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
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 :