Simple delay relay needed using dc . prewar motor start /stop randomly

Do you mean like this one?

If you want the relay to go on-and-off repetitively, you want to see the word "cycle" in the description rather than just "delay."  In other words something like a "cycle timer relay" module.

A delay timer typically waits some settable delay to turn on the relay...or a settable delay to turn off the relay.  That's it.

Finding a cycle-timer that does so randomly might be a challenge.  Yeah, we all know about lamp-timer controllers for your home to "randomly" turn a lamp on and off to scare away burglars or whatever.  But I'm not sure I've seen a DC powered module that can do the same.  A basic DC powered cycle-timer module would simply turn the relay on for some settable interval (seconds, minutes, hours), then turn off for some other settable interval, then cycle (repeat) forever.  Not random.  The kind of "random" timing in a lamp controller would be easily implemented with a programmable microcontroller (e.g., Arduino) but working with microcontrollers is not in everyone's comfort zone and I figure if it were you wouldn't be asking!

So tell us a bit more about how random this needs to be.  For example, with two generic cycle timer modules set to different on-off intervals they could conspire to give a more random look.  That is, either module could turn the engine on but because they are not quite in sync with each other, the on and off times would vary.  Not sure I'm making any sense.

Also, what do you mean by DC ready?

How about this one: http://www.icstation.com/trigg...rk-mode-p-15125.html

ZK-TD4 is a MOS Switch Controller Trigger Delay Module with Timer and Cycle functions.It can work in 16kind work mode with or without trigger signal.It also can be delay a random time in the set range.

I saw that .. thank-you.. I bought the one mentioned above  I figure its a kit and  and if  it won't work ill use it for something else ,, Plus it will help me learn  as I build it ...thank-YOU..

Strange.  The description of the timer module in the original post seems to have changed.  I'll quote you this time:

@DanssuperO posted:

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I saw this  one  on the bay .... "Allied Electronics Adjustable interval timer MK111 kit scale model train "

...

If MK111 is the operative item number, you can get it in both kit or assembled form:

However, I believe that this too is not a cycle timer module and hence can not be set to turn on for some interval, then turn off for another interval, and repeat indefinitely.  But I've been known to be wrong!  In any case there is no "random" capability.

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

How about this one: http://www.icstation.com/trigg...rk-mode-p-15125.html

ZK-TD4 is a MOS Switch Controller Trigger Delay Module with Timer and Cycle functions.It can work in 16kind work mode with or without trigger signal.It also can be delay a random time in the set range.

Neat find.  I've never seen that module before.  I'm thinking though that the "random" timing only applies to the DELAY mode or what they call mode P15... a random delay between 0 and 99 sec.  That is, I don't think you can use the "random" capability in the cycle mode where it would be a random on-time (between 0-99sec) followed by a random off-time (between 0-99sec), repeating forever.

I suppose there might be some way to pair TWO of these modules, both set to random delay mode and triggering each other with one delay corresponding to the random on time, the other delay corresponding to the random off time.

Yes I change the original item,,,, and your right I want a cycle ..

I have my upper level  prewar Lionel 256 on a plain dog bone loop with out switches  .

I really don't care where it stops   . I think it will make more interest  when and where it stops  as mentioned its using a KW transformer with a dc rectifier and capacitor  and controlling the rectifier is a tmcc cab 1

@stan2004 posted:

Neat find.  I've never seen that module before.  I'm thinking though that the "random" timing only applies to the DELAY mode or what they call mode P15... a random delay between 0 and 99 sec.  That is, I don't think you can use the "random" capability in the cycle mode where it would be a random on-time (between 0-99sec) followed by a random off-time (between 0-99sec), repeating forever.

I suppose there might be some way to pair TWO of these modules, both set to random delay mode and triggering each other with one delay corresponding to the random on time, the other delay corresponding to the random off time.

I'm not sure, I just found it with a combination of random timer module or something like that.  It looked interesting...  Truthfully, I'd be using a PIC processor, so this was a somewhat moot point for me.

So in the spirit of OGR being a discussion forum for the exchange of ideas...hare-brained or otherwise...

I'd be astonished if what the OP is looking for exists plug-and-play for the O-gauge market.  The idea of "random" time intervals to run the engine and stop the engine is easy enough to understand...but how to get it done is another matter!

What about a recordable sound module?  Now hear me out!

Everyone's seen/heard those talking greeting cards or sound modules where you can record your own voice or sounds.  They are typically specified in length of recording time.  It used to be only seconds of audio... but now the recording times are measured in minutes, hours, or even days for not much money.

Above is a 4 minute audio recorder/playback module.  Battery powered (i.e., DC power).  The idea is to make a 4 minute recording with the idea that when there's audio (your dog barking, your toilet flushing, or whatever) this activates a relay that applies track power to the engine.  When there's NO audio (silence), the relay turns off track power.  So, say, 30 seconds of sound, 20 seconds no sound, 40 seconds sound, 26 seconds no sound, 24 seconds of sound, 33 seconds no sound, etc. until you have a 4 minute recording.  Most of these modules support continuous or repeat-play so the recording simply repeats over and over.

Then, rather than hooking up the speaker, you hook it up to a relay that turns on whenever there's "voltage" at the speaker wires. You can get very inexpensive ($2-3) DC-powered relay modules that can be triggered by low-level voltages.

OK, it's not exactly random since there's a pattern.  But I'll bet you can't tell.  And you can get recordable sound modules that can support hours-long recordings.

Once I get my kit and build it and install it I Promise to let you know if it work out ... daniel

I know where to get a recordable sound module that does days of sound if you like.

MP3 Universal Sound Module

Ok today I got the cycle  timer.. my thoughts are to wire it up with a dc relay  and use this to trigger it.

but if you could please look at the way I have it it will not work  as you can see I have 12volts DC it asking for but no operation .. tried turning the pods but no luck   should it work without a load  regardless or  maybe it need a load to work?  I'm using  a small light bulb  right now..thanks...

It's driving a relay, it has no idea if there's a load on the relay contacts.  That makes no difference.

Ok I thought so but since its not working  ..This did not come with wiring diagram just to make sure  the +12 and GND are where I put the incoming power correct .. if so... I must have a bad unit.. thanks ..daniel