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I have a quartz clock movement with a seperate chime module that plugs into the clock movement. The signal from the quartz movement makes the clock chime every hour. The output signal is very small its 0.4volts dc. I want the signal to operate a 5volt relay so that it can run a motor every hour that it is supposed to chime. Please help, i have tried a couple things and took it to some phone repair shops to help me out but they dont get me- since I have zero experience in electronics I can only do this project if i have the correct information for parts and a diagram.

0.4 V is a little bit low for a relay and even for a single transistor (most BJT require at least 0.6 V and quite low for most MOSFET (Metal Oxyide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor). Note that transistor can easily outperform relay at "low" voltages and are probably preferable to relay in your case.

An MCU (Micro Computer Unit, an Arduino or the like), its ADC (analog to digital conversion) could easily detect that 0.4 V though, and send a reasonable output on another of its IO (Input/Output) pin to a MOSFET which, in turn could turn on a motor (and I suspect that you may want to turn it off too, if only timing is required, the MCU can handle it too, no extra hardware other than the MCU, the MOSFET and the electrical alimentation fo the MCU and the other alimentation for the motor).

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instead of using the signal from the clock movement, what if I use the chime signal from the speaker. the chime has a seperate powered by 2AA batteries (3volts)

If the speaker is NOT used for anything else. And the motor will stop turning as soon as the speaker will turn off too. Is it what you want?

It is generally unwise to build from a side effect rather than on the main effect for reason of maintenance versus modifications which may be brought in the future.

But it is definitely easier to work with a signal of 3V rather than one of only 0.4V. 3V is fine to turn on a transistor, but maybe not so for a relay.

Here is a nice discussion about what to do and not. Don't use the initial circuit, it is flawed, get the discussion to better understand the principles. The PWM signal, in your case, would be your speakers (if you use that way of doing things, even if I don't recommend it for long term stability of the design itself, since you may end up with poor control on how the motor behaves).

Hello Vanderghast. Thanks so much for your response.. Basically the Motor is supposed to take the place of the chime- so the chime goes on for as long as the time of the day. so the motor will run longest at 00:00 and 12:00.

I tested the chime output and because it takes 2 batteries AA (the output at the chime is around 2.9 Volts. I would like the motor to run off that if its possible to open that relay. The small electronic component of the chime looks very delicate. I dont know how to upload pictures however maybe you can email me:

info.delta9@gmail.com

Please note that i have absolutely zero experience / knowledge in electronics. just a basic understanding of electrical concepts. so any advice you give me I will have to go to a local electronic technician with the parts to get him to make the relay for me.

I tested the chime with a 5volt input from a charger.. and the output at the chime is 5.23Volts when the chime goes off.. if this helps we can use a 5volt without frying the electronics.

Since the clock movement only outputs about 0.4V DC, it isn't enough to directly drive a standard 5V relay or even most transistors reliably. A better approach is to use a small microcontroller such as an Arduino or a comparator/op-amp circuit to detect the low-voltage pulse, then use its output to switch a MOSFET or transistor that powers your 5V motor or relay. Be sure to include a flyback diode if you use a relay or DC motor to protect the circuit from voltage spikes. This solution is more reliable, gives you precise control over how long the motor runs each hour, and is easier to customize in the future. As an unrelated example, just as technology can automate projects like this, creative platforms also help people offrir de l'art https://www.artur.art/fr/home in unique and meaningful ways.

I can understand why they feel stuck, especially after seeking help from repair shops that did not fully understand the project. It also highlights how important clear diagrams, correct parts, and step-by-step guidance are for beginners working on custom builds like this. Even though EaglerCraft is unrelated to electronics, I think the same problem-solving mindset applies here: with the right instructions, a confusing project can become much more manageable.

I agree. Good documentation can make all the difference, especially for beginners tackling complex projects. The same goes for learning from videos a YouTube video transcript without subtitles can make it much easier to follow technical explanations, revisit key steps, and troubleshoot issues without replaying the entire video.

This is an interesting project, especially for someone just starting with electronics. Besides a clear circuit diagram, using a readable Schrift and consistent Textstil for labels, pin names, and wiring notes can make the design much easier to understand and reduce mistakes during assembly.

What a fantastic breakdown of the clock chime circuit! I love how you illustrated each component’s role. ragdoll playground This will definitely help beginners grasp timing mechanisms in electronics better. Keep it up!

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A 0.4 V signal is usually too weak to drive a 5 V relay directly. You'll likely need a small interface circuit, such as a transistor or MOSFET stage (or an optocoupler if isolation is important), powered by a separate 5 V supply. That circuit can detect the low-voltage pulse and switch the relay safely. If you can measure whether the 0.4 V signal is just a brief pulse or stays high during the chime, it will be much easier to recommend the right components.

By the way, I recently worked with a schrift generator, and it reminded me how the right tool can simplify a project just as much as the right interface circuit can.