Article
MicroTesla Music Synthesizer
Sing along with sparks
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.
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.
Elektor recommends the Elektor PCB Service service from its business partner Eurocircuits or AISLER as the best services for its own prototypes and volume production.
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
* 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
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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