wow, this is so retro, we used to make these boxes in the 80s, when i was about 10 years old, same chips, 555, 4000 series, 7400 series.. a bit more complex than just the 556 circuit though - more like your first box. We didn't really know what we were doing, just hacking together logic, multiplexers, shift registers, binary counters. We used to drive the neighbourhood nuts with battery operated ones, stuck to our bikes, roaming the streets, making crazy random "computer" noises..
Those books by Forrest are by far some of the best material I've come across especially when I started learning and even now! Super awesome to see them on this channel!!!
I built one, with a 8 ohm speaker. Then, connected in parallel to my 70W amplifier. THEN, I discovered the 8 ohm speaker could work as a microphone. My underwear became wet.
I loved watching these videos when they came out when I was in college. And I really think they had a part in keeping me interested in electrical engineering. Now I've been working in the aerospace industry designing controllers! Thanks!
Thanks for the videos! Your enthusiasm is great, your are easy to understand, and the projects are interesting. I'm not electronics guy, but I get a lot out of these videos.
Awesome video, the facial expressions with the Punk going ... Classic. That's what a Terminator would look like if they could take a crap, and what it would probably sound like.
The “android breaking wind” sounded like the “woodpecker”. That was the over-the-horizon radar the soviets would use and it obliterated the amateur radio shortwave frequencies for minutes at a time. I remember hearing it when I was a kid first getting into radio and electronics back in the 70’s and 80’s.
yeah man. With regards to number 1 comment. you have the right voice for voice over, edits are good info is great. you should expand to all kinds of video's dude. Just go hard dude, GO HARD!!!!
My favorite project is from 3 chips- The Coron DS7 . It's an easy build and a neat thing you can do is run the wires intended for the pots to a breadboard instead and then you can go from there to the pots. This way you have the stock build that works, but now you have a breadboard to create any mod you want. Quickly you will discover that you can make it a two oscillator synth without having to add any active components. I used the earphone jack on an AM radio to act as a modulated input:-)
I've never much liked using potentiometers to control pitch. Since they're only capable of smooth transitions from one pitch to another, it's hard to make sounds with a complicated structure. This thing seems to do a pretty nice job of getting around that, though, so thumbs up to Collin! And the designers.
I made one in breadboard but with two 555 timer ic. Really good for driving parents and siblings mad especially when they are watching tv! Now I plan to transfer into pcb.
I built and sold approximately fifty of these in 2003-2004, including one to Kaustic Machines. I believe I still have the shipping confirmation, in fact (they went to some interesting places all over the world and to some interesting people). I didn't call them "Atari Punk Synths", though. I've always found that moniker irritating, because these have not the slightest relationship with Atari hardware. I called them, "Ghetto Synths" and also "Sputnik One". To be real honest, to me, they sound pretty obnoxious compared to Atari's outstanding line of vintage audio ICs. This is strictly a starter project. You will hurt your ears and the ears of others. :D I'm sorry for all the pain I've brought others by having built these. haha The circuit, which I modified to be even more obnoxious, originally came from "Oscillators Simplified with 61 Projects", written in 1987 by Delton T. Horn. I still have that book!
Actually, this circuit originally came from "Engineer's Notebook: Integrated Circuit Applications" by Forrest Mims III, published in 1980. And I still have that book.
My Atari Punk colsole is quite modded and much more expressive. I built two, put them in the same compartment, with dual controls and switches that turn the audio off between the two so you can make quick notes with it. My next Atari Punk Console experiement will be using a crap keyboard from a consignment shop to control the pitch (resistors of different values on each key. It will be monophonic, but it might be more controllable that way).
Thanks for posting! For the life of me, I don't understand why people vote down helpful tutorial videos. Is it because of the full frontal nerdity? Maybe a warning label should be applied.
can we get a playlist with everything Collin has done over the years, like his style and would like to watch it all without digging through archives. Any chance we can get him back on the air?
You can also use a heatgun/hairdryer to heat up your right "leg" of your glasses, bend it downwards about 1cm and you'll have a set which are level on your face. :D
@minttuber That's the real problem with MakerShed etc- shipping doubles the price to UK, then you get stung for import duty and VAT. There's loads of stuff I want (e.g. useless machine, larson scanner, mintduino) but I'm not going to spend as much getting it as the gear costs!
Can you please post a link to the first device you were using or show us how to make it. I know it might take long or be a long video but you if you can make a series or something out of it I would appreciate it. Or if you can give a slide show or text instructional, anything I would be very grateful. Thanks
You should put a momentary button on the power so u can control when the sound is played....then u can play it like an electro guitar/piano instrument!!
@Scotchegz If you had information about the world further than the outskirts of your city limits you would know there are other traditions elsewhere, many countries have it custom to wear the wedding band on the right hand.
Just a quick question, on the schematics for this there are wires labelled "GND", I'm guessing that means ground? and if so, what can that be connected too if it's running from a battery? Thanks to anyone that replies!
@minttuber TBH a fair few of the projects are open source or have plans for similar things, but the kits make it more convenient. I don't have access to them fancy plastic cutting machines or 3D printers :(
holy crap thats the perfect name for that synth, i mean if i had that i could make a bunch of atari/NES game like noises, like dying and helicopters and stuff like that
so I was able to put it all together and it makes the sounds except my pots dont act the same way as the ones in the video. I cant get the pitch down SUPER low and it just jumps around low to high pitches. also when I turn one knob it sounds like it goes slower then faster and faster. idk if this is what its suposed to be doing but I want it to go as low as collins.
Hey guys, I'm just starting out and am curious what components were used as the power plug on and to the PBC? (The little black 'box' with the positive red dot and the pins that were at the end of the 9V plug cable) I'd really like to replicate that, so any help would be appreciated! Thanks!
Could someone give me a formal list of the components needed for this? I'm still learning stuff about circuits and it's a bit difficult for me to know whats needed just by reading the schematics...
You do these projects for fun. It SOUNDS like you do not enjoy making stuff. When somebody makes something, it sure makes you feel good when you are done!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
how come the potentiometers don't start smoking when they have minimal resistance? they are connected directly to +V after all. Or am I thinking in terms of that conventional flow crap
wow, this is so retro, we used to make these boxes in the 80s, when i was about 10 years old, same chips, 555, 4000 series, 7400 series.. a bit more complex than just the 556 circuit though - more like your first box. We didn't really know what we were doing, just hacking together logic, multiplexers, shift registers, binary counters. We used to drive the neighbourhood nuts with battery operated ones, stuck to our bikes, roaming the streets, making crazy random "computer" noises..
Sounds like a fun childhood. Im jealous
such expressive facial expressions
Such facially expressive faces
I was expressed.
mekon92 YES! Yes!
Those books by Forrest are by far some of the best material I've come across especially when I started learning and even now! Super awesome to see them on this channel!!!
I built one, with a 8 ohm speaker. Then, connected in parallel to my 70W amplifier. THEN, I discovered the 8 ohm speaker could work as a microphone. My underwear became wet.
Generates some harsh square waves, so we'll use a round PCB...
Lmao
I loved watching these videos when they came out when I was in college. And I really think they had a part in keeping me interested in electrical engineering. Now I've been working in the aerospace industry designing controllers! Thanks!
How’s aerospace
Thanks for the videos! Your enthusiasm is great, your are easy to understand, and the projects are interesting. I'm not electronics guy, but I get a lot out of these videos.
Awesome video, the facial expressions with the Punk going ... Classic. That's what a Terminator would look like if they could take a crap, and what it would probably sound like.
The “android breaking wind” sounded like the “woodpecker”. That was the over-the-horizon radar the soviets would use and it obliterated the amateur radio shortwave frequencies for minutes at a time. I remember hearing it when I was a kid first getting into radio and electronics back in the 70’s and 80’s.
I dont understand about half of what Collin is talking about, but he's still enjoyable to watch.
The circular board is a really nice touch. That’s a pretty build.
This is my favourite video series on youtube. Even better than epic meal time.
Man...now that's the best trip I've seen in years. Jimi Hendrix and Woodstock...yeah. Go Collin.
I love your presentation style, it's really cool!
I don't understand, but I love watching Collin's videos. Very interesting.
yeah man. With regards to number 1 comment. you have the right voice for voice over, edits are good info is great. you should expand to all kinds of video's dude. Just go hard dude, GO HARD!!!!
This guy deserves his own channel
The circular PCB is amazing, Great project!
What happened to this guy? He’s the best thing that ever happened to this channel.
"The APC can generate some pretty intense square waves.... so how about a round PCB for geometric variety"
Haha love it
Thank you Colin, you made me smile, and wish to again do battle with electronics.
My favorite project is from 3 chips- The Coron DS7 . It's an easy build and a neat thing you can do is run the wires intended for the pots to a breadboard instead and then you can go from there to the pots. This way you have the stock build that works, but now you have a breadboard to create any mod you want. Quickly you will discover that you can make it a two oscillator synth without having to add any active components. I used the earphone jack on an AM radio to act as a modulated input:-)
This is what makezine was about. Making stuff. And learning. The rest of stuff on make, well...
the Alton Brown of the electronics world, great videos
Collin: I only watch this channel for your stuff. More, please!
Whoa! Yeah! Definitely some quality synth action! :-) I'm totally stealing that.
Collin's Lab; the only reason to subscribe to makemagazine...
I've never much liked using potentiometers to control pitch. Since they're only capable of smooth transitions from one pitch to another, it's hard to make sounds with a complicated structure. This thing seems to do a pretty nice job of getting around that, though, so thumbs up to Collin! And the designers.
This video is better than a lot of TV shows!
I made one in breadboard but with two 555 timer ic. Really good for driving parents and siblings mad especially when they are watching tv! Now I plan to transfer into pcb.
I built and sold approximately fifty of these in 2003-2004, including one to Kaustic Machines. I believe I still have the shipping confirmation, in fact (they went to some interesting places all over the world and to some interesting people). I didn't call them "Atari Punk Synths", though. I've always found that moniker irritating, because these have not the slightest relationship with Atari hardware. I called them, "Ghetto Synths" and also "Sputnik One". To be real honest, to me, they sound pretty obnoxious compared to Atari's outstanding line of vintage audio ICs. This is strictly a starter project. You will hurt your ears and the ears of others. :D I'm sorry for all the pain I've brought others by having built these. haha The circuit, which I modified to be even more obnoxious, originally came from "Oscillators Simplified with 61 Projects", written in 1987 by Delton T. Horn. I still have that book!
Actually, this circuit originally came from "Engineer's Notebook: Integrated Circuit Applications" by Forrest Mims III, published in 1980. And I still have that book.
I feel the same way about how it has nothing to do with punk
@DanielLikesToast GND mainly means -ve battery connection but if both +ve and -ve conection are given than you can ignore it
My Atari Punk colsole is quite modded and much more expressive. I built two, put them in the same compartment, with dual controls and switches that turn the audio off between the two so you can make quick notes with it. My next Atari Punk Console experiement will be using a crap keyboard from a consignment shop to control the pitch (resistors of different values on each key. It will be monophonic, but it might be more controllable that way).
"See all that stuff in there, Homer? That's why your robot never worked."
Marge Simpson
Collin's videos are why I stay subbed :-)
Dude! You were great as the Red Skull in the new Captain America movie!
This dude need to upload videos daily, with electronics tutorials for begginers would be helpful.
Leonard Hofstadter + Matrix Agent = this genius!
COLLIN! PLEASE make a video showing the making of the 'soundlab'
This guy is the epitome of nerdiness. He is a true nerd. Also he looks like the video rental guy from Men in Black 2.
I have probably built 15 of these, but gotten 5 to work properly. Not too sure what is wrong, but suspect it might be the size of caps or pots
Do you remember the guy from the video shop in Men in black ?!? Now he´s building genius circuits !! :)
Another great video. I really enjoy the earlier videos. The somewhat newer, more polished videos I like too but the older stuff is the sht.
Thanks for posting! For the life of me, I don't understand why people vote down helpful tutorial videos.
Is it because of the full frontal nerdity? Maybe a warning label should be applied.
you're the coolest geek on youtube.
collin's videos are the best!
I made one in an Altoids tin using two photoresistors. Definitely a fun project.
Collin, You're absolutely fantastic. I'm delighted you exist, if ever we should meet I'm buying you a pint.
I love Collin!!!!!!! He makes it so interesting with his quirks! Haa..... Love the music Collin. Please don't change it.
I wish my projects were so neatly set out and soldered!
Still a good video all these years latter. 👍🏻
i would love this man to teach me electronics at school
i really like your style btw! very clear and instructive video, without much of bs other reviewer add!
You need a round PCB to keep the electrons inside with such a harsh waveform! You don't want them to go flying all over your shop.
can we get a playlist with everything Collin has done over the years, like his style and would like to watch it all without digging through archives.
Any chance we can get him back on the air?
Chris Woolvin someone has done it long time ago bruh th-cam.com/play/PLECC9C55893C696A7.html
for real!
You can also use a heatgun/hairdryer to heat up your right "leg" of your glasses, bend it downwards about 1cm and you'll have a set which are level on your face.
:D
@minttuber That's the real problem with MakerShed etc- shipping doubles the price to UK, then you get stung for import duty and VAT. There's loads of stuff I want (e.g. useless machine, larson scanner, mintduino) but I'm not going to spend as much getting it as the gear costs!
the only reason why im still on makemagazine...
Can you please post a link to the first device you were using or show us how to make it. I know it might take long or be a long video but you if you can make a series or something out of it I would appreciate it. Or if you can give a slide show or text instructional, anything I would be very grateful. Thanks
I am subscribed to make: only because I want to see collin's videos
Sounds cooler if you add a delay pedal between the punk and the amp. Perfect for mad scientist noises and Halloween's right around the corner!
He looks like he is in heaven when he tries his creation! :)
Still wish there was a parts list and maybe a better schematic, though I know I could probably find it online.
I dont know what he's talking about :/ but he makes it watchable and likeable somehow :)
Sweet vid. I'll be doing electronics next year at high school so I'll get into stuff like this. =D
hey collin i got an arduino uno for my birthday and ive already written a bit of code!!!!
You should put a momentary button on the power so u can control when the sound is played....then u can play it like an electro guitar/piano instrument!!
long live nerds long live collin. ur a rockstar
First time I've seen this guy, I like him already. Where is the schematic for that first synthesizer he was playing with?
@Scotchegz If you had information about the world further than the outskirts of your city limits you would know there are other traditions elsewhere, many countries have it custom to wear the wedding band on the right hand.
@guitarbass95 Isn't the Wedding band supposed to be on the left hand though?
How about a diy synth variable doorbell
resistors on each bell button and one main siginal sync for whole house doorbell.
Brings back, well almost, memories of Playing Yar's Revenge on me 2600 years ago.
This is a proper make! I like it.
would it sound more pleasing if you filtered out square wave to be little more sine-like?
would have been nice to see a representation of the square waves generated
Sounds like Enduro, one of the best games EVER!
Just a quick question, on the schematics for this there are wires labelled "GND",
I'm guessing that means ground? and if so, what can that be connected too if it's running from a battery? Thanks to anyone that replies!
@minttuber TBH a fair few of the projects are open source or have plans for similar things, but the kits make it more convenient. I don't have access to them fancy plastic cutting machines or 3D printers :(
What should I do if I want to add more pots/switches to have more sounds?
This was awesome. Just love the reaction after the first sound, laughing out loud.
this a great build!!! thanks for making Collin !
Make, this is the kind of video that get you subscribers.
I made this circuit, it's awesome!
I've built this exactly like schematic (with two 555 instead of one 556) and it keeps burning the second chip, the monostable.
Love the schematics on squared paper - So old school ;)
Would have liked to see the output on an oscope.
I love the old Collin's lab theme song.
holy crap thats the perfect name for that synth, i mean if i had that i could make a bunch of atari/NES game like noises, like dying and helicopters and stuff like that
Awesome! I am going to have to build one of these! Thanks, Colin!
can u recommend me some more simple synth projects like this ?
can you add some more knobs? i want some more effects
so I was able to put it all together and it makes the sounds except my pots dont act the same way as the ones in the video. I cant get the pitch down SUPER low and it just jumps around low to high pitches. also when I turn one knob it sounds like it goes slower then faster and faster. idk if this is what its suposed to be doing but I want it to go as low as collins.
Did you use linear pots or audio taper pots?
I got it now, turned out I needed 1m pots instead of 500k. Longer range of frequency's
Round pcbs are amazing
Hey guys, I'm just starting out and am curious what components were used as the power plug on and to the PBC? (The little black 'box' with the positive red dot and the pins that were at the end of the 9V plug cable) I'd really like to replicate that, so any help would be appreciated! Thanks!
Do the pots need to be logarithmic? I'm assuming so, but I'd hate to wait a month on the China slow boat for nothing.
Could someone give me a formal list of the components needed for this? I'm still learning stuff about circuits and it's a bit difficult for me to know whats needed just by reading the schematics...
You do these projects for fun. It SOUNDS like you do not enjoy making stuff. When somebody makes something, it sure makes you feel good when you are done!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Do they sell the kit to make the first synth device you were using? The sound lab one? Is that what its called?
how come the potentiometers don't start smoking when they have minimal resistance? they are connected directly to +V after all. Or am I thinking in terms of that conventional flow crap