I will post up circuit diagram tomorrow, when I get a chance, however here is a brief explanation.
The problem with the reset/clr for the binary counters.
As I have an opto isolater as my interface, the reset have been held high unless i get input from the device this circuit is for. Ie a low. As the 555 is astable and constantly running, the counters are released and counting comences.
With requards the transistor etc.
The output from the counter goes into a binary latch/flipflop. Once the count reaches 30, the 1 sec pulse, turns Q to a high. This turns on my 4 coil relays and as the enable on the flipflop is held by a further n/c coil relay, the the other 4 relays are now latched. There is a pushbutton switch on the enable pin to reset the flip/flop, which in turn resets the 4 coil relays.
I hope I have explained it well enough. Like I said I will post a diagram tomorrow.. And again thanks for all your help guys
Si