Pulsing switch?

Question

I would like to make a switch that turns on for a short pulse on a regular, repeating pattern. As fast as 10 pulses a second, but something that I can precisely control the frequency of.

My first thought is to use a small DC motor hooked up to a rotary switch, and vary the rpm. but there's gotta be an easier, cheaper, more reliable (solid state?) way.

thanks

Answer 1

Just use a LM555 timer IC.  You can set the frequency to about anything you want for a turn on/off pulse.  You'll need to drive an output transistor or a relay with the 555 chip but it'll work great.  The 2 links below will give you lots of circuits.