Snap Circuit Light Theremin

Technology
Snap Circuit Light Theremin

The Light Theremin is officially one of our most-modded Weekend Projects so far, suitable for both beginner and novice makers dabbling in electronics. We’ve seen a breadboard prototype by Matt for his first foray into circuits, and a further modded version by Steven with a potentiometer thrown in for additional sound control. Now Edward writes in with this wonderful Snap Circuit mod of the Light Thermin, combining stock parts from various sets with custom-made snaps. Explaining his own improvisations, Edward says:

  • The jumper wires do not come with any of the sets. I just ordered them seperately, but they are really handy to use with the IC socket.
  • The IC socket comes with the biggest set (the 750), but I don’t believe it comes with any of the smaller sets. Of course it can be purchased seperately.
  • I added a switch, but that comes with one of the smaller sets.
  • I added the 1M Ohm resistor with a Snap Circuits 2-Spring Socket (see first picture below).
  • I swapped out the stock photoresistor with a RadioShack one in a 2-Spring Socket (see second picture below).

Thanks, Edward! This mod is especially useful for explaining circuit design to young kids. The jumper cables allow you to visually trace the 555 Timer’s pins to the rest of the circuit, and various photoresistors can be swapped out on the fly to produce different sound results.


More:
See all of the RadioShack Weekend Projects posts (to date)

6 thoughts on “Snap Circuit Light Theremin

  1. Julie Williams-Hudy says:

    Snap Circuits are AWESOME!!!!

  2. Ken Frohriep says:

    I am a full time maker

  3. James says:

    Here’s hoping I win!  Kit-A-Day Giveaway: Getting Started w/Arduino Kit V3.0and Getting Started w/Arduino Book 2nd Ed

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I'm an artist & maker. A lifelong biblioholic, and advocate for all-things geekathon. Home is Long Island City, Queens, which I consider the greatest place on Earth. 5-year former Resident of Flux Factory, co-organizer for World Maker Faire (NYC), and blogger all over the net. Howdy!

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