Engine staller thwarts car thieves

[cup58]

This circuit appeared in Electronics magazine more than 35 years ago:

http://filecloud.io/9ka07n6j

Its function is similar to the circuit "Anti Car jack system" that can be found in the section EFY Magazine Projects. The latter circuit appeared in 2012. The fact that both circuits, one from 1976 and the other from 2012, are based on the 555 timer, shows how useful this IC is. Its designer, Hans Camenzind, passed away recently.

[Gallymimu]

I'm kinda surprised how pervasive the 555 timer is.  It is so easy to include a PIC10F in a design to do the same and more.  The down side is that it must be programmed but that can be done at the factory.

I guess even with the extra passive components for the timing that the 555 circuit might be cheaper @ $0.11 vs PIC10F200 @ $0.30 qty 1000

[Ramnish]

Though the circuit is simple and straightforward but has the ingredients to safeguard against tampering and that is what matters - simplicity at its best.

- Ramnish