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MicroTesla Music Synthesizer

Sing along with sparks

MicroTesla Music Synthesizer
MicroTesla Music Synthesizer
In a previous article we staged the Spiral MicroTesla, a USB-powered, flat mini Tesla coil capable of producing crackling sparks of up to about 4 cm. Although a great design, its usefulness is rather limited with its fixed 5-, 10- and 20-Hz spark rates. In this article we will show you how to transform the device into a MIDI-controlled music synthesizer.
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Materials

Gerber file

CAM/CAD data for the PCB referred to in this article is available as a Gerber file. Elektor GREEN and GOLD members can exclusively download these files for free as part of their membership. Gerber files allow a PCB to be produced on an appropriate device available locally, or through an online PCB manufacturing service.

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The use of our Gerber files is provided under a modified Creative Commons license. Creative Commons offers authors, scientists, educators and other creatives the freedom to handle their copyright in a more free way without losing their ownership.

PCB

Extra info / Update

* USB & MIDI controlled
* Tesla-coil-based oscillator
* Precise frequency control
* Musical performance controls

Component list

Component List
Resistors (0.25 W)
R1=1kOhm
R2=220Ohm
R3=100Ohm (see text)
Capacitors
C1=100nF, 5mm pitch (see text)
C2=100µF 6.3V, 2.5mm pitch (see text)
C3=1nF, 2.5mm pitch (see text)
Semiconductors
D1=1N4148
IC1=CNY17-3
Miscellaneous
K1=5-way 180° DIN socket
K2=3-way pin pinheader, 2.54mm pitch
PCB #160592-1
From the Store
160592-1: MIDI input adapter PCB
160498-91: Spiral MicroTesla module

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