The basic application of a 4017 as a sequencer [10 steps] is shown here. In this same part, you can find a configuration using the 4017 to count up to less than 10. The 555 generates the pulses to drive the 4017. In the basic application you can drive LEDs, transistors, Relays, SCRs, and many other devices. See the site for the drive stages that can be connected to the outputs of this circuit. other oscillator configurations can be used to produce the pulses of the sequence. If sensors or switches generate the pulses, they must be debounced. The use of a 555 monostable is recommended for this task.
