Need help with what I think is a simple project.

[crutschow]

Something based on this perhaps (though it's a tad ambitious for an electronics beginner)?
View attachment 75695

Very interesting. I was working on a similar circuit based upon one I saw in another forum. The main difference is I used 555s for the oscillators and 10 different resistors to give more steps for the pseudo-random periods between 1 and 3 seconds (which may be overkill). But I like your use of the inverters for the oscillators, makes it simpler. And the variable mark/space ratio is a nice touch.

But if you were going to make it a commercial product, a microprocessor implementation would still likely be simpler and cheaper.

 

[alec_t]

But if you were going to make it a commercial product, a microprocessor implementation would still likely be simpler and cheaper.

Totally agreed......but I'm not going commercial .

 

[Misterbenn]

Crutschow, sounds like we were both working along the same lines. I'd actualy logged on today to upload a circuit but the one provided by alec_t is a lovely bit of work! Well done alec_t.

Of course this could easily be put into a processor - but i think this circuit it a great way for M-ron to get hands on with the electronics. It should be a nice and easy project to attempt - keep us updated and we'll give you all the info / advice you need to get this thing working.