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