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CMOS-555 Theremin

My friend Wolfgang Dorninger asked me for a recommendation for a Theremin workshop. He wanted a cheap and beginner friendly DIY Theremin kit. He sent me 4 links and I should choose my favorite. After watching a Youtube video and listening to sound examples , I came to the conclusion that all of them were either not playable, ugly sounding, not DIY friendly or too expensive and decided to design my own Theremin with these specs :

  • about 10€ for PCB + components
  • PCB single sided with wide traces and large solder pads for DIY
  • standard components still in production, no programmable parts
  • simple standard inductors for coils
  • no variable capacitors. inductors or other adjustable parts beside pitch control
  • simple operation with only a pitch antenna 
  • playable distance range of at least 50cm

Well, I underestimated the effort to realize this small project. It took me 6 prototypes until I was satisfied with the result. Here it is :

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