I have seen plenty of circuits with counters and multiple linked 7 segment LED displays, either using the 74LS192 (up/dn counter to BCD) into the 74LS48 (BCD to 7 seg LED), or the CMOS chips like the 4510 (up/dn counter) into the 4511 (BCD to 7 seg LED). Is one set better, or is it just personal preference, and chip availability?
When the counter is counting down and reaches 0, how do I get this result available as an output for a relay or a trigger for something else?
When the counter is counting up from 0 to the set amount, is getting this output available done the same way as with the count down to 0?
Would this be any easier to do with CMOS chips like the 4510 (up/dn counter) into the 4511 (BCD to 7 seg LED)?
It almost seems that some other chip is needed to constantly be comparing the curent state of the outputs of the 74LS192 (or 4510) counter to either 0 or the upper set amount.
I would like to make this up/dn counter with discrete chips first, and then do the same after learning PIC programming.
(I am not a student, but a mechanical engineer and electronics hobbyist who wants to learn more).
Thanks for everyones anticipated help.
Michael