I've used a SPCO/SPDT relay in the drawing. But you can use a multi-pole relay - if it suits your application. I specified a minimum coil resistance of 270 ohms. A higher value will improve battery life.
With a 12-volt supply - the maximum current through the transistor will be (12 ÷ 270) about 45mA. This is well within the limits of the BC547 and BC557 - which have an IC(max) of 100mA.
There is nothing special about the transistor. Provided the NPN/PNP requirement is satisfied - any small transistor with a gain (hfe) greater than 100 and an IC(max) of at least 100mA should do.
But remember that the pin configuration of your transistor may be different from that of the BC547 and BC557. Just because your transistor looks the same - don't assume that it has the same pin configuration.
Provided you have a suitable relay - the circuit will work from a minimum of 5-volts up to a maximum of 15-volts. Just make sure that the coil of your relay will operate at the voltage you are using. And make sure that it doesn't draw more than about 50 mA - otherwise the transistor might be overloaded.
Although static electricity can destroy Cmos ICs - they are extremely reliable in operation. Most modern versions will survive a fair degree of abuse - but it's worth taking a couple of basic precautions.
Avoid touching the pins - and don't overheat them with the soldering iron. A socket will reduce the chances of damaging the IC - and will make it easier to replace if necessary.
If you're using a socket - always switch-off the power before inserting or removing the IC. Also - check that the IC is the right way round - and that all of the pins are correctly inserted into the socket. Sometimes - instead of entering the socket - a pin will curl up underneath the IC.
Construction Guide
Click here if you're new to constructing stripboard projects.
Circuit Number 1
Parts List
The terminals are a good set of reference points. To fit them - you may need to enlarge the holes slightly. Then turn the board over and use a felt-tip pen to mark the 23 places where the tracks are to be cut. Before you cut the tracks - use the "actual size" drawing to
Check That The Pattern is Correctly Marked .
Actual Size
When you're satisfied that the pattern is right - cut the tracks. Make sure that the copper is cut all the way through. Sometimes a small strand of copper remains at the side of the cut and this will cause malfunction. Use a magnifying glass - and backlight the board. It only takes the smallest strand of copper to cause a problem. If you don't have the proper track-cutting tool - then a 6 to 8mm drill-bit will do. Just use the drill-bit as a hand tool - there's no need for a drilling machine.
Next make and fit the
Five Wire Links. I used bare copper wire on the component side of the board. Telephone cable is suitable - the single stranded variety used indoors to wire telephone sockets. Stretching the core slightly will straighten it - and also allow the insulation to slip off.
Then fit the 6 resistors and the preset. The resistors are all shown lying flat on the board. But those connected between close or adjacent tracks are actually mounted standing upright.
See The Photo Of The Prototype .
Now fit the transistor - the two diodes - the IC socket - and the relay. Pay particular attention to the orientation of the diodes. Note that both are facing in the same direction. Again - both diodes are shown lying flat on the board - but D2 is actually mounted standing upright.
Next, fit the remaining components - the 3 capacitors and 2 LEDs. Then examine the underside of the board carefully; to make sure that there are no unwanted solder bridges or other connections between the tracks. If you backlight the board during the examination - it makes potential problem areas easier to spot. When you're satisfied that everything is in order - add the 5 solder bridges to the underside of the board.
Finally - insert the 4060 into the socket. Make sure that pin 1 is in the top left-hand corner - and check carefully that all of the pins are correctly inserted into the socket. Sometimes - instead of entering the socket - a pin will curl up underneath the IC.
You Are Now Ready To Test Your Finished Circuit Board.
Circuit Number 2
Parts List
The terminals are a good set of reference points. To fit them - you may need to enlarge the holes slightly. Then turn the board over and use a felt-tip pen to mark the 23 places where the tracks are to be cut. Before you cut the tracks, use the "actual size" drawing to
Check That The Pattern is Correctly Marked .
Actual Size
When you're satisfied that the pattern is right - cut the tracks. Make sure that the copper is cut all the way through. Sometimes a small strand of copper remains at the side of the cut and this will cause malfunction. Use a magnifying glass - and backlight the board. It only takes the smallest strand of copper to cause a problem. If you don't have the proper track-cutting tool - then a 6 to 8mm drill-bit will do. Just use the drill-bit as a hand tool - there's no need for a drilling machine.
Next make and fit the
Six Wire Links. I used bare copper wire on the component side of the board. Telephone cable is suitable - the single stranded variety used indoors to wire telephone sockets. Stretching the core slightly will straighten it - and also allow the insulation to slip off.
Then fit the 6 resistors and the preset. The resistors are all shown lying flat on the board. But those connected between close or adjacent tracks are actually mounted standing upright.
See The Photo Of The Prototype .
Next, fit the transistor - the two diodes - the IC socket - and the relay. Pay particular attention to the orientation of the diodes. Note that both are facing in the same direction.
Next, fit the remaining components - the 3 capacitors and 2 LEDs. Then examine the underside of the board carefully; to make sure that there are no unwanted solder bridges or other connections between the tracks. If you backlight the board during the examination - it makes potential problem areas easier to spot. When you're satisfied that everything is in order - add the 4 solder bridges to the underside of the board.
Finally - insert the 4060 into the socket. Make sure that pin 1 is in the top left-hand corner - and check carefully that all of the pins are correctly inserted into the socket. Sometimes - instead of entering the socket - a pin will curl up underneath the IC.
You Are Now Ready To Test Your Finished Circuit Board.
General Information
Do not use the "on-board" relays to switch mains voltage. The board layouts do not offer sufficient isolation between the relay contacts and the low-voltage components. If you want to switch mains voltage - mount a suitably rated relay somewhere safe -
Away From The Board.