How to Make a Transformer Winding Counter Circuit

The post details how to make a simple transformer winding counter circuit using ordinary LEDs and also through an advanced digital display circuit. The idea was requested by one of the dedicated readers of this blog

Circuit Objectives and Requirements

1. I want a circuit which counts a number of turns for winding a transformer which is triggered by a magnetic reed switch.
2. Actually i had made a wooden winding machine myself. now it is difficult to memorize the number of turns. that is why i have need it. it can show turns with the help of 7 segment displays or  any easiest method. kindly made it.
3. Another thing is that I am going to make a 5KV step type Voltage Regulator (Manual 8 to 9 steps) for
   Home Purpose which diameter of wire should I use and what are the number of turns Primary as well as secondary. If possible Develop this circuit also.

The Design

The proposed transformer winding counter circuit can be easily built using a reed switch, a magnet, a few 4017 IC and LEDs, as shown below:

As can be seen in the above diagram, the reading for the winding count is simply achieved using LEDs across three IC 4017, this makes the assembly very straightforward and without any form special digital ICs or displays.

The idea is simple, the reed switch activates with every single rotation of the winding wheel which corresponds to a single turn count for the transformer winding.

This is indicated by the shifting or sequencing of the IC1 LED from its pin#3 to pin#11 constituting 10 winding count. This implies IC1 LEDs jump from one pin to another in response to each rotation of the wheel which corresponds to one winding turn.

Identically IC2 LEDs sequence in response to every 10 winding count, and therefore each shifting of LED from one pin to another indicates 10 winding count.

The IC3 is also configured to implement a similar sequencing but it responds to every 10 winding count which means its LEDs jump from one pin to another in response to every 100 winding count or 100 numbers turn on the transformer.

In short, IC1 LEDs output sequencing completes one cycle with every 10 winding, IC2 with every 100 winding and IC3 with every 1000 winding. Therefore the shown circuit has the limit of 1000 turn count, if more than this value is required then more IC stages could be added in the same manner as IC2 and IC3 are connected.

Digital Transformer Winding Counter Circuit

If the above discussed transformer winding counter circuit version looks low tech, one could employ the following high tech design which utilizes 7 segment common cathode displays for the indication.

The idea makes use of a few 4033 counter ICs cascaded together for obtaining a 4 digit output for indicating the number of turns counting in digital form.

Circuit Diagram

Here the reed switch and the associated parts remain identical to the  previous LED version, and is rigged with the input of the 4033 counter module for the required triggering of the digits in response to each transformer winding count.

About the Author

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!