coin operated art project

[akiecker]

I am working on an art project. I have a coin mechanism that I need to activate a light that will only stay on for a limited time. (I don't know anything about electronics)

[Drambue]

There is a useful general purpose timer chip called a '555' - you can use a microswitch (ask a sales assistant at your local electronics hobby shop to show you one) in the coin slot to trigger the 555 and the 555 can turn on a relay which can provide power to your light. The 555 circuit will stay on for a time determined by the value of a couple of components connected to it and can easily be made adjustable.
You will find lots of circuits for 555 based timers on the net and there are cheap and simple timer circuit hobby kits available from lots of places - you might need to shop around a little to find a local supplier with something you can adapt.
Also if its for an Art related project you might be able to get some asistance from the prepators/technicians at you local public art gallery - failing that look for artist run spaces and initiatives in your area- theres bound to be some technically minded Artists who might be able to give you a few pointers or even recomend an artists techhnical assistant.
Failing all that send me an email at [email protected]
Good luck - Drambue
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Digital/ Audio-Visual & General Electronics Installation,service and fabrication - Feel free to contact with any queries - regards PJ.