Introduction: 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
2 People Made This Project!
- RonaldW22 made it!
- Fixitfelix007 made it!
35 Comments
2 months ago
The schematic diagram has an omission, pin 14 on the CD4093 needs to be connected to ground!
Reply 19 days ago
I've never heard of grounding pin 14.
Reply 18 days ago
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.
Question 8 months ago on Step 3
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
Answer 2 months ago
Try a 5 volt voltage regulator?
2 years ago
Does the NAND gate need to be of Schmitt trigger type, or would any NAND gate logic chip suffice?
Reply 11 months ago
Cualquiera con ese número , Si fuese Schmitt sería otro número.
3 years ago
Basically you can turn this circuit into a superheterodyne radio by replacing the antenna oscillator with an RC circuit as the AM radio receiver.
Reply 11 months ago
¿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
4 years ago
Is there a certain amp rating that the power supply needs to be?
Reply 2 years ago
It shouldnt need much current
Reply 11 months ago
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.
Reply 11 months ago
Se dice de cuanta corriente debe ser, Hablamos de unos 50 miliamperios de 100 mA son más comunes.
Question 2 years ago
Can I substitute the MCP602 with something like an LM741 or LM386?
Answer 11 months ago
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 .
Answer 2 years ago
I think as long as it has Rail-to-Rail output. Then you will get the best performance.
3 years ago
I have a question on the Potentiometers. BOM lists 2x 10k Potentiometers, but TM2 is specified as 100k. Should TM2 be 10k?
Reply 11 months ago
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
Reply 1 year ago
I wood like an answer 2 the same question!
5 years ago
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