Hello, my name is Glenn. I know very little about electronics. I can read a schematic and have built several voltage regulators and an IR transmitter/reciever to performing discreet photo triggering for lap timing on my slot car track.
I am using a program called SlotRace Manager. It is a DOS program and it communicates through the parallel port. This software also sends output signals through the PP also. My question is regarding the output.
The output signals goes through a 7 Darlington Array (whatever that is) and illuminates a series of 5 LEDs in a light tree. The LEDs illuminate in order 1 2 3 4, 5. After 5 is lit, the race begins. LEDs 1,2,3 and 4 (red/yellow) then go out and LED 5 (green) remains on for the duration of the race.
I plan on triggering 5V (coil) relays instead of illuminating the LEDs. I want to run brighter and larger bulbs (perhaps 12V).
Now my quandry---> There are no audible signals.
I am looking for 4 or 5 distinct tones (beeps) that will last 1/2-2 seconds upon recieving the initial signal. While signals 1-4 will cease after 4 seconds, signal 5 remains on for the entire race.
I am looking to build a 5 channel tone generator, amplifiable to usable levels. I am also looking for a circuit that will trigger said tone generator upon receiving an initial signal, but will end after a second or two, regardless of any state changes or signal persistance.
I am turning to the experts in this forum. If I knew what I am looking I would simply look it up, but the search results I have obtained indicate I do not know what it is called.
Can anyone help?
Schematic: IC 5 is a 7 Darlington Aray IC. The Relays and the switches control track power.
**broken link removed**
Software sequence of operations:
Tree Light 1 pin val.: red light, 1st to go out
Tree Light 2 pin val.: red light, 2nd to go out
Tree Light 3 pin val.: red light, 3rd to go out
Tree Light 4 pin val.: red light, 4th to go out
Tree Light 5 pin val.: green light, on during race running, Lights 1 thru 4 shut off, 4 seconds after light 5 turns on.
Thanks;
Glenn