Electronic Doorbell with Counter

Description: This circuit utilizes a synthesized sound chip from Holtek, the HT-2811, which produces the sound of a "ding-dong" chiming doorbell. Additionally, it incorporates a CMOS 4026 counter display driver integrated circuit (IC) to tally the number of visitors. The Holtek HT-2811 can be sourced from Maplin Electronics in the UK, order code BH69A. The operating voltage must remain within 2.4 to 3.3 VDC, and the standby current is minimal. A reset switch is included to reset the count, and the seven-segment display is of the common cathode type. To reduce power consumption, the display can be turned on or off with a switch, while the count remains stored in memory. The pinout for the CMOS 4026 is provided in the order below. The chime envelope is determined by the 220k, 330k, 3.3µF, and 4.7µF resistors and capacitors, which are the manufacturer’s default values but can be adjusted to modify the chime's duration and delay. The combination of the 2.2k, 22k, and 47µF resistor-capacitor network serves a dual purpose: it acts as a debouncing circuit for the doorbell press and ensures that a rapid succession of presses only increments the count once. The 47µF capacitor can be increased in size if necessary. The counting capability can be expanded to accommodate up to 99 visits by cascading two CMOS 4026 ICs and using an additional seven-segment display. This is accomplished by connecting pin 5 (the tens output) of the first CMOS 4026 to pin 1 (the clock input) of the second IC.

The circuit design is centered around the Holtek HT-2811 sound chip, which is responsible for generating the doorbell chime sound. This chip is programmed to produce a specific audio output that mimics the traditional ding-dong sound. The incorporation of the CMOS 4026 counter allows for a visual representation of visitor counts through a seven-segment display, which is essential for monitoring the number of times the doorbell has been pressed.

The circuit operates within a specified voltage range, ensuring that both the sound chip and the counter IC function efficiently while consuming minimal power during standby. The inclusion of a reset switch facilitates easy resetting of the visitor count, enhancing user control over the device. The common cathode seven-segment display is preferred for its simplicity in interfacing with the CMOS 4026, allowing for straightforward wiring and control.

Power management is a critical aspect of this design. A switch is implemented to enable or disable the display, contributing to reduced power consumption when the visual output is not needed. The count information is preserved in memory even when the display is turned off, ensuring that user data is not lost.

The chime's envelope, which determines the tonal quality and duration of the sound produced, is adjustable through the selection of resistor and capacitor values. This flexibility allows for customization based on user preference or specific application requirements. The debouncing circuit, created by the resistor-capacitor network, is essential for ensuring accurate counting by preventing multiple counts from a single press of the doorbell switch.

For applications requiring a higher visitor count, the circuit can be expanded by cascading two CMOS 4026 ICs. This setup allows for the tracking of up to 99 visitors, with the first IC handling the units and the second IC managing the tens. The connection between the two ICs is crucial for maintaining accurate counting across both displays, ensuring that the system remains reliable and effective in monitoring visitor activity.This circuit uses a synthesized sound chip from Holtek, the HT-2811. This reproduces the sound of a "ding-dong" chiming doorbell. Additionally, the circuit includes a CMOS 4026 counter display driver IC to count your visitors. The Holtek HT-2811 is available from Maplin electronics in the UK, order code BH69A. The operating voltage must remain wit hin 2. 4 to 3. 3 Vdc and standby current is minimal. The reset switch zeroes the count, and the 7 segment display is a common cathode type. To save power consumption the display can be enabled or disabled with a switch as shown in the above diagram. The count will still be held in memory. The IC pin out for the 4026 is shown in pin order below: The envelope of the chime is set by the 220k, 330k, 3u3 and 4u7 resistors and capacitors.

These values are the manufactures default values, but may be adjusted to alter the length and delay of the chime. The combination of the 2k2, 22k and 47u resistor capacitor network has a double function. It provides a debouncing circuit for the bell press and at the same time has a sufficiently long time constant.

This ensures that anyone rapidly pressing the doorbell switch, only advances the count once. The 47u capacitor may be increased in size, if needed. The count may be expanded for up to 99 visits by cascading two CMOS 4026 IC`s and using an additional 7 segment display. This is achieved by wiring pin 5 ( the 10`s output ) of the first CMOS4026 to pin 1 (the clock input) of the second IC.