Make Your Own Simple Theremin

In this project I will show you how the electronic instrument Theremin works and how we can create a simple version of it with the help of 2 ICs and only a few complementary components. Along the way we will talk about oscillator types, body capacitance and much more. So let's get started!

Step 1: Watch the Video!

The video gives you all the information you need to create your own simple theremin. In the next steps though I will present you some additional information to make recreating this project even easier.

Step 2: Order Your Components!

Here you can find a parts list with example seller (affiliate links):

Aliexpress:

1x CD4093 NAND IC: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_d6KaJ0A

1x MCP602 OpAmp: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dTvJRGw

2x 100pF, 1x 1nF Capacitor: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dU4FEsB

1x 4.7µF Capacitor: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_d7dOwRz

6x 10k, 1x 5.1k, 1x6.8k Resistor: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dTPpXjt

2x 10k Potentiometer: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dX83GAF

1x Antenna: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dT90Vlo

1x Power Jack: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_d6r6aKW

1x Audio Jack: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_d6P8Gwx

Ebay:

1x CD4093 NAND IC: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

1x MCP602 OpAmp: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

2x 100pF, 1x 1nF Capacitor: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

1x 4.7µF Capacitor: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

6x 10k, 1x 5.1k, 1x6.8k Resistor: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

2x 10k Potentiometer: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

1x Antenna: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

1x Power Jack: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

1x Audio Jack: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

1x Housing: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

Amazon.de:

1x CD4093 NAND IC: http://amzn.to/2iQiKSc

1x MCP602 OpAmp: http://amzn.to/2i7so36

2x 100pF, 1x 1nF Capacitor: http://amzn.to/2jjwWqD

1x 4.7µF Capacitor: http://amzn.to/2huqUmF

6x 10k, 1x 5.1k, 1x6.8k Resistor: http://amzn.to/2hoysDP

2x 10k Potentiometer: http://amzn.to/2hur0e1

1x Antenna: http://amzn.to/2jl56Ks

1x Power Jack: http://amzn.to/2i6RcIn

1x Audio Jack: http://amzn.to/2jnFQ6F

1x Housing: http://amzn.to/2iPsZGa

Step 3: Build the Circuit!

Here you can find the schematic along with reference pictures of my finished perfboard layout. Feel free to replicate my circuit.

Step 4: Success!

You did it! You just built your own Simple Theremin!

Feel free to check out my YouTube channel for more awesome projects:

http://www.youtube.com/user/greatscottlab

You can also follow me on Facebook, Twitter and Google+ for news about upcoming projects and behind the scenes information:

https://twitter.com/GreatScottLab
https://www.facebook.com/greatscottlab

Comments

[martinvedwards]

The schematic diagram has an omission, pin 14 on the CD4093 needs to be connected to ground!

[SkipF1]

I've never heard of grounding pin 14.

[martinvedwards]

Pin 14 is the ground pin according to the 4093 datasheet. If it's not connected the device won't have power and won't function.

[Joel Layme A]

Very interesting!
I would like to know if I can work with a 9 volt battery?

Or it has to be with another voltage value.

Thanks a lot

[Fixitfelix007]

Try a 5 volt voltage regulator?

[SebastianS29]

Does the NAND gate need to be of Schmitt trigger type, or would any NAND gate logic chip suffice?

[monchi3279]

Cualquiera con ese número , Si fuese Schmitt sería otro número.

[misha.marsavin]

Basically you can turn this circuit into a superheterodyne radio by replacing the antenna oscillator with an RC circuit as the AM radio receiver.

[monchi3279]

¿Para qué? Circuitos de radio AM hay muchos . La radio AM está practicamente en desuso, Se requiere para transmitir en la banda comercial mucha corriente

[Mekhi Graham]

Is there a certain amp rating that the power supply needs to be?

[Timmy-73]

It shouldnt need much current

[monchi3279]

Unos 20 a 50 mA a lo sumo, Cuando está funcionando con batería Se mide con un miliamperinetro o un polímetro o multímetro que es lo mismo , La corriente medida en serie
que cosume.

[monchi3279]

Se dice de cuanta corriente debe ser, Hablamos de unos 50 miliamperios de 100 mA son más comunes.

[Timmy-73]

Can I substitute the MCP602 with something like an LM741 or LM386?

[monchi3279]

No te ahoges en un vaso de agua El anciano LM741 muy usual , Es sumamente barato. Centavos de Dollar. En tiendas de electrónica en ciudades medianas o grandes se consiguen fácimente Steren es una tantas en México .
Agarra el teléfono y pregunta .

[SebastianS29]

I think as long as it has Rail-to-Rail output. Then you will get the best performance.

[humberto.roa]

I have a question on the Potentiometers. BOM lists 2x 10k Potentiometers, but TM2 is specified as 100k. Should TM2 be 10k?

[monchi3279]

La diferencia de diez veces el valor, Con uno de 10K el ajuste reduce el rango, y con uno de 100k el rango es más adecuado Si fuese uno de 1Megohm el ajuste se aprecia muy critico Son tan comunes y baratos en refaccionarias electrónicas en muchas ciudades que todos los componentes se pueden obtener facilmente . Hablando en Dólares no más de $5 o $6 . La electrónica hoy en México está en 21x1 el tipo de cambio . 16/04/2022

[popi1854]

I wood like an answer 2 the same question!

[redrok]

Hi Great Scott;

The problem with this and many other simple Theremins is they describe only half of the Real Theremin.

A Real Theremin has basically 2 control antenna systems.

1. One is for the pitch.

2. The second is for the volume.

Yours only has the pitch antenna.

redrok