Bass-treble tone control circuit

The LM1036 is a DC controlled tone (bass/treble), volume and balance circuit for stereo applications in car radio, TV and audio systems. An additional control input allows loudness compensation to be simply effected. Four control inputs provide control of the bass, treble, balance and volume functions through application of DC voltages from a remote control system or, alternatively, from four potentiometers which may be biased from a zener regulated supply provided on the circuit. Each tone response is defined by a single capacitor chosen to give the desired characteristic.

Features:

• Wide supply voltage range, 9V to 16V
• Large volume control range, 75 dB typical
• Tone control, 15 dB typical
• Channel separation, 75 dB typical
• Low distortion, 0.06% typical for an input level of 0.3 Vrms
• High signal to noise, 80 dB typical for an input level of 0.3 Vrms
• Few external components required

Note: Vcc can be anything between 9V to 16V and the output capacitors are 10uF/25V electrolytic.

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Audio Light Modulator

Audio light modulations add to the enjoyment of music during functions organised at home or outdoors. Presented here is one such simple circuit in which light is modulated using a small fraction of the audio output from the speaker terminals of the audio amplifier. The output from the speaker terminals of audio amplifier is connected to a transformer (output transformer used in transistor radios) through a non-polarised capacitor. The use of transformer is essential for isolating the audio source from the circuit in The sensitivity control potentiometer VR1 provided in the input to transistor T1 may be adjusted to ensure that conduction takes place only after the AF exceeds certain amplitude. This control has to be adjusted as per audio source level. The audio signal Proper earthing of the circuit is quite essential. The diode bridge provides pulsating DC output and acts as a guard circuit between the mains input and pulsating DC output. Extreme care is necessary to avoid any electric shock

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5 band graphic equalizer using a single IC/chip

This circuit uses a single chip, IC BA3812L for realizing a 5 band graphic equalizer for use in hi-fi audio systems.The BA3812L is a five-point graphic equalizer that has all the required functions integrated onto one IC. The IC is comprised of the five tone control circuits and input and output buffer amplifiers. The BA3812L features low distortion, low noise, and wide dynamic range, and is an ideal choice for Hi-Fi stereo applica-tions. It also has a wide operating voltage range (3.5V to 16V), which means that it can be adapted for use with most types of stereo equipment. 

The five center frequencies are independently set using external capacitors, and as the output stage buffer amplifier and tone control section are independent circuits, fine control over a part of the frequency bandwidth is possible, By using two BA3812Ls, it is possible to construct a 10-point graphic equalizer. The amount of boost and cut can be set by external components.

The recommended power supply is 8V, but the circuit should work for a supply of 9V also. The maximum voltage limit is 16V.

The circuit given in the diagram operates around the five frequency bands:

• 100Hz
• 300Hz
• 1kHz
• 3kHz
• 10kHz

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Digital Volume Control

This circuit could be used for replacing your manual volume control in a stereo amplifier. In this circuit, push-to-on switch S1 controls the forward (volume increase) operation of both channels while a similar switch S2 controls reverse (volume decrease) operation of both channels.

A readily available IC from Dallas semiconductor, DS1669 is used here.

FEATURES:

• Replaces mechanical variable resistors
• Electronic interface provided for digital as well as manual control
• Wide differential input voltage range between 4.5 and 8 volts
• Wiper position is maintained in the absence of power
• Low-cost alternative to mechanical controls
• Applications include volume, tone, contrast,brightness, and dimmer control

The circuit is extremely simple and compact requiring very few external components.

The power supply can vary from 4.5V to 8V.

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Ultrasonic Switch

Circuit of a new type of remote control switch is described here. This circuit functions with inaudible (ultrasonic) sound. Sound of frequency up to 20 kHz is audible to human beings. The sound of frequency above 20 kHz is called ultrasonic sound. The circuit described generates (transmits) ultrasonic sound of frequency between 40 and 50 kHz. As with any other remote control system this cirucit too comprises a mini transmitter and a receiver circuit. Transmitter generates ultrasonic sound and the receiver senses ultrasonic sound from the transmitter and switches on a relay. The ultrasonic transmitter uses a 555 based astable multivibrator. It oscillates at a frequency of 40-50 kHz. An ultrasonic transmitter transducer is used here to transmit ultrasonic sound very effectively. The transmitter is powered from a 9-volt PP3 single cell. The ultrasonic receiver circuit uses an ultrasonic receiver transducer to sense ultrasonic signals. It also uses a two-stage amplifier, a rectifier stage, and an operational amplifier in inverting mode. Output of op-amp is connected to a relay through a complimentary relay driver stage. A 9-volt battery eliminator can be used for receiver circuit, if required. When switch S1 of transmitter is pressed, it generates ultrasonic sound. The sound is received by ultrasonic receiver transducer. It converts it to electrical variations of the same frequency. These signals are amplified by transistors T3 and T4. The amplified signals are then rectified and filtered. The filtered DC voltage is given to inverting pin of op-amp IC2. The non- inverting pin of IC2 is connected to a variable DC voltage via preset VR2 which determines the threshold value of ultrasonic signal received by receiver for operation of relay RL1. The inverted output of IC2 is used to bias transistor T5. When transistor T5 conducts, it supplies base bias to transistor T6. When transistor T6 conducts, it actuates the relay. The relay can be used to control any electrical or electronic equipment. Important hints:

1. Frequency of ultrasonic sound generated can be varied from 40 to 50 kHz range by adjusting VR1. Adjust it for maximum performance.

2. Ultrasonic sounds are highly directional. So when you are operating the switch the ultrasonic transmitter transducer of transmitter should be placed towards ultrasonic receiver transducer of receiver circuit for proper functioning.

3. Use a 9-volt PP3 battery for transmitter. The receiver can be powered from a battery eliminator and is always kept in switched on position.

4. For latch facility use a DPDT relay if you want to switch on and switch off the load. A flip-flop can be inserted between IC2 and relay. If you want only an ON-time delay use a 555 only at output of IC2. The relay will be energised for the required period determined by the timing components of 555 monostable multivibrator.

5. Ultrasonic waves are emitted by many natural sources. Therefore, sometimes, the circuit might get falsely triggered, espically when a flip-flop is used with the circuit, and there is no remedy for that.

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Sound Controlled Filp Flop

Described here is a very inexpensive solution to many phono-controlled applications like remote switching on, for instance, or activating a camera, tape recorder, burglar alarms, toys, etc. The circuit given here employs a condenser microphone as the pick-up. A two-stage amplifier built around a quad op-amp IC LM324 offers a good gain to enable sound pick-up upto four metres. The third op-amp is configured as a level detector whose non-inverting terminal is fed with the amplified and filtered signal available at the output of the second op-amp. The inverting input of the third op-amp is given a reference voltage from a potential divider consisting of a 10k resistor and a 4.7k preset. The 100-ohm resistance in series with the potential divider ensures against the mis-triggering of the circuit by noise. Thus by adjusting the preset one can control the sensitivity (threshold) of the circuit. The sensitivity control thus helps in rejecting any external unwanted sounds which may be picked up by the amplifier. The output of the level detector are square pulses which are used to trigger a flip-flop. The 100mF capacitor connected across the supply also helps in bypassing noise.
A well regulated supply is recommended for proper functioning of the circuit because an unregulated supply can cause noise pulses to appear in the supply rails when the circuit changes-over state (especially when a load is connected to the circuit). These pulses can be picked up by the sensitive amplifier which will cause the circuit to again switch-over states, resulting into motor-boating noise.

Since the circuit operates at 4.5V, it can be easily incorporated in digital circuits. Fig. (b) shows how the circuit can be employed to control the direction of a DC motor. The circuit employs four npn transistors. Transistors T1 and T4 have their bases tied together and they switch-on simultaneously when Q output is logic 1. Similarly T2 and T3 conduct when Q output is logic 1. Thus current through the motor changes direction when the flip-flop toggles. Filters connected in the circuit and tuned to different bands of audio frequencies will enable the same circuit to control more than one device. For instance, a high frequency sound (such as whistle) can switch on device 1 and a low frequency sound (such as clapping) can control device 2.

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Ultrasonic pest repellent

It is well know that pests like rats, mice etc are repelled by ultrasonic frequency in the range of 30 kHz to 50 kHz. Human beings cant hear these high-frequency sounds. Unfortunately, all pests do not react at the same ultrasonic frequency. While some pests get repelled at 35 kHz, some others get repelled at 38 to 40 kHz. Thus to increase the effectiveness, frequency of ultrasonic oscillator has to be continuously varied between certain limits. By using this circuit design, frequency of emission of ultrasonic sound is continuously varied step-by-step automatically. Here five steps of variation are used but the same can be extended up to 10 steps, if desired. For each clock pulse output from op-amp IC1 CA3130 (which is wired here as a low-frequency square wave oscillator), the logic 1 output of IC2 CD4017 (which is a well-known decade counter) shifts from Q0 to Q4 (or Q0 to Q9). Five presets VR2 through VR6 (one each connected at Q0 to Q4 output pins) are set for different values and connected to pin 7 of IC3 (NE555) electronically. VR1 is used to change clock pulse rate. IC3 is wired as an astable multivibrator operating at a frequency of nearly 80 kHz. Its output is not symmetrical. IC4 is CD4013, a D-type flip-flop which delivers symmetrical 40kHz signals at its Q and Q outputs which are amplified in push-pull mode by transistors T1, T2, T3 and T4 to drive a low-cost, high-frequency piezo tweeter. For frequency adjustments, you may use an oscilloscope. It can be done by trial and error also if you do not have an oscilloscope. This pest repeller would prove to be much more effective than those published earlier because here ultrasonic frequency is automatically changed to cover different pests and the power output is also sufficiently high. If you want low-power output in 30-50 kHz ultrasonic frequency range then the crystal transducer may be directly connected across Q and Q outputs of IC4 (transistor amplifier is not necessary).

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Audio Visual Indicator for Telephones

Many a times one needs an extra telephone ringer in an ad joining room to know if there is an incoming call. For example, if the telephone is installed in the drawing room you may need an extra ringer in the bedroom. All that needs to be done is to connect the given circuit in parallel with the existing telephone lines using twin flexible wires. This circuit does not require any external power source for its operation. The section comprising resistor R1 and diodes D5 and LED1 provides a visual indication of the ring. Remaining part of the circuit is the audio ringer based on IC1 (BA8204 or ML8204). This integrated circuit, specially designed for telecom application as bell sound generator, requires very few external parts. It is readily available in 8-pin mini DIP pack.

Resistor R3 is used for bell sensitivity adjustment. The bell frequency is controlled by resistor R5 and capacitor C4, and the repeat frequency is controlled by resistor R4 and capacitor C3. A little experimentation with the various values of the resistors and capacitors may be carried out to obtain desired pleasing tone. Working of the circuit is quite simple. The bell signal, approximately 75V AC, passes through capacitor C1 and resistor R2 and appears across the diode bridge comprising diodes D1 to D4. The rectified DC output is smoothed by capacitor C2. The dual-tone ring signal is output from pin 8 of IC1 and its volume is adjusted by volume control VR1. Thereafter, it is impressed on the piezo-ceramic sound generator.

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the CD-ROM drive as a audio CD player without the computer

Most of the CDROMS available have an Audio-Out Output to either plug in the headphones or connect it to an amplifier.
This circuit enables one to use the CDROM as a stand alone Audio CD player without the computer.
This circuit is nothing but a power supply which supplies +5v, +12V and Ground to the CDROM drive and
hence  can be used without the computer.

You should buy a D-type power connecter to connect this circuit's outputs to the CDROM.
The details of the D connector are shown along with the circuit diagram.
Note that the D-connector goes into the CDROM in only one way and hence prevents any damage due to wrong connection.

Ensure that the 12V(yellow) wire is connected to the right of the D-connector(as seen from behind ,i.e the connector holes away from you with the curved portion of the connector upwards)
As soon as an Audio CD is inserted, the CD begins to play. To move to the next track, press the Skip-Track button on the CDROM front Panel.

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Infrared Head Phones

Using this low-cost project one can reproduce audio from TV without disturbing others. It does not use any wire connection between TV and headphones. In place of a pair of wires, it uses invisible infrared light to transmit audio signals from TV to headphones. Without using any lens, a range of up to 6 metres is possible. Range can be extended by using lenses and reflectors with IR sensors comprising transmitters and receivers.

IR transmitter uses two-stage transistor amplifier to drive two series-connected IR LEDs. An audio output transformer is used (in reverse) to couple audio output from TV to the IR transmitter. Transistors T1 and T2 amplify the audio signals received from TV through the audio transformer. Low-impedance output windings (lower gauge or thicker wires) are used for connection to TV side while high-impedance windings are connected to IR transmitter. This IR transmitter can be powered from a 9-volt mains adapter or battery. Red LED1 in transmitter circuit functions as a zener diode (0.65V) as well as supply-on indicator.

IR receiver uses 3-stage transistor amplifier. The first two transistors (T4 and T5) form audio signal amplifier while the third transistor T6 is used to drive a headphone. Adjust potmeter VR2 for max. clarity.
Direct photo-transistor towards IR LEDs of transmitter for max. range. A 9-volt battery can be used with receiver for portable operation.

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intercom using transistors

The circuit comprises a 3-stage resistor-capacitor coupled amplifier. When ring button S2 is pressed, the amplifier circuit formed around transistors T1 and T2 gets converted into an asymmetrical astable multivib-rator generating ring signals. These ring signals are amplified by transistor T3 to drive the speaker of earpiece.

Current consumption of this intercom is 10 to 15 mA only. Thus a 9-volt PP3 battery would have a long life, when used in this circuit.

For making a two-way intercom, two identical units, as shown in figure, are required to be used. Output of one amplifier unit goes to speaker of the other unit, and vice versa. For single-battery operation, join corresponding supply and ground terminals of both the units together.
The complete circuit, along with microphone and earpiece etc, can be housed inside the plastic body of a cellphone toy, which is easily available in the market. Suggested cellphone cabinet is shown.

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Stereo Channel Selector

The add-on circuit presented here is useful for stereo systems. This circuit has provision for connecting stereo outputs from four different sources/channels as inputs and only one of them is selected/connected to the output at any one time.

When power supply is turned on, channel A (AR and AL) is selected. If no audio is present in channel A, the circuit waits for some time and then selects the next channel (channel B). This search operation continues until it detects audio signal in one of the channels. The inter-channel wait or delay time can be adjusted with the help of preset VR1. If still longer time is needed, one may replace capacitor C1 with a capacitor of higher value.

Suppose channel A is connected to a tape recorder and channel B is connected to a radio receiver. If initially channel A is selected, the audio from the tape recorder will be present at the output. After the tape is played completely, or if there is sufficient pause between consecutive recordings, the circuit automatically switches over to the output from the radio receiver. To manually skip over from one (selected) active channel to another (non-selected) active channel, simply push the skip switch (S1) momentarily once or more, until the desired channel input gets selected. The selected channel (A, B, C, or D) is indicated by the glowing of corresponding LED (LED11, LED12, LED13, or LED14 respectively).

IC CD4066 contains four analogue switches. These switches are connected to four separate channels. For stereo operation, two similar CD4066 ICs are used as shown in the circuit. These analogue switches are controlled by IC CD4017 outputs. CD4017 is a 10-bit ring counter IC. Since only one of its outputs is high at any instant, only one switch will be closed at a time. IC CD4017 is configured as a 4-bit ring counter by connecting the fifth output Q4 (pin 10) to the reset pin. Capacitor C5 in conjunction with resistor R6 forms a power-on-reset circuit for IC2, so that on initial switching on of the power supply, output Q0 (pin 3) is always high. The clock signal to CD4017 is provided by IC1 (NE555) which acts as an astable multivibrator when transistor T1 is in cut- off state.

IC5 (KA2281) is used here for not only indicating the audio levels of the selected stereo channel, but also for forward biasing transistor T1. As soon as a specific threshold audio level is detected in a selected channel, pin 7 and/or pin 10 of IC5 goes low. This low level is coupled to the base of transistor T1, through diode-resistor combination of D2-R1/D3-R22. As a result, transistor T1 conducts and causes output of IC1 to remain low (disabled) as long as the selected channel output exceeds the preset audio threshold level.

Presets VR2 and VR3 have been included for adjustment of individual audio threshold levels of left and right stereo channels, as desired. Once the multivibrator action of IC1 is disabled, output of IC2 does not change further. Hence, searching through the channels continues until it receives an audio signal exceeding the preset threshold value. The skip switch S1 is used to skip a channel even if audio is present in the selected channel. The number of channels can be easily extended up to ten, by using additional 4066 ICs.

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Pot plant water tester

This simple device checks if their is water in a pot plant. You stick the two probes(paperclips)into the pot plant and if the LED lights, it means there is water in the pot plant.

You need to adjust the 47k potentiometer to set the level at which the LED goes on.

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Programmable Digital Code Lock

A programmable code lock can be used for numerous applications in which access to an article/gadget is to be restricted to a limited number of persons. Here is yet another circuit of a code lock employing mainly the CMOS ICs and thumbwheel switches (TWS) besides a few other components. It is rugged and capable of operation on voltages ranging between 6 and 15 volts. The supply current drain of CMOS ICs being quite low, the circuit may be operated even on battery.
 

The circuit uses two types of thumbwheel switches. switch numbers TWS1 through TWS8 are decimal-to-BCD converter type while switch numbers TWS9 through TWS16 are 10-input multiplexer type in which only one of the ten inputs may be connected to the output (pole). One thumbwheel switch of each of the two types is used in combination with IC CD4028B (BCD to decimal decoder) to provide one digital output.Eight such identical combinations of thumbwheel switches and IC CD4028 are used. The eight digital outputs obtained from these combinations are connected to the input of 8-input NAND gate CD4068.For getting a logic high output, say at pole-1, it is essential that decimal numbers selected by switch pair TWS1 and TWS9 are identical, as only then the logic high output available at the Specific output pin of IC1 will get transferred to pole-1. Accordingly, when the thumbwheel pair of switches in each combination is individually matched, the outputs at pole-1 to pole-8 will be logic high.This will cause output of 8-input NAND gate IC CD4068b to change over from logic high to logic low, thereby providing a high-to-low going clock pulse at clock input pin of 7-stage counter CD4024B, which is used here as a flip-flop (only Q0 output is used here).The output (Q0) of the flip-flop is connected to a relay driver circuit consisting of transistors T1 and T2. The relay will operate when Q0 output of flip-flop goes low. As a result transistor T1 cuts off and T2 gets forward biased to operate the relay.Switch S1 is provided to enable switching off (locking) and switching on (unlocking) of the relay as desired, once the correct code has been set.

With the code set correctly, the NAND gate output will stay low and flip-flop can be toggled any number of times, making it possible to switch on or switch off the relay, as desired. Suppose we are using the system for switching-on of a deck for which the power supply is routed via the contacts of the relay. The authorised person would select correct code which would cause the supply to become available to the deck. After use he will operate switch S1 and then shuffle the thumbwheel switches TWS1 through TWS8 such that none of the switches produces a correct code. Once the code does not match, pressing of switch S1 has no effect on the output of the flip-flop.Switches TWS9 through TWS16 are concealed after setting the desired code. In place of thumbwheel switches TWS1 through TWS8 DIP switches can also be used

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Ultrasonic Pest Repeller

It is well know that pests like rats, mice etc are repelled by ultrasonic frequency in the range of 30 kHz to 50 kHz. Human beings can�t hear these high-frequency sounds. Unfortunately, all pests do not react at the same ultrasonic frequency. While some pests get repelled at 35 kHz, some others get repelled at 38 to 40 kHz. Thus to increase the effectiveness, freque- ncy of ultrasonic oscillator has to be continuously varied between certain limits. By using this circuit design, frequency of emission of ultrasonic sound is continuously varied step-by-step automatically. Here five steps of variation are used but the same can be extended up to 10 steps, if desired. For each clock pulse output from op-amp IC1 CA3130 (which is wired here as a low-frequency square wave oscillator), the logic 1 output of IC2 CD4017 (which is a well-known decade counter) shifts from Q0 to Q4 (or Q0 to Q9). Five presets VR2 through VR6 (one each connected at Q0 to Q4 output pins) are set for different values and connected to pin 7 of IC3 (NE555) electronically. VR1 is used to change clock pulse rate. IC3 is wired as an astable multivibrator operating at a frequency of nearly 80 kHz. Its output is not symmetrical. IC4 is CD4013, a D-type flip-flop which delivers symmetrical 40kHz signals at its Q and Q outputs which are amplified in push-pull mode by transistors T1, T2, T3 and T4 to drive a low-cost, high-frequency piezo tweeter. For frequency adjustments, you may use an oscilloscope. It can be done by trial and error also if you do not have an oscilloscope. This pest repeller would prove to be much more effective than those published earlier because here ultrasonic frequency is automatically changed to cover different pests and the power output is also sufficiently high. If you want low-power output in 30-50 kHz ultrasonic frequency range then the crystal transducer may be directly connected across Q and Q outputs of IC4 (transistor amplifier is not necessary

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Simple IF Signal Generator

Here is a versatile circuit of IF signal generator which may be of interest to radio hobbyists and professionals alike.Transistors T1 and T2 form an astable multivibrator oscillating in the audio frequency range of 1 to 2 kHz. RF oscillator is built around transistor T3. Here again a 455kHz ceramic filter/resonator is employed for obtaining stable IF. The AF from multivibrator is coupled from collector of transistor T2 to emitter of transistor T3 through capacitor C3. The tank circuit at collector of transistor T3 is formed using medium wave oscillator coil of transistor radio, a fixed 100pF capacitor C5 and half section of a gang capacitor (C6).
The oscillator section may be easily modified for any other intermediate frequency by using ceramic filter or resonator of that frequency and by making appropriate changes in the tank circuit at collector of transistor T3. Slight adjustment of bias can be affected by varying values of resistors R6 and R7, if required

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