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How To Build An Optical Theremin

Step 2Putting it together

This is a really easy circuit to build. Just make sure that you follow the directions. If any problems come up, I'll gladly try and help you out. Just send me a message.

And yes, the image came from here. It's a fascinating website.

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10 comments

Nov 20, 2011. 1:10 PMslinky773 says:

Is it absolutely necessary to use a radial-lead capacitor for the 100 uF, or is it OK to use an axial capacitor? I know that you're not exactly supposed to use an axial capacitor for this, but is it OK to use an axial capacitor?

Jul 14, 2011. 12:53 PMirtentiapen says:

Is it possible to exchange Q1 & Q2 for a resistor?
so you could connect it to a sort kind of string (witch has a very low resistance).
(sorry for my poor english)

Mar 5, 2010. 5:07 PM

oweng4000 says:

will 9v work?

Sep 4, 2010. 9:27 AMdiegolpe says:

I don't think so. As far as I know the voltage range of the 555 chip is 5 volts 9 volts might blow your chio away.

Dec 8, 2010. 1:39 PMash303 says:

I built one using the exact same circuit diagram, using a 9v battery, and it works just fine. Great Instructable!

Oct 30, 2010. 2:05 PMmoshee says:

The range of the 555 is from 5 volts to 18 volts, if I remember correctly.

May 3, 2010. 1:24 PMtrubshac says:

Yes 9v should work fine.

Jun 27, 2010. 1:53 AMi like diy says:

how can I get a lower frequency ??? my one makes a verry high loud noice. :( not like in your video...

Jul 25, 2010. 12:02 PMomnibot says:

Oopa .. I meant R1 (my bad). Also ahnkels suggestion is good to use a pot rather than a fixed resistor but use a linear potentiometer rather than a nonlinear volume.

Jul 21, 2010. 2:47 AMomnibot says:

Increase the value of R2

Jul 23, 2010. 5:59 AMahnakel says:

why not just add a volume potentiometer for the speaker out?