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EM-Tronic Synth

EM-Tronic Synth
In this Instructable I will show you how to build a small handheld digital synth called the EM-Tronic.

About the EM-Tronic:
With the combination of pitch, speed and mode controls, giving endless combination of sounds this Synthesizer packs quite a punch for it's size. The best thing is I've included the basic software file so you can hack the sound to your hearts content.

The information in this Instructable is all you need to build this synth but if you would just like a kit to put together I have made a few up. EM-Tronic KIT



You will need:
*Circuit board ( get one made or just use strip board)
*The ability to program a Picaxe 08m2 Microcontroller.
*Electronic components( resistors, capacitors, voltage regulator, 9v battery clip, switch, potentiometers, 3.5mm socket, knobs,Picaxe 08m and LEDs
*Soldering iron and solder
*Wire cutters
*Allen key to fit the knobs
*An enclosure to fit the kit into if you want one.

Apart from these instructions I've included the circuit board schematic(eagle), circuit board layout(eagle) and the software file EM-tronic.BAS. This gives you all the details you need to build your own EM-Tronic. If the files don't download or I've left something out please let me know and I will sort it out.
 
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Step 1Parts

Parts

1 x 100nF Capacitor (C5)
1x 10nF Capacitor (C6)
2x 10k Pot(spline shaft) (VR1 VR2)
4x 10K Resistor (1/4W) (R2 R4 R6 R7)
2x 1K Resistor (1/4W) (R8 R10)
1x Regulator 78L05 (5V) (IC3)
1x Ic Holder 8Pin
1x Picaxe 08M or 08M2 (IC2)
1x 3.5mm Socket(stereo switched) (SPKR)
1x Toggle switch(sub miniature)
2x LED (BLUE) (LED1 LED2)
2x Knob
1x Battery connector(9v)
1x Circuit board

If you don't have a picaxe programmer or programming cable try SPARKFUN
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7 comments
Nov 21, 2011. 5:22 PMblinkyblinky says:
I built it and it is awesome...really the schematic is the same for all your synths and so I just programmed other chips and alternately plug them in alternately. It is really fun...LOTS of sounds.
Nov 15, 2011. 5:59 PMblinkyblinky says:
Did you add any effects in the video?
Nov 14, 2011. 8:56 PMblinkyblinky says:
Would this work with 08m?
Nov 15, 2011. 6:23 PMblinkyblinky says:
Thanks...

I really like the Luna Mod.
Nov 9, 2011. 4:29 PMSupNY says:
Cheers rarebeasts, I though this was going to be an ab nightmare but it turns out is pretty easy going, having said that the proof will be in the pudding when ive got my soldering iron all fired up :) epimedium horny goat weed reviews

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Author:rarebeasts(Rarebeasts Etsy Site)
I run a small electronics design lab in Canberra, Australia. I build a range of electronic goods, but I'm mostly focused on hand held electronic musical instruments. I am also a contributor to Make Ma...
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