LM3915/LM3916 VU Meter

Step 5 Radio Raheem

Now you can live large like Radio Raheem, this would fit nicely in the ipod nano box wouldn't it...

Except you can't fit 20D batteries in a nano box...

Comments

[happywatt]

I am brand new to electronics and have started with some simple circuits using transistors and 555 timers. Yes, I managed to burn up a few chips and lots of LEDs and some of the terminology is tough but I'm slowly getting there. Well I recently built a VU using a LM3914 dot/bar driver and I can't seem to get it to hook up to anything but a potentiometer. The chip is working both in bar and dot mode but I can't seem to get it to hook up to any form of music. I'm not totally sure I know exactly what I should be connecting the input to to get it to move with music, any suggestions or advise you can offer? Your assistance woiuld be greatly appreciated. Thanks,

[chainsawz]

u mean the LM386, which is an audio amplifier chip, it boosts the input signal source and amplifies it. all you would do is connect the input signal to the chip and a battery and 2 capacitors... what i did to connect it to music was, that i used an audio jack -u know the male connector you have on the end of headphones, i cut one off, stripped the wires, connected it to the LM3916-a newer version of LM3914, and u can then connect it to any sound emmiting device, connect it to your home entertainment system! or phone... if you only get 3 LEDs to light up, have a fiddle with the resistors from pins 6,7 and 8, if you dont want to buy an LM386

[happywatt]

OK, I'll try the LM3916 as opposed to the 3914. I tried connect the darn thing to the speaker out put, the output from the jack as you suggest and nothing, it only works with the potentiometer, it fires perfectly than. It sounds like the newer version of the chip is the way to go, but having an amplifier won't hurt either so I'll probably pick up an LM386. I hate ordering a few items like this, the shipping charges usually cost double or triple the cost of the components you're ordering. The only time it is worth it is when you have a larger order. Hey, thanks a ton for the advise, I really do appreciate it.

[chainsawz]

im happy my knowledge is shared!!?? :) make sure u get a couple of LM386s because you will blow some on your first try, i used about 3 before i got it perfect... and theres some datasheets on the web for some help, i bought a pack of 25 from ebay but u might not need that much the prices are ridiculous you can connect the output of the LM386 to a speaker or the LM3916 both will work fine cheers!!