An electronic circuit for use with an exhaustible power source and load
such as a light bulb, a radio or motor, includes a microchip with an
input that transmits a signal to the microchip when the load is activated
or deactivated. The input does not form a serial link between the power
source and the load. The power switch, by on/off switching, controls
energy flow from the power source to the load. The electronic circuit has
an automatic delayed shut-off function for the load and, a
find-in-the-dark indicator and a power source level indicator which are
active when the load is not energized and the power source is not being
charged. The input to the microchip acts as an activation/deactivation
user interface. The microchip allows the user to select specific
functions based on the time duration of activation signals, the time
duration between activation signals and the number of activation signals
at the input.