555 Contest: You've got 8 pins…and one shot.

Rules and Categories

Rules

1. All electronics are fair game (including all flavors of the 555). However, those deemed to not be using the 555 as a major component of their design will be penalized in judging. (i.e. using a microcontroller and only using the 555 for a small part of the application will not be as highly judged as someone using a 555 as the main controller in the design)
2. There are many circuits already out there, but we encourage original circuits AND original application. Don’t copy-paste circuits and don’t copy your peers.
3. You can submit as many times as you’d like but you have to submit separately for each category.
4. Must have sufficient documentation: Choice of video, schematic, images, whatever. You must be able to prove it works somehow and showcase the application. Decision as to whether it works or not is the final discretion of the judges.
5. All rules, categories and decisions are subject to change at any time. We’ll try our best to keep you updated on any decisions that we make and why we make them.
6. All entries must be submitted by March 1st, 2011. Yeah, it’s quick, but the world moves fast, and it’s motivation to get moving!

Categories

Each of the categories will have at least one prize in them, though it is possible that each category can have more than one winner and prize.

 

Art

Use 555’s in a unique way to enhance music, sounds, animation, performances, art pieces, etc.  There will be less focus on unique electrical circuits here and more focus on the inclusion in creative endeavors.

 

Complex/Extreme

The most complex category will include circuits or projects that include the most obfuscated circuits (see an example from Bob Pease here), most overkill (using the most 555′s in a design) or the most ingenious use of the part outside of specifications.

 

Minimalistic

While big and complex is impressive, sometimes the most well designed circuits are the simplest. Since there are so many existing circuits, this category will require the most development for simple circuits and will be those most scrutinized to prevent copying of existing circuits. However, in this category we’ll also be considering the lowest power (minimal power) and the smallest implementation (minimal space).

 

Utility

This category will be application based. 555′s used in the most useful applications spanning energy, test equipment, mathematical computation or fixing a problem in an ingenious way (with a tentative name for a prize known  as the “MacFiver”).

 

Best in show

You do not need to submit for this category. Awards in this category will be chosen from all entries and people winning a best in show category are still eligible for the best in show category. This category will likely have the Forrest Mims prize and the best of Under 18 entries.