Description
This circuit generates a dual-tone bells ringing similar to most door-bell units. It can be used in many applications other than door-bell. In the Notes below several options will be given in order to suit different needs. The circuit as shown in the diagram generates a "Ding-tone" when P1 is pressed and a "Dong-tone" when P1 is released. IC1D is the first-tone frequency generator and IC1F generates the second-tone.
IC1D, a hex Schmitt inverter IC, serves as the first-tone frequency generator, while IC1F generates the second-tone.
Q2, Q5 and related components act as shape and decay controls of the two tones, attempting to mimic as closely as possible the bells sound. Their outputs are mixed (R7 & R13), filtered (C5) and boosted by a simple class-A audio amplifier (Q3 & Q4) in order to drive the loudspeaker. The amplifier is switched-on by Q1 when P1 is pressed, then is switched-off some seconds after P1 is released: this time-delay is fixed by C1 & R2. In this way the circuit will draw a negligible current when in stand-by mode.
IC1
The IC1, a hex Schmitt Inverter IC (MC14106 or 40106), performs the core frequency generation and switching functions of the circuit. Its Schmitt trigger characteristics provide stable switching thresholds, crucial for generating the distinct tones. The IC’s input pins are connected to the output of the transistors, while its output pins drive the amplifier stages.
Circuit diagram:
Parts:
- R1,R3,R7,R9,R13_10K 1/4W Resistors
- R2_______________1M5 1/4W Resistor
- R4______________27K 1/4W Resistor
- R5,R11__________47K 1/4W Resistors
- R6,R12_________220K 1/4W Resistors
- R8_______________2M2 1/4W Resistor
- R10_____________33K 1/4W Resistor
- C1_______________2µ2 25V Electrolytic Capacitor
- C2______________47µF 25V Electrolytic Capacitor
- C3,C8___________10µF 25V Electrolytic Capacitors
- C4,C7___________10nF 63V Polyester Capacitors
- C5,C6__________100nF 63V Polyester Capacitors
- C9_______________4µ7 25V Electrolytic Capacitor
- C10______________1µF 25V Electrolytic Capacitor
- D1-D5_________1N4148 75V 150mA Diodes
- Q1_____________BC337 45V 800mA NPN Transistor
- Q2,Q3,Q5_______BC238 25V 100mA NPN Transistors
- Q4 ____________BC327 45V 800mA PNP Transistor
- PH______________Photo resistor (any type) (see Notes)
- P1______________SPST Pushbutton (see Notes)
- SW1_____________SPST Switch
- SPKR____________8 Ohm Loudspeaker
- B1______________3V Battery (two 1.5V AA or AAA cells in series etc.)
- Parts added to optional modification:
- R14____________220K 1/4W Resistor
- R15______________1M 1/4W Resistor
Notes:
- To obtain a "Ding-Dong" operation when pushing on P1, no matter when it is released, you must modify the circuit as shown in the frame placed at the low-right corner of the circuit diagram. D4 must be removed. C10 & R15 set the time-delay separating first and second tone.
- To obtain a one-tone-only generator, wire the circuit as in the optional modification, making the following changes:
- C9 = 100nF 63V Polyester Capacitor.
- Omit R9 to R13 & R15; C7, C8 & C10; D2, D4, D5 & Q5.
- Connect to negative supply pins 11 & 13 of IC1 and left open pins 10 & 12.
- An amusing application of this circuit wired as in the original schematic, is to use a photo-resistor in place of P1, then placing the unit near the flashing lamps of your Christmas tree. A soft bell sound may be heard at switch-on and switch-off of the lamp chosen.
- To obtain higher output power you may substitute R8, Q3 & Q4 with an audio amplifier IC like the LM386 or LM380. In this case power supply must be raised to 6 - 12V but at the same time R4 & R10 should be changed to adjust bell-tone frequencies.
- Good tone frequencies are roughly 2000 and 1650Hz respectively.
- When in stand-by mode, current drawing of the circuit is 20µA @ 3V supply: therefore SW1 can be omitted.