Build a Square Wave Oscillator - Part 1 of DIY Modular Synths

Step 4: Lay Out and Solder Circuit

This next step requires the most skill out of the others, namely the ability to read a schematic and the ability to solder. Both have an incredible amount of resources both on and offline, so even if you aren't the most technically minded, you should be able to learn both incredibly quick.

Below is the schematic used for the square wave oscillator. If you're unfamiliar with schematics, it may look daunting, but take some time reading up on schematics and you'll be able to put together this circuit rather easily.

If you've never soldered before, I would suggest testing out your skills on a couple of extra wires and components before you try your hand on your actual circuit.

Also, I would suggest getting a "Breadboard," which is a tool that allows you to lay out a circuit and test it before making anything permanent.

After you've assembled your circuit, you need to transfer it to the "Perf" Board to be permanently soldered on. Take your time with this step and make sure that all of the connections are correct and that no excess wires are touching.

When you're ready, solder all of the points, and then cut all of the excess wire off.  Shown below is the Perf Board, both soldered and unsoldered.

Comments

[bengoza]

Where are those jumper cables connected to? What is their purpose? Thanks for your patience, and thank you for this instructable!

[dnhushak]

Which jumper cables are you referring to?

[gavox]

Any chance of getting a clearer schematic? can't see a blind thing on this one...

[dnhushak]

http://www.instructables.com/files/orig/FG9/MG8C/GFRWMNFA/FG9MG8CGFRWMNFA.png

That should work.

[amruth]

HI, i like ur circuit and i would like to know the minimum and maximum frequency it can create. Thx in advance

[allnighterco.]

I'm confused; my friend and I went by the image not the schematic (as we are 13 and have no prior training in PCB), how do you connect the potentiometer/ LED/ 9v/ input? also we wanted to add an output, how would we do that?

[allnighterco.]

I meant connect output; add input

[dnhushak]

Not really sure how to answer your question; do you want to add an input that goes straight to the output, or have it altered in some way? Also, to attach the Potentiometer/LED/9v, you just use longer leads to go from the component/jack to the right spot on the PCB.

[A.Kahn]

Hi! I got a little newbie question. Im using a electrolytic capacitor, for the 100uF, and they need to be placed in the right way according to + and -. I confuse myself everytime i try to figure out which way it should be placed... So if you could tell me how the capacitor should be connected i would be very happy!

[dnhushak]

It shouldn't matter too much, but place the positive end (the longer lead) towards the 500Kohm potentiometer, and that should work.

[darthpotato1]

Can I use a 9V battery instead of a jack? That way I can get more potability out of it.

[dnhushak]

Yep. Schematic reads exactly the same.

[xavseg]

Hi, i don't understand the schematics, where does the +4.5V and -4.5V go? and is it possible to make a bigger and clearer scheme?
Thanks
Sorry for my english

[dnhushak]

Click on the little "I" in the top left corner of the image, and then click "view original file." Instructables just displays it weird.

[oligore]

It's hard to see but I think they connect to the corresponding voltages on the connections from the op amp

[oweng4000]

The -4.5 volt connects to the ground symbol. and the +4.5 volts is connected to the words "+4.5v" on the schematic. your English is fine

[darthpotato1]

Yeah, a bigger schematic would REALLY help, I cant really see what anything is saying...

[dnhushak]

Click on the little "I" in the top left corner of the image, and then click "view original file." Instructables just displays it weird.

[darthpotato1]

Thank you beyond belief