So, you have built an electric cigar box guitar and started to get playing, only to realize that you don't know how. In fact, you can't even keep time. Your playing keeps getting faster and slower. It sounds like you need a metronome. A metronome is a device that helps you keep a steady time when you are playing an instrument by making a tick at a regular interval that you pre-set. If you have a little bit of electronics knowledge, it is very simple to build an electronic metronome.
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- TLC555/TLC555CP LinCMOS Timer (8-Pin DIP) (Model: TLC555/TLC555CP | Catalog #: 276-1718)
- (x2) 10µF 35V 20% Radial-lead Electrolytic Capacitor (Model: 272-1025 | Catalog #: 272-1025)
- 10K-Ohm Horizontal-Style Trimmer (Model: 271-282 | Catalog #: 271-282)
- 1K Ohm 1/4-Watt Carbon Film Resistor (Model: 271-1321 | Catalog #: 271-1321)
- (x2) Red LED with Holder (Model: 276-084 | Catalog #: 276-084)
- 8-Ohm Mini Speaker (Model: 273-092 | Catalog #: 273-092)
- 500K Ohm Volume Control with Push Switch (Model: 271-002 | Catalog #: 271-002)
- Hexagonal Control Knob (Model: 274-407 | Catalog #: 274-407)
- Multipurpose PC Board with 417 Holes (Model: 276-150 | Catalog #: 276-150)
- Project Enclosure (5x2.5x2") (Model: 270-1803 | Catalog #: 270-1803)
- Fully Insulated 9V Battery Snap Connectors (Model: 270-325 | Catalog #: 270-325)
- Enercell® Alkaline 9 Volt Battery (Model: 23-853 | Catalog #: 23-853)
- (x2) 10µF 35V 20% Radial-lead Electrolytic Capacitor (Model: 272-1025 | Catalog #: 272-1025)
- 10K-Ohm Horizontal-Style Trimmer (Model: 271-282 | Catalog #: 271-282)
- 1K Ohm 1/4-Watt Carbon Film Resistor (Model: 271-1321 | Catalog #: 271-1321)
- (x2) Red LED with Holder (Model: 276-084 | Catalog #: 276-084)
- 8-Ohm Mini Speaker (Model: 273-092 | Catalog #: 273-092)
- 500K Ohm Volume Control with Push Switch (Model: 271-002 | Catalog #: 271-002)
- Hexagonal Control Knob (Model: 274-407 | Catalog #: 274-407)
- Multipurpose PC Board with 417 Holes (Model: 276-150 | Catalog #: 276-150)
- Project Enclosure (5x2.5x2") (Model: 270-1803 | Catalog #: 270-1803)
- Fully Insulated 9V Battery Snap Connectors (Model: 270-325 | Catalog #: 270-325)
- Enercell® Alkaline 9 Volt Battery (Model: 23-853 | Catalog #: 23-853)
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SO - it would be SO helpful if you could also supply a physical wiring diagram (beg, beg?) for the actual PC board? (MAKEzine does this - it's VERY helpful!) I know it's a short hop for electronics whizzes from the schematic - but hey, they don't need the instructable, either, if it comes to that!
I totally get the schematic, conceptually, but when it comes to figuring out how these 3 things all connect and then are connected to the ground bus, etc. - I'm pulling my (little remaining) hair out. I'm TRYING to guess from your photos, but that's maybe 40-50%, and even then it's maddening...
MAJOR thanks if you can help!
BTW, somebody12345 the total cost was about 30$, unless you have a buddy at RadioShack who can let you use his discount, it brings the cost to 17$
Only one question though, Is it possible to set the Tempo? or timing? ... with a rotary switch or something? Im not too tech-savy... so any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. MGF
If your LEDs are lighting up and not blinking, it means that your board is getting power, but the 555 chip is not work as it should. This could mean the LEDs are getting power from something other than the 555 chip.
Have you connected pin 4 to power? Have you connected together pins 2 and 6?
Does the chip get hot to the touch when you plug in the power?
Are there any connections underneath the board accidentally crossed?
My recommendation at this point would be to rebuild the circuit on a breadboard (if you can) and see if you can get it working there first. If that is not possible, check all of your connections really carefully against the schematic. Make sure that polarized parts were not wired in backwards.
It is hard for me to tell at the moment from these pictures alone.
Rated 5*****