How to make the Atari Punk Console

So talking with a friend I decided to make a synth, a basic but nice one. So I thought why not? So I'll add my contribution to the APC history!
The Atari Punk Console has a long history so you can check it here. 
I can tell you it was designed by the most famous Forrest M. Mims III.
It is called the Atari Punk Console because of the stepped tone generated is like the sounds emitted by the original Atari video game system. 

Step 1: Materials

The electronic components you will need are: 

• X2 555 Chip (You can also use a 556 Chip but for sake of simplicity I will use two 555)
• X1 1K resistor
• X1 .01 uF ceramic capacitor
• X1 .1 uF ceramic capacitor
• X1 10 uF electrolytic capacitor
• X1 Female stereo jack 6,3 mm
• X1 DC female jack
• X2 50K (or 500K but I will use 50K because it seems to me the correct stepped tone sound)
• X1 Switch (any really)
• X2 Knobs (optional)
• X1 Prototype board for soldering (I bought the smallest and cheapest)
• X1 Enclosure (optional, I used a plastic ipod touch one)
• X2 8 pin sockets (optional)

Other things you'll find around the house:

• Soldering iron
• Screwdriver
• Tweezers
• Wire
• Wire stripper 

Comments

[faziefazie]

If I want to put a switch, where should I put in it?

[TobaTobias]

If you want a switch to turn on - off, you could solder it to the power jack. Hook ground to ground on the jack a 5 Volts on the jack to the other pole on the switch.

[cbm7b5]

Never mind, I used a breadboard and played around with different configurations. Leg 2 of pot to +9v, Leg 3 of pot to pin 7 of 555.

[TobaTobias]

Yes, and also remember to attach Leg 1 with Leg 2 as we are not using any logical values.

[cbm7b5]

Awesome instructable! This is my 3rd electronics project. My 1st was a simple LED, the second was a composite A/V mod and power switch repair on a Colecovision. I have a question about wiring the pots. The photos aren't clear, do you use legs 1 & 2 on the pots? I'm guessing the +9v goes to leg 1 and pin 7 on the 555 goes to leg 2. Is this correct?

[JoshuaZimmerman]

Using two 555 timers is nice. Try using a single 556 if you can find one, it makes things a tad easier to wire up. (In my opinion.)

You can also use a CDS (photo resistor) instead of the variable resistors (knobs). Then you have a light controlled circuit. My students loved that.

Also, if you only have a single 555 chip you can always make a stripped down version of this. An ease project for those just starting out.

[TobaTobias]

I will do a version with a 556, it was cheaper for me to get to 555.
Yep, I also tried it with some CDS, really cool. You get a nice atari theremin console!

[myredhotcar]

Nice tutorial! I had a go myself but used a 556 instead. I found changing the capacitors can really change the tone!

www.myredhotcar.co.uk/blogg/?p=248

@myredhotcar

[synthdust]

nlatocha, Can you tell me more about how you changed the caps? Like using a 50uf instead of a 10uf or what? I am very new at this, so any help will be appreciated!

[myredhotcar]

@synthdust - I basically added sockets where the capacitors were and tried different values to get different sounds. Take a look at this image and the next one:

http://www.myredhotcar.co.uk/blog/led-distortion-pedal/sony-dsc-3/

It was just a case trial and error to be honest!

Nick

[powerman666]

Every tried hooking it up through a guitar effects pedal, like and echo or flanger? I did. It sounds awesome! Check out http://youtu.be/ASVqshn26fk and http://ataripunkconsole.com/

[TobaTobias]

Thanks, actually Im just working on a pedal. I have a distortion effect box that works quite nicely with this.

[fugyeh]

How much would you say it costs to make one? I know I could look up each part but I'm in no rush :) Please let me know! Super rad by the way!

[TobaTobias]

Sorry for the late reply. I'd say about less than 10 dollars, already including the box and the 9v. Actually the 9v is the most expensive thing if you aren't using another power source.

[fugyeh]

Awesome. I will let you know how my APC comes out when I make it. Just waiting for the parts :)

[Selmerman]

What voltage does the console operate on?

[TobaTobias]

On 9Volts. You can use a 9V jack or a simple 9V with it's connecter.

[dcthulu]

I have done in 2 times and I dont get any sound, only mi 555 chips get really hot and I dont know why.
I am a beginner in this stuff, There's some pics, let me know whats is wrong please.

[TobaTobias]

Hi! Sorry for the late reply. Well from the looks I really cant tell what is wrong. You should try changing the green capacitors for ceramic capacitors. What I do recommend is using a bigger board or even a breadboard before soldering. A breadboard costs next to nothing and is a really great way for prototyping and checking what is wrong without soldering.
If you need any more help please don't doubt to write. :)

[dcthulu]

No problem. I would try what you suggested. And I'm gonna get a breadboard the better.
Thanks for the reply.

[alexwu2211]

would it still work if I tried hooking up a MP3 instead of a 9V battery?

[TobaTobias]

I don't know, probably not because it needs voltage being sent.

[seensaman]

Where do you get those 555 timers? Would I be able to salvage them from stuff around the house?

[TobaTobias]

555 timers are recent chips, I think the best thing is to buy them or buy a 556. They are cheap. Look at this:
http://www.instructables.com/answers/Where-can-i-find-scavenge-a-555-timer-and-others/