 go high and latch the circuit….I think this would work
NomadAU says
I've modified the circuit to run off 12 volts and it works just great. Thanks for putting up the post. I am using this to illuminate a switch panel – the idea is that you press a momentary button and the switch panel back lights will turn on for a period of time…enough time to find the switch you want and turn it on/off. I was also thinking of adding another momentary switch that would turn the lights off even if the timer hadn't expired. However, I haven't managed to figure out how to do this. Another way of describing this is that I want the Q14 (pin 3) to go high (and stay high) when I toggle the second switch.
Any ideas on how this could be done?
Anonymous says
hi,
good circuit,can you tell the changes to be made to make the circuit turn on daily at 6am and turn off daily at 6 pm.
please help
thank you
Regards
Rajath
Swagatam says
Hi, thanks,
through trial and error find an appropriate resistor value and replace R2/P1 with it. You can also try higher values for C1, increasing them to some higher level would give you the required timing.
Deepak says
Hi Swagatam,
Thanks for this post most helpful to me develop small small utility.
I need one help, I need feed timer circuit for my aquarium. i have one Computer CPU fan of 12v/0.5A I have 4060 IC and also have 555 ic.
i want to feed my fish interval of 6 hr difference through running by fan motor attached with feeder container. and that motor should run for 10 to 15 sec. after that it should auto cutoff. and In the same On 12 hr difference 5 led of white should on in day and 5 led of blue in night.
is it possible to do it in one circuit? if yes please post circuit for me…. I am Deepak, i am not full to electronic guy, i am form chemical engg. but creating circuits as per given creating is my hobby created many small small utility form your site also which you given description also help me to understand and create and modify as per my convenient.
if you post a circuit it will really helpful for me…
Thanks in advance,
—
Regards,
Deepak Patil.
Swagatam says
Hi Deepak,
You may try the following design for the feeder application:
https://homemade-circuits.com/2012/04/how-to-make-simple-programmable-timer.html
for leds you may try the following circuit:
https://homemade-circuits.com/2012/10/making-led-illumination-circuit-for.html
Deepak says
Thank you for prompt reply,
Yes I have already read both of link and also i created one successful circuit Making LED Illumination Circuit for Fish Aquariums but both i could not able to join i.e. on off one and aquarium light one. Please Help me…
Thanks,
—
Reagrds,
Deepak Patil.
Anonymous says
Hey there Swagatam.
I just wanted to say that what you do here in you blog is wonderful. I just came across them in Google looking for a chasing light circuit. Love it and will be using it. I do have a question about this timer circuit though. Could I have this hooked up to my headlight switch and when I turn off the switch it starts the count? I would like to add this to a breathing light circuit so when I turn off my lights, the head and tail lights fade in and out for a set amount of time. Would this be the circuit I need for the timing aspect? Thank you in advance, and there is no rush.
Ray.
Swagatam says
Hi Ray,
yes the above circuit would perfectly fit your application after some modifications,a 555 circuit could also be used.
But it won't fade the lights, rather do it in a normal flashing manner.
Anonymous says
Thanks for the quick response. I know if I left the circuit as is, it would be more like a time delayed cut off for the lights, correct? Would it be possible to send you a schematic for you to look at your leisure to see what I'm looking to do. I was thinking if I took the buzzer out and replaced it with a Pulsing/Breathing light circuit then when I turn the lights off at the switch, it should give me the delayed breathing effect instead of delayed instant off. If you don't think that this would work, do you already have a circuit here in the blog that would work for my application?
Swagatam says
The above circuit can be implemented exactly in the way that's required in your application. The circuit would act like a timer as well as produce the required breathing effect.
A schematic won't be required actually because I have understood the design…I will try to finish it soon and post in this blog…please do check back within a couple of days.
Thanks!
Anonymous says
Wow cool. I guess I was was going to make it more difficult then needed. Thanks man and take your time. I know your a busy person. Look forward to seeing it.
Swagatam says
Thanks Ray,
….am still working on the circuit, you will see it very soon:)
Jayanath Ranasinghe says
DEAR SIR I WILL MAKE THIS CIRCUIT SOON. BUT I WANT TO KNOW THAT SUPPOSE I ADJUST THE POTS TO ON LIGHTS AT MID NIGHT 2 O CLOCK AND OFF AT MORNING 6 O CLOCK OK…. WHEN POWER GOES IN MY HOME AND WHEN COMES WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THE TIME WHICH I PRESETS?
Swagatam says
Dear Jayant,
For restoring correct time during power failures you will have to add a small 9V battery with the IC supply pins via two diodes, you may refer to the example given here:
https://homemade-circuits.com/2012/10/making-multi-function-water-level.html
Mike Lagorza says
Hi Swagatam,
474/250V capacitor is only available i can get here. can i use this capacitor?
Regards,
Mike L
Swagatam says
Hi Mike,
If the input voltage does not exceed 250V then it is fine to use it.
Mike Lagorza says
Hi Swagatam,
yes the input voltage is 218V ~ 245V. i already test it without the Triac and its working fine.
i'd like to finalize the circuit using tranformerless and the triac.
BC457
*collector – connected to ? (Triac BTA41)if resistor needed what is the value?
*emitter – Connected to ? (Triac BTA41)if resistor needed what is the value?
TRIAC BTA41
1 MT1/A1
2 MT2/A2
3 GATE
Regards,
Mike L
Swagatam says
Hi Mike, Do the connectiuons as follows:
BC 547 base to trigger via 10K resistor.
collector to positive via 100 resistor.
emitter to ground via 1K resistor
emitter also to triac gate directly.
keeping the triac print towards you, and pointing to ground the connections will be:
triac center lead to one terminal of load, other terminal of load to mains input which is applied to the 474/250V cap
triac left lead to common ground of the circuit.
triac right lead is the gate.
Mike Lagorza says
Hi Swagatam,
Thank you very much for your support. i will do this for my another circuit. for now im using the opto MOC3041 for the triac BTA41 and this circuit.
its working great!!! your the best!!!
Regards,
Mike L
Swagatam says
you are welcome Mike!
Jayanath Ranasinghe says
Dear sir i want to ON the relay/buzzer at night 2 o clock and OFF at morning 6 o clock. how i can do this with above circuit. please help me. sir
Swagatam says
Dear Jayanth,
you will need to use the following circuit, the above circuit will not be appropriate for your application
https://homemade-circuits.com/2012/04/how-to-make-simple-programmable-timer.html
Mike Lagorza says
Hi Swagatam,
Thanks a lot for the help… i already test it and working perfectly.
one more thing sir, can i use the transformerless inthis circuit?
Regards,
Mike L
Swagatam says
Hi Mike,
Yes you may a use transformerless power supply here, try a 474/400V capacitor at the input initially.
Mike Lagorza says
Hi Swagatam,
i just want to clarify for the connection.
how much volt do the Triac will turn ON?
can i also use BTA12 for my 1Hp aircon?
using a transistor:
NPN will turn ON, PNP will turn OFF?
emitter going to the Gate/Base of the Triac.
MTA1/A2 = Hot Wire
MTA2/A2 = Neutral
the Load can be connected to Hot and to Neutral.
Thanks for always helping people for all your blogs.
your so kind and great!
Regards,
Mike L
Swagatam says
Hi Mike,
3V, 20 mA is normally enough to turn on a triac, the BTA12 would require around 30mA of current to switch ON fully.
It depends where you have connected the gate, collector of NPN will do the reverse with high inputs, PNP would also do the reverse at high inputs when connected to the collector.
Yes those connections are correct. The center pin is the one which goes to the load hot wire, the extreme leftto the neutral or the common ground with the circuit.
Load is ideally connected to the hot end …NOT to the ground end.
Cheers:)
Anonymous says
Hi Swagatam,
Thanks for this circuit its working great…
but i need a little help. How will i connect the moc3011 and bta41? Do i have to connect pin#1 of opto to pin#3 of 4060?
Regards,
Mike L
Swagatam says
Hi Mike,
Thanks!
The input of the opto can be replaced over the buzzer points through a 1K resistor.
For the triac side connections you may refer to this data:
www.delabs.net/news/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/MOC3041.png
Mike Lagorza says
thanks Swagatam… its a big help for me to operate my cheap aircon without a built-in timer.
Regards and More Power to you,
Mike L
Mike Lagorza says
Hi Swagatam,
Do i need to put a snubbing for BTA41?
i test the circuit using MOC3041 and BTA41.
i have some little problem:
* when there is no snubber i got voltage output(load) 40volts
*if i put the snubber the load is always on even the timer already stop.
Regards,
Mike L
Swagatam says
Hi Mike,
A snubber may not be required because these triacs have built-in snubbers in them.
In fact even the opto is not required, you can buffer the output with an NPN transistor and connect the emitter of the transistor to the base of the triac, things will work perfectly….you may see one example here:
https://homemade-circuits.com/2011/12/make-simple-refrigerator-thermostat.html
Anonymous says
Hi,
I am trying to set up a 4060 to count 2 hours after the power has been applied then trigger a relay. It will not switch off and start again till the power is removed.
So far i have made it work for 4minutes on pin 14, 8 minutes on pin 13 etc. Calculating the rest of the outputs based on the frequency, pin 2 should be 1hour, and pin 3 for 2 hours.
The pot (1M Ohm) is wound all the way so producing 1M Ohm.
Pin 11 has 10M Ohm resistor, and I am using a 1uF cap instead of the 0.01
My supply voltage is 5V. (using 7805 to regulate from 12V)
I have an led connected to the output as well, to indicate the switching. I have tested with pin 2 (1 hour) and did not get an output.
I also try pin 3.. but as soon as i power on the device, I get an output.
Is there anything that you can suggest?
Swagatam says
Yes, you will have to include an automatic "switch-ON reset" facility in the circuit.
Connect pin#12 to ground via a 100K or any high value resistor.
And connect a 0.1uF capacitor across pin#12 and positive supply, this will immediately solve the issue.
Anonymous says
Hi Swagatam,
Can i used moc3011 and bta41 insted of relay?
Regards,
Mike L
Swagatam says
Hi Mike,
Yes you can do that….
if-vonne says
does ic 4060 keeps the same time interval on & off..meaning if i want it to be 30mins interval.. the circuit will off for 30mins & on for 30mins?
Swagatam says
yes that's correct…..
Anonymous says
Hey there!
I Found that the formula for time delay is the following:
Time t = 2^Q / f osc = Seconds
where Q is the delay given by each output (being one of 3 to 13, except for 10, and 3 being pin 7 and 13 being pin 3)
and f osc = 1 / 2.5 (Resistor to pin 10 x Capacitor to pin 9) = in Hertz
Do you believe this is right?
Swagatam says
It looks OK to me, I have updated the standard formula in the above article, kindly check it out.
Anonymous says
Can you guarantee that this circuit will work properly if built as shown in the schematic? Have you tested it?
Do you know of any Circuit simulation software that has this IC Built- in ?
Thank you.
Swagatam says
The circuit has been tested by me.
I personally don't use simulators, so don't have any links.
Anonymous says
Will 1/4 Watt resistors work propperly in this circuit, being the power source 4 AAA batteries (9V)?
Tank you!
Swagatam says
yes it will be fine!
Anonymous says
Every 4060 from any manufacturer will work the same, wether it is CD4060 or well, anything else?
thanks
Swagatam says
yes all will work…
Anonymous says
Does it make any difference to use ceramic or monolithic capacitors? Which would you rather use, or is it pretty much the same?
Swagatam says
it doesn't matter as long as it's a low leakage kind of capacitor….you can check its datasheet for the precise specs.
Anonymous says
Also, just as the circuit is, suposing it has a 12 hour delay, that means it will be 12 hours till de buzzer sounds, or does it mean the buzzer will sound for 12 hours till it stops?
One last question, what does "2M2" Mean on R1 Resistor? Is it 2.2MΩ?
I look forward to hearing from you, thank you!
Ulysses.
Swagatam says
It can be made to operate either way, just change the polarity of the buzzer connection, when it's connected across ground it will sound after 12 hours lapses and if it's connected across the positive line, it would stop buzzing after 12 hours is lapsed.
2m2 is = 2.2M
Anonymous says
Hey there, very neat work. I'd like to know which would be the range of delay (min to max) that I can obtain using this circuit (of course by changing to fixed resistors)
Thank you!
Ulysses.
Swagatam says
Hi Thanks!
You can have a minimum of less than 10 seconds and a maximum of more than 10 hours, fully variable through P1 and/or by selecting an appropriate C1.
Anonymous says
hello sir Swagatam thanks for answering my questions. I want to know what the value to replace p1 by a fixed resistance for 14 hours … thank you very much.
carlos
Swagatam says
You will have to find it out through trial and error. I had a formula for it, but I don't remember now, or may be you can try googling about it.
I will also try to find it out, if I get it, will inform you.
Anonymous says
hello sir Swagatam. thanks for the reply. I know which are the fixed values to replace the potentiometer p1 with a fixed resistor for 14 hours… thank you very much
Anonymous says
hello sir Swagatam. my name is carlos and I make this circuit turn off after 13 or 14 hours I need to put a relay to disconnect after 13 o14 hours, thank you very much,
Swagatam says
Yes you can use this circuit…….connect a transistor/relay driver circuit at pin3.
Eduardo says
Hi,
I need to make a timer circuit wich will works with 3 times options (10min 15min and 20min)
It will receive a pulse from differents relays, by the required time.
For example:
If the required time is 10minutes, the correspondent relay of 10 minutes turn on, and the timer need to turn on a DC Motor, count 10 min, then turn off a DC Motor.
The same with the other times (15 minutes, and 20 minutes).
Could you help me?
Swagatam says
Hi, to achieve this you can simply build three separate IC555 monostable timer modules with preset level of timing output, and attach the triggers to the respective 555 inputs.