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Cricket Chirp Generator Circuit: Build Your Realistic Sound
Description
This circuit produces a remarkably convincing simulation of a cricket’s call. A suitable audio waveform is generated by IC2 and associated components, which drives the loudspeaker through Q1. To achieve a more realistic behavior, the chirp is intermittently interrupted in a manner resembling natural pauses by two timers based on IC1C and IC1D, whose outputs are combined within IC1B and subsequently delayed by IC1A, which then controls the reset input of IC2.
An optional photoresistor can be connected across this pin and the positive power supply, enabling the circuit to initiate in darkness and cease operation when light is detected, thereby enhancing the imitation of the cricket’s behavior even further. R9 functions as a volume control and may be a preset trimmer or a small potentiometer.
Circuit diagram:
Parts:
- R1_____________330K 1/4W Resistor
- R2_____________220K 1/4W Resistor
- R3,R6__________100K 1/4W Resistors
- R4_____________Photo resistor (Optional, see text)
- R5,R7___________22K 1/4W Resistors
- R8______________10K 1/4W Resistor
- R9_____________470R 1/2W Trimmer Cermet or Carbon
- R10_____________22R 1/4W Resistor
- C1,C2,C3________47µF 25V Electrolytic Capacitors
- C4______________10µF 25V Electrolytic Capacitor
- C5_______________1µF 50V Electrolytic Capacitor
- C6______________10nF 63V Polyester Capacitor
- D1,D2,D3,D4__1N4148 75V 150mA Diodes
- Q1____________BC547 45V 100mA NPN Transistor
- IC1____________4093 Quad 2 input Schmitt NAND Gate IC
- IC2____________4060 14 stage ripple counter and oscillator IC
- SPKR______________8 Ohm Small Loudspeaker
- SW1____________SPST Toggle or Slide Switch
- B1_______________9V PP3 Battery (See Notes)
Notes:
- The circuit can be powered by any battery voltage within the 5 - 12V range.
- For optimal performance, a small loudspeaker should be utilized.
- The chirp can sometimes be improved by gently pressing the loudspeaker against a level surface, such as a wooden table.
Integrated Circuits Details
The 4093 is a versatile quad Schmitt trigger IC, commonly employed in digital logic circuits due to its ability to generate precise timing signals. Its four independent Schmitt triggers offer a robust solution for managing signal levels and noise, creating stable and reliable timing circuits. This IC's output signals are crucial for the intermittent interruption of the cricket’s sound, mimicking natural variations in the call.
The 4060 is a ripple counter and oscillator IC, frequently used in digital clocks and frequency generation circuits. It comprises 14 stages of interconnected logic gates, which together create a stable oscillator circuit capable of generating a precise frequency. This oscillator forms the heart of the cricket sound simulation, providing the fundamental timing signal for the generated audio waveform, ensuring a consistent and recognizable cricket call.