LM3915 IC VU Meter Tower
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ก.พ. 2025
- Audio was removed due to copyright. I will leave this video up for the comments and answers to any questions that were asked at that time. Be sure to view a 2nd video in the link below showing more details of this build and also includes audio.
• LM3915 IC LED VU Meter...
This was based on an LM 3915 IC and also worked well with an LM 3916 IC. These were bought through eBay
Built using 10 - 10mm thick plexiglass sheets purchased precut to size (5" x 6"), 20 - 5mm LED's (9 colors) wired in parallel for the plexiglass sheets and the arrays also wired in parallel and a 6V DC 1A adapter to power the project. Base of the project was just a wooden frame with some plexiglass added for a top and front panel.
Here's the basic circuit I used.
www.eleccircuit...
Some values of the capacitors MAY have been changed to produce a better project to my liking. Try different values to see what works for you.
I wired an LM386 Audio Amp before the input of the above circuit.
Pin 6 of the Audio Amp was wired to V+ in the top link and pin 5 was wired to the "input from amp" side in the top link.
The plexiglass was purchased from www.tapplastics... in the US at a cost of about US $40 plus shipping.
UPDATE 7/14/16...The video shows the lowest LEDS in the tower remain dimly lit in dot mode. A fix for this was posted by TheVarooj. Adding a 10k resistor across pin 1 of the IC and V+ will correct this.
very Nice !!!
You are the only video provider who has shown Some Good D.I.Y. stuff and how you have made, Excellent.
I just purchased one LM3915 from a local shop and now I see better response would need LM386 too, so will have to postpone this till next time I go downtown and pic that IC as well.
Anyway can you privately or post what changes you made, what I notice is
Your L.E.D.'s are Showing very Crisp Response to Levels and they are bright.
Very Well Made indeed......
Thx ghpk. It was a fun project to build and works well. I hope yours turns out just as well....GL
Have you thought to use a Plexiglas/acrylic dowel as the vertical mount and clear hollow standoffs for the spacers?
I think it would make a very kewl looking unit if you used these materials.
+Gregory Thomas Hi Greg. No I never considered that option but I did look into stainless or chrome spacers along with an end cap. These were pricey for my needs but looked great. As this was my first tower build I went with what I used and as you can see there have been quite a few positive comments. Thx for viewing !
+ODX171 Very true...it looks great! You did a fantastic job!
Muchas Gracias por compartir este video, ... esta super Vu-meter
I Would really like to see the circuit that is between the audio source and the LED tower.
That is a very ingenious idea. Can you stack the plexiglass without a spacer and get the same effect; or does the light bleed through? Although a bleed through might actually look cool too if the light does not transfer to far through the plexiglass.
Hi Willy. Thx for asking. ATM I am running the tower with my computer. On the rear of the base of the tower is a female stereo audio connector wired to the circuit. On the rear on my comp I have a hard 2 way "Y" audio splitter. Between the comp and the tower I run a stereo cable with 1 male connector on each end to complete the audio path to one side of the "Y" splitter. The other side of the splitter receives my comp speakers so I can hear the music while tripping with the light show.
Regarding the plexi..... My research prior to the build found out that all the tower builds I reviewed had some space between the plates of Plexi. You do raise an interesting point though. I don't have an answer for that one. I'm currently working on a ladder display using 3/4" rod. Again I intend spacing between the pieces.
Should you build something without the spacing let us know how the bleed through if any works out. I hope this answers your questions. Feel free to ask anything else about this build if I'm not clear.......GL
This is a very fine project and I can source all of the parts except for the pcb. Surely we don't have just a single pcb built at a time, or do we? As you can tell I am a newbe at this. Thanks.
Hi Bruce. If I understand your comment correctly, you're asking whether or not I built a single pcb for this project???. Fact is I didn't build a "PCB" at all. The circuit was not etched onto copper clad board but assembled and soldered together on "Perf / Proto board" (call it what you will). When making two towers, you will need a second board with the same circuit duplicated. If I were to go into production on this project I would definitely redraw the circuit for 2 channels, print it and etch it to copper, house it in a single case and output the signals to each tower. I hope this answers your comment.
If you do build one, keep in touch, I'd love to see your ideas or improvements.
Thanks for viewing.
Hi ODX,
I LOVE what you've built here, so unusual and cool. Would you 've willing to build and sell one to me please? And if so, how much would it cost?
Hello ODX,
I have a question about the merging of the two circuits, where does the Op amp circuit ends? is it after R3 and C7 and then you add it to the C1 of the other circuit, or is it just the Op amp out connected to the main circuit you used??
btw, I really liked your circuit, it has a great response
Hi Diego. The Audio Amp circuit I used which includes the Audio Input jack, R1(not R3), C1 (not C7), C2 and the IC from www.pira.cz/enbar.htm Pin 6 of the Audio Amp was wired to V+ in the basic circuit and pin 5 was wired to the "input from amp" side of the same circuit.
Looking forward to seeing your project. Keep in touch!
Ohhh, thank you for the acclaration. And what about the capacitors connected to 12v and ground, did you use the ones from the op amp, or the one from the lm3915???
Diego Garcia I'm not clear on what circuit you're referring to and also not clear on which caps you're referring to. As mentioned above, pin 6 of the Audio Amp was wired to V+ in the basic circuit and pin 5 was wired to the "input from amp" side of the same circuit.
Hope this helps.
Hi,
I know u linked the circuit and LM386 circuit in the description, but is there any way i could get ur schematics of wiring? I really liked how it sounded, and you said u changed some capacitors, so thats why i wonder if its possible to get ur actualy schematic and components?
Check your TH-cam messages !
seria bueno un esquema propio de este proyecto y pues un paso a paso de la construccion del circuito esta genial este proyecto... gracias
yair garay roman Read the description for some info
Obrigado!!!
Is the exactly same circuit you used?, i wanna do a same thing for a project school, but i'll do whit a mic, i liked your idea.
What about the brain i mean the logic of the circuit, Is inside the circuit that you put in the link?
Yes
Great work. It looks similar to mine, but I see you used a different circuit.
Does it have better response with LM386? Mine uses direct sound from computer.
Thx Adrian. I actually viewed your video prior to starting my build and was impressed . I didn't test the project without the preamp so I can't comment on that.. However, researching several sources for this type of meter suggested the addition of a preamp would allow low output sources to be connected and still produce a pleasing effect.. It was a simple enough circuit to add and works well for my needs. Again, thx for taking the time to comment.
How you can hear music and see vu meter at the same time?
Manvydas Andrašiūnas I use a splitter similar to this...www.ebay.com/itm/2x-3-5mm-Stereo-Y-Splitter-Audio-Adapter-1-8-Male-Plug-to-Dual-Female-Jacks-/351222844430?pt=US_Audio_Cables_Adapters&hash=item51c6834c0e This plugs into the output of my computer where the speakers would connect. One side connects to the tower input and the other side connects to my computer speakers. Hope that helps to explain it.
ODX171 Thx!
I found the above not reliable over time and switched to a cable like this. www.ebay.com/itm/New-3-5mm-Audio-Aux-Cable-Male-to-2x-Female-Stereo-Extension-earphone-Splitter-/191757527618?hash=item2ca5a3aa42:g:VS4AAOSwnH1WZ91q which has been working fine.
would this work if the interior was hollow?
IDK.. Perhaps try it and share your findings with us.
Hey +ODX171
I was just wondering what values of the capacitors were changed? And also, what difference does it make with an LM386. Does it work if I use only the basic circuit? Thank you
Hi franc. Its been awhile since I did the build so I really don't remember which caps if any. It would have been the ECs only
I didn't test it w/o the LM386. If you build one, breadboard it first and bypass the 386 and see for yourself. I know of people who did not add the 386 and have had issues and others that have not. Trial and error my friend. That's what this hobby is about.
The basic circuit is not mine BUT I assume it works. Again , breadboard it and try it. There are a lot of different schematics out there for similar projects. Google is your friend. Use it to find what rocks your boat for this project.
You can also read the data sheet on the LM3914,5,6. Lots of good info there.
Hope this helps. GL and HF. If you do build one drop me a line. I'd love to see how it turned out.
excellent video receives greetings from Mexico
know, there is nothing about electronics but I would love to make your project. . . I hope you can help me, because I do not stay clear what was Diagram reference if I take the first of the description of the video or the second.
I hope I understand and I occupy achieve a translator to communicate with you in advance I thank you for your help
Hi.Benito. I sent you an email
ODX171
thanks for replying I leave my mail for 1981benimuso@gmail.com information on which of the two diagrams was that if you used the first or second of the description of the video again thanks in advance
Hi ODX
Plz tell me the circuit diagram for two towers.... is both towers works on same ic or different ics ??.....and which is best parallel combination or series for leds in same pin...plzzz reply
Hi Vivek. The above link in my description will show the PCBs to use for your choice of build. Read down that page. I built a MONO version of the circuit but did not etch a PCB. I constructed it on Perf board and have now built another using the same method for another project I'm working on.
As mentioned in my description, I also added an LM 386 Audio Amp circuit to the main circuit. If you find you're not getting enough "Action" on the LEDs with the audio level turned up, you may want to also do this.
"BEST" is a subjective term so what's BEST for me may not be BEST for you. As you can see at 1:30 I have the LEDs wired in parallel (for obvious reasons) with the cathodes connected to each other and the signal wire from the IC soldered to them. The copper wire running up each side of the plexi is the V+ and connects to the Anodes of the LEDs.
Thx for sharing. When you get your project working please drop me a link for viewing.
GL and HF
Where can I buy those clear plexiglass pieces or what ever material it is?
BG the link is in the description.
I want to buy if there are links available for Indonesia
Glad you like it but unfortunately not for sale.
very good !!! It 's wonderful! !!
Thank you
Very nice video bro! Could you please make a video how to make it cuz i cant >.
Hello my friend, my name is David, i like your tower, could you tell me how can I do it?? Thanks broh!
Thank you. Well David. I think the first 2 minutes of this video shows you how it was built. At least that was my intention. The description will help show the parts and circuits used. Was there something more specific you were asking ???
You may ask yourself circuits and printed circuit PCB principles of vu meter tower you do not? I thank you very much!
Thank you for taking time to comment
good one
HI ODX171
can i ask the schematic diagram for this circuit ? it would really be a big help for my project for school :D thank you author
Just read the description above.
ODX171 dont know how that works mixing that two circuit together :x is it okay to ask the circuit diagram that you used ? im confuse
Alnur Mapandi Read my replies to Diego Garcia. If you're still having problems understanding this AND this is a school project, ask you teacher for help. He should be able to explain combining the 2 circuits.
I want to buy.
saya ingin membeli apakah tersedia link untuk indonesia
Great, but that blue led:/ i had that same led in my phone charger, i removed it.
LOL Yah it was kinda bright. I've since sanded the lens to diffuse it.
Thx for viewing.
Audio?
??????
@@ODX171 has no sound :(
@@cristianbyte Perhaps you should have READ the description ?????
Friendly, good afternoon, you could take me some questions, I'm doing this your circuit but I have some problems, my source is 12V and I'm using 3mm LEDs, only bought did not say where the voltage and current of them, I wonder how can I proceed to calculate the resistances, and if I can apply the IC lm386 12v, leds are:
www.soldafria.com.br/led-3mm-transparente-acende-amarelo-alaranjado-1000-mcd-p-1741.html
www.soldafria.com.br/led-3mm-transparente-acende-azul-2500-mcd-p-1596.html
www.soldafria.com.br/led-3mm-transparente-acende-branco-3000-mcd-p-4231.html
www.soldafria.com.br/led-3mm-transparente-acende-rosa-p-4226.html
www.soldafria.com.br/led-3mm-transparente-acende-verde-1000-mcd-p-1597.html
www.soldafria.com.br/led-3mm-transparente-acende-vermelho-2500-mcd-p-4355.html
Thank you very much!
Hi Felipe. Thanks for asking. Chances are pretty good that your LEDs are rated at 20ma and depending on the color, about 2 - 3.2 V. If you are asking for info to calculate resistors for the LEDs, you don't need any. The output voltage of the 3915,6 is stepped down to a safe usable level for the LED. Check the datasheet on the LM386 for Voltage limits. I did run my tower on 12V. for a period with no problems but am currently using a 6V 1A. adapter. I was asked about running the tower using the USB port of the computer but haven't tried that yet. I think that will also work ok as long as the draw on the USB ports doesn't exceed ???? I believe 500ma.
Drop me a link when you get It up and running. GL and HF
ODX171
Once I finish I record a video of it running, the structural part is ready, tomorrow will start to make the circuit, ODX now tell me something, even having different tensions led them also work? Red and blue LED 2V to 3.8 type can be connected straight to the ci? from what I saw my LED is 10mA, I'll call in 2 parallel pairs at each output of the IC, I can?
I also have a problemI have not found 0.1uF cap out, what could I do? use a 1uF and decrease the resistance of R2? Simulating in Proteus ISIS worked, but I do not know if it would work in real!
Many thanks again!
A project picture
facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=656409737770918&set=pcb.656409817770910&type=1&theater
Felipe Anchieta Your build pictures look good. I don't understand what you mean by "having different tensions led them also work?"
As for the IC....connect the LEDs as shown in the circuit. Be sure to watch your polarity or they won't light up.
gob job frend im from indonesia
Genial!!
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