RSSHow To - 'Theremin' on the cheap
Popsci has a quick how-to on building theremin-esque device for under 20 bucks -
A full-fledged Theremin will set you back nearly $400, but with the instructions below, you can build a pocket-sized Theremin-like instrument that won't break the bank. Unlike the real McCoy which relies on grounded variable capacitance for changing frequency and volume with the wave of a hand, our Pocket Theremin uses variations in light for producing its unearthly vibrato.Interesting choice of enclosure - Build a Pocket Theremin on the Cheap
Related:
HOW TO - Make a Theremin
Make a Theremin - Weekend Project Podcast
Posted by Collin Cunningham |
Apr 16, 2008 03:00 PM
Electronics, Music |
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Comments
Oldest comments listed first.
| Posted by: samuel gamlin on April 16, 2008 at 3:59 PM |
i wish bre would come back no offense Kip Kay but he inspired me to make things more
| Posted by: Walenga on April 16, 2008 at 6:24 PM |
all those ads you have in the video and then at the end were pretty bogus
 |
Posted by: Collin Cunningham on April 16, 2008 at 7:24 PM |
@Walenga - We didn't choose that ad format - those pop-ups are put in by Blip.tv. I don't believe they were doing this when that podcast was first posted.
@Samuel - The current incarnation of weekend projects will keep evolving over time - and I hope some of my posts can inspire you too!
Good to see people pay attention to those "Related" items -now how about that pocket theremin? :)
 |
Posted by: swyll on April 16, 2008 at 7:49 PM |
i just put this together on a breadboard a few days ago - its a fun, quick build. I'm still playing with different resistors and capacitor values, and trying to find a better box to put it in (that metal cage isn't my thing). I may add another 555 controlling a couple leds, to give it a slight 'beat'.
| Posted by: vt-pete.livejournal.com on April 17, 2008 at 9:21 AM |
I recognize that enclosure, I believe I got one from allelectronics (furturelec?) they just looked soo cool, I couldn't resist popping it in the cart. Also, let's stop calling anything with an photoresistor a 'theremin' okay?
|
Posted by: Collin Cunningham on April 20, 2008 at 12:22 AM |
I can happily spend many hours swapping part values on cimple circuits like these - good times.
@[blank] - Bre's @ Etsy now - you can see his new vids in their blog/news/multimedia section
@vt-pete - agreed. I understand why the 'theremin' name was used in describing devices like the above in the past, but it's time we began referring to these circuits properly.
Perhaps 'Light-Controlled-Oscillator' / 'LCO' would be more appropriate?
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