Worthwhile DIY kit (audio, test equip., cool toy) for newbs - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: cincin
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 24, 2021, 04:49:00 pm
content: I'm learning basic electronics and loving it, but I'm still a total newb.I'm itching to solder and do more hands-on learning (along with the theoretical learning), and I'm out of things to fix or modify. So I started looking for cheap DIY kits/projects that might yield something fun or useful. I'd appreciate any recommendations you might have for a fun and worthwhile DIY project!I'm mostly into audio and music (synths, drum machines), but I'd also be interested in building a tool that might be useful for future electronic works (still need an o-scope, variable power supply, etc), or a cool tech toy just for fun (I saw a thermal imaging kit advertised on here, but it's a bit pricey).It obviously doesn't have to be a packaged kit, it could be some schematics/instructions/parts list.I'm not looking to spend much.Thanks!

author: Manul
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 24, 2021, 05:41:33 pm
content: Not exactly what you asked, but these are quite cool and fun books, likely available as pdf's online:101 Spy Gadgets for the Evil GeniusElectronic Gadgets for the Evil Genius

author: tunk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 24, 2021, 06:28:13 pm
content: - signal generator, e.g. ICL8038, XR2206- LM317 PSU kit

author: ledtester
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 24, 2021, 07:16:18 pm
content: Quote from: cincin on November 24, 2021, 04:49:00 pmYou might check at this youtube channel:casperelectronics synthesizershttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-optxul3FrunxcuQlMYbrge.g. videos like this:Casper Electronics DIY synth building. Part 1: Oscillatorshttps://youtu.be/FaoJaLmZaL4which shows how much you can do with a single logic chip + some resistors and caps.

author: cincin
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2021, 02:16:25 am
content: Quote from: ledtester on November 24, 2021, 07:16:18 pmThat might just be exactly what I'm looking for! Bonus points for the process being educative. Cheers!

author: RJSV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2021, 04:46:15 am
content: I built a LESLIE (tm) SPEAKER personal copy.Not sure about trade and legal laws: certainly don't be going into that business...but...At any rate you use a 12 inch speaker, for nice good bass end bottom. Speaker points upwards, plus there needs to be a bearing, co-axial, I used 3 thin 'spokes' suspending that bearing, while you've got a rotating 'horn' up there, using the bearing.Another option, puts speaker up top, enclosed in wood box, points down, into mouth of rotating horn. Like a carousel, I liked to include a strong metal axel, plus a second ball bearing raceway (roller skate-like), down at bottom end of axel shaft.It helps to use a low power Variac, I got lucky and salvaged a nice Variac... No pulse EMFs caused by electronic switching for motor speed. Variacs produce adjustable voltage outputs, with no pulse output.For reference, see most Hammond Organ literature.Great for 'airing out' your guitar sound space...

author: pqass
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2021, 06:11:58 am
content: These should keep you busy for a while:https://sound-au.com/http://musicfromouterspace.com/

author: Jan Audio
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2021, 03:29:34 pm
content: You have single supply ?, then search for single supply schematics.Most schematics are dual supply.