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[on:]

Greetings:

I am currently working on a timer that will operate a switch at fixed intervals.  While that switch is operating, I would also like to take sensor readings that will operate a separate set of switches.  Given that I want to perform other tasks while the timer is performing other functions, it is pretty clear I need to avoid the delay function.  Right now, I have been examining the "Blink without Delay" code and seem to understand how that is operating.  However, I am having a difficult time extending this example to other intervals.  My hope is that I can get a few suggestions to help sort out this problem. 

So, right now I am looking at the standard 'Blink Without Delay' code that is timing the LED to go on and off at 1 second intervals.  What should I be doing to make the light operate as follows:

Step 1:  On for 5 seconds, off for 10 seconds
Step 2:  On for 2 seconds, off for 5 seconds
Step 3:  On for 7 seconds, off for 2 seconds

Those are just arbitrary values, but if I get the general concept with these values, I can easily adapt the code to my needs -- right now, I just can't seem to get the logic for establishing these intervals!  Ok, if that makes sense, a critical next step is to be able to perform simultaneous readings of a sensor that operates a different switch independent of this timer.  I don't have to solve this issue now, but I want to ensure that the code I write can incorporate this independent task. 

I hope this makes sense.  Any bit of guidance you can offer at this point would be GREATLY appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Brian

[Reply #1 on:]

you need to make an array of ON and OFF intervals and take after every time the next interval

Code:

if (millis() - lasttime > interval[idx])
{
   lasttime += interval[idx];
   idx++;
   if (idx == idxmax) idx = 0;
   blink = ! blink;
   digitalWrite(13, blink);
}

[Reply #2 on:]

Ok, I will take a look into the array, although I admit that I don't fully understand it at this point.  If there is any further sample code that anybody has to guide me, that will be useful.  During the interim, I will be studying the array function and the snippet provided. 

Thanks!
Brian

[Reply #3 on:]

http://gammon.com.au/blink

[Reply #4 on:]

You need a Finite State Machine.

In the example, state 0 would contain an interval value of 5, state 1 would be 10, etc.

[Reply #5 on:]

My Multiblink example in the Playground uses a finite state machine and arrays of structures to keep track of multiple blink rates and timers. Not beginners code, but I am happy to help if you need it.

[Reply #6 on:]

Thanks for these suggestions.  I am looking at the examples provided and will work toward a workable solution -- indeed, your help is appreciated.  Just curious, do you think that a real time clock (rtc) is an option?

[Reply #7 on:]

You could use a RTC, but for "on for 10 seconds, off for 5 seconds" sort of stuff, using millis() in an appropriate way is all you need.