mobile can - the true 'tin robot'

12-38 — elektor december 1980 mobile can can R. Wenzelburger the true "tin robot" Although no great claims are being made as to the practical applications of this circuit, the final result is both interesting and amusing. The circuit also provides a peek (albeit a very small one!) at the amazing sciences of robotics and cybernetics. This (almost) cybernetic can is able to move forwards or backwards at the sound of a handclap. The only criterium is that the handclap must be loud enough for the can to "hear" it. As the mechanics and "brain" of the can are completely hidden from view, your friends will be completely mystified by the can"s mobility. How does the can receive this gift of mobility? The circuit diagram of the electronic contents of the can is shown in figure 1. The soundwaves from the handclap are detected by a crystal microphone and amplified up to 10,000 times by the chain of gates N6, Ni ... N3. The gain of the amplifier stage can be adjusted by means of P1. The amp...