Atari Punk Synth, Neko Edition
Introduction: Atari Punk Synth, Neko Edition
Hey Guys how you doing!
This is the NEKO PUNK Synth which is a cat-themed Atari Punk Console based around two-timer ICs.
This circuit utilizes an astable multivibrator setup which triggers a monostable setup.
By combining these two setups, we get a Stepped Tone Generator or an atari punk synth.
APC or the Atari Punk Console was first made by <PERSON> in 1980 and it was called sound synth back then. Also, it is not made by Atari at all, the only reason for calling this sound synth APC is the resemblance of sound produced by synth is somewhat similar to the early atari games, beeps hums, and other stuff.
Anyways, this version of mine follows the same old two-timer ic circuit, only twist here is the cat-themed box and the addition of a sound AMP between speaker and APC.
Supplies
these are the materials used in this project-
* 555 Timer IC (both THT and SMD)
* 10uf capacitor
* 0.1uf capacitors (SMD and THT Both)
* 1K Resistor
* FR4 PCB Copper Clad Board
* 10K POT
* 500K POT
* PAM8406 Module
* Breadboard
* Power Source (in my case, a Lipo Cell with a Boost module 5V)
* 4 Ohms Speaker
* 3D Printed Parts
Step 1: PROLOGUE
So the idea here was to make an APC, a completely DIY APC which will have an inbuilt power source and it should be portable so anyone can carry it from one plate to another.
Previously, I've made a similar APC with an Atmega328PU microcontroller connected with a PAM8406 Module. 485
It uses Mozzie Library to modulate sound with 5 potentiometers.
https://www.instructables.com/Arduino-Based-Synth-...
That setup worked flawlessly without any issue, but the problem was its cost. I wanted to make a similar synth without using any Microcontroller in this project to overcomplicate things, so instead of relying on a library, I used the good old-timer IC Tone generator setup which utilizes two 555 timer ic connected in an astable multivibrator and monostable setup.
this significantly reduces the cost of the overall project and anyone can remake this without utilizing any code.
Step 2: Getting Materials From ALLCHIPS
As for the Source from where I get most of these components, I got the Timer ICs, Resistors, and capacitors from ALLCHIPS.
ALLCHIPS is a well-known Platform For Electronic Components Supply, they have everything that you need for any type of project.
They are an all-in-one procurement department of hardware manufacturers as all components I used in this project were provided by ALLCHIPS which was a cool and helpful thing!
Also, they have this BOM IN ONE BOX thing which is such a helpful thing, we provide them a BOM List and they procure all the components and deliver them "IN ONE BOX" which is an efficient way of purchasing components for any project!
Check out ALLCHIPS for more info.
Step 3: GETTING STARTED
For getting started, I first prepared a breadboard version to check if the circuit is working properly or not.
after making sure that the schematic was working, I prepared a PCB Version.
Step 4: Breadboard Edition
To prepare the breadboard edition first, I used the Tone generator Circuit (which is attached above) that consists of two separate Timer ICs connected in both an astable multivibrator and monostable multivibrator. their output goes into a PAM8406 Module and the whole setup is powered by a lithium battery boost module.
Sound can be modulated via Pots connected with Timer IC 1,2 and between the Timer IC output and speaker input.
Step 5: PCB Edition
For the PCB Edition, I first prepared the schematic of the board by following the same breadboard layout but the only difference here would be that I have used SMD Version of 555 timer ic which is in the SOIC8 Package.
Also, for this version, I will be using a completely DIY PCB instead of a proper one because this project is still in its early phase and I will add a bunch of stuff in it later on so for now, this design has three pots.
Step 6: STEPS
* After finalizing the schematic and making the PCB, I printed its bottom layer on a glossy sheet in the real size. 485