Counter

Press a button three times to turn on a light — then wire a reset. The exact circuit to learn how counters behave.

What you’re building

Steps

1. Add the parts

   Click Power Source, Push Button NO, Counter, NO Contact, Light, and a Single-Pole Switch (for reset). Spread them out.

2. Set up the counter

   Click the Counter. When prompted, type a number for the target count (e.g. 3), then click it again and type a letter (e.g. C). Click the NO Contact and type C so it follows the counter’s output.

3. Wire the count input

   To wire, click the first terminal (it highlights), then click the second — a wire connects them. Click empty space to deselect. The counter’s A1 and A2 are its input; each pulse on A1 adds one to the count.

   Power Source L1 → Push Button (left)

   Push Button (right) → Counter A1

   Counter A2 → Power Source N

4. Wire the reset

   Wire a switch to the counter’s RST terminal. Energizing RST clears the count back to zero.

   Power Source L1 → Reset Switch (left)

   Reset Switch (right) → Counter RST

5. Wire the output circuit

   When the count reaches the target, the counter energizes its letter C, closing the C contact and lighting the lamp.

   Power Source L1 → C NO Contact (left)

   C NO Contact (right) → Light (left)

   Light (right) → Power Source N

6. Energize and count

   Click Energize. Press the push button and watch the counter climb: 1/3, 2/3, 3/3. On the third press the light comes on. Flip the reset switch to clear it back to 0.

7. Remember: edge-triggered

   Holding the button down only counts once. The counter counts the moment the input turns on (the rising edge), so you must release and press again for each count.