A request of sorts

[Tron323]

I have a fairly good idea. One that I'm pursuing to build a prototype of. But I'm in need of some advice...

There are some obviously experienced tinkerers and inventors that frequent these forums. And I have a technical question for you.

I need to rig up a timing mechanism to send electricity from a single source to multiple devices in sequence. For example, I need to turn one device on then turn it off and turn on the next one then off then the next one (and so on) in a loop. all within a very short time frame (fraction of a second). What would be the best method to go about doing this?

You help is immensely appreciated!
Tron323

[Paul-R]

It depends on what you mean by a fraction of a second, and whether
you have mechanical and/or electronic skills.

If the timing is relatively slow and you like mechanics, you could
try a cam for each device, fixed in the correct relative timing
positions on the shaft:
http://www.ul.ie/~kirwanp/whatisacamandfollowersyste.htm

If the timings are fast, and you have electronic skills (or access
to someone who does - very useful indeed), try the ubiquitous
555 chip:
http://www.kpsec.freeuk.com/555timer.htm