Lyte Audio Visualizer? Possible RE/DIY? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: jwshields
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 19, 2023, 03:18:39 pm
content: Hi all,This is my first post on the forum, but a long time watcher of the channel.I'm posting this here because I'm not really sure where to start.TLDR: This video:Timestamps around 4min30secAbout two months ago, Techmoan posted a video about a product named "The Lyte" - it's an audio visualizer from the 80s, has a spinning module that consists of a bar with a bunch of LEDs on it.It's a pretty neat product, but, guess what, can't find it anywhere!I was thinking of building one of my own, based on the few shots in the video, the circuitryseemsto be fairly simple (barring the ICs that drive the LEDs);I was wondering if anybody has seen this product, owns one, or has seen the techmoan video and as curious as I am?This is mostly a shot in the dark, because I don't really have a fully formed question that I am coming here with. But I was hoping to see if anybody had seen the video, had interest in the product, or was otherwise interested in the electrical side of things/reversing it?Or just thoughts overall?I apologize if this post is a bit all over the place, and apologies if I'm posting in the wrong subforum.Thanks in advance for any thoughts/information

author: Terry Bites
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 19, 2023, 04:12:42 pm
content: I beleive it uses the classic LM3914 vs LM3915 vs LM3916 Dot/Bar Display Drivers, they're not complicated but they are obsolete parts. You can still find it out there though.There's a helpful page here learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/dotbar-display-driver-hookup-guide/allYou can save yourself a lot of pain and expense. Search for "LED VU meters". A lot of them feature variable attack, hold, peak and release times. Kool....eg ebay,wWw.aliexpress.com/w/wholesale-LED%20VU%20meter.html?isseo=y&seosc=googlesearchboxetcMost robot shops will sell you slip rings.www.sparkfun.com/products/13064Check your rotor is precisely balanced before going full tilt.

author: themadhippy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 19, 2023, 04:23:05 pm
content: I've been mulling over building something similar,however for once im thinking of going down the micro route and using addressable led tape.Quotethere only rated for 250rpm,the real thing spins at 1000rpm

author: Terry Bites
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 19, 2023, 04:26:20 pm
content: You crazy cat.

author: jwshields
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 19, 2023, 04:41:03 pm
content: Quote from: Terry Bites on January 19, 2023, 04:12:42 pmMost of those are pretty garbage when it comes to actual reproduction of the audio signal; been diving a bit into audio territory lately, but also, techmoan has done some videos on those types of meters and they're usually single channel, and either muddy up the signal representation or are just "blinking pretty lights" that don't do much of anything - which is why I was looking at this device because the concept seemed neat and without the cheap chinesium fake VU/spectrum analyzer bits, you know?Also, what if I want to spin a CD at 40000+ RPM and have my eyes be blasted with plastic shards?Quote from: themadhippy on January 19, 2023, 04:23:05 pmThat'd be cool, were you thinking of something like the WS2811s or whatever addressable RGBs are out there? (mostly the stock of adafruit comes to mind when I think about addressable rgb led cobs/modules)

author: themadhippy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 19, 2023, 04:57:18 pm
content: Quoteim for the easy option,led tape,https://www.rapidonline.com/truopto-osw0t45x-w-144-addressable-rgbw-led-strip-1m-144pcs-5v-61-5985, works out each arm with 40 leds will be about 30cm/1 foot long.

author: Terry Bites
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 20, 2023, 07:06:02 am
content: I doubt audio precsion matters here- its bit of fun!

author: Elecmuso
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 29, 2023, 11:27:39 am
content: I am very interested in thr product, for a number of reasons. Mostly I'm on the lookout for an original used (or NIB) product.BUT I'd also be very interested in a modern version if anyone is interested in developing a kit (or has the circuit).