Alright i may seem like an idiot here (since i am relatively new to electronics) but I'll try and explain "exactly" what i did: -my photodiode (like any LED) has a long end and a short end. I connected the long end to +5V and the short end to the base of the NPN transistor. -emitter to 0V -the load, which is the clock signal, was connected to the NOT gate on the 7404 and then to the clock input of my 4206. This setup worked for me and i kept it running for about 10 mins just to be sure, and it didn't blow up. I know i am probably wrong about this explanation so i'll put up a picture of what I've done(and a representation on paint), if that will help. So here's a complete representation of my circuit, ignoring the 4026 and 7 seg pins and connections: Also, my 7404 has 5 spare inverters. NOTE: i cant see the images so here are the links anyway: http://img685.imageshack.us/i/circcccopy.jpg/ http://img685.imageshack.us/i/circcc322.jpg/