Introduction: A More Annoying Noise Maker (Version 1.0)

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Anything is possible with the 555 Timer IC. You can pick one up from Radio shack and all of a sudden a whole range of new micro projects open up. Most of which make lights flash or make noise....annoying noise......very annoying noise. It is for that application most people buy a 555 Timer, to annoy someone! In this Instructable I will show you how to build " A More Annoying Noise Maker". Using this circuit you will be able to not only make annoying noises, but be able to change the pitch and tone using two variable resistors. So in theory we are really creating a really cheap, annoying, cool noise generator. So lets get started!

Materials

555 Timer IC
Variable Resistors or a Adjustable Power Resistor, you will need two (your choice, choose one with only two pins if possible)
0.1 uF capacitor, you will need two (the ID number on the side is 104)
100 uF Capacitor
A speaker around 4 ohms to 16 ohms
A regular switch
solder
wire
9 Volt battery
a 9 volt battery clip
& A project box / case

Step 1: Building the Circuit

Follow the diagram provided at the bottom. if you wire every thing together and remember your polarity and connect every thing to the right pins on the IC you should be set to test it out. Once completed the circuit (if fitted with a small speaker) can fit into a mint tin or another small case. FYI: The fourth pin on the IC is not used in this project.

Circuit Diagram Legend

C1: 0.1 uF Capacitor (marked "104")
C2: 0.1 uF Capacitor (marked "104")
C3: 100 uF Capacitior
Spk 1: Speaker of your choice
Sw 1: On/Off Switch
+/- 9 volts: 9 volt battery Terminals

REMEMBER TO CHECK THE POLARITY!

Step 2: How the Circuit Works

The timer acts as a switch controlled by the resistors on pins 6, 7, and 8. The resistors basically control the pulse, timing of pulse, and even the pitch and tone of the pulses (only in audio circuits). The capacitors are basically there to control the pulsing current so it does not do any harm to other components. Once a power source is connected the timers internal circuit starts to pulse, the variable resistors control that pulse right away and that signal is sent to the speaker. So instead of having to try out multiple resistors, you only really need to do is simply turn the dial of the variable resistor and set it to the sound you like; and if you don't like it a day or two later you can change it with absolutely no solder. Just a screw driver or your fingers!

Step 3: The Annoyance

Time for a test! Take it to your workplace or school and drop it in your emenys desk or garbage pail. If all works as planned you should hear them screaming and trying to find out where that noise is comming from. Another option is to just hold on to it and annoy others around you in a movie theather. Exactly what you do is up to you! Just remember to get a good battery so the sound lasts along time!

The video below is the actual circuit in use.


Step 4: Troubleshooting

If you don't hear a thing coming from your speaker its time to adjust or check the following:

-Too strong variable resistor.
-Short's Ex: two wires should be separate are touching.
-Solder bridges.
-wrong components.
-Too much or too little supply voltage.
-Bad connections.
-If you used a metal box to house the circuit I suggest you cover the inside with paper or plastic.
-Your components are damaged or really old.
-And you could have just followed the circuit diagram wrong.

If you still have trouble getting it to work leave a comment and I will try to assist you as soon as possible.

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