Circuit Scribe Light Theremin

This Instructable uses Circuit Scribe modules and conductive ink to create a simple light theremin. In this project, the input from the light sensor determines the pitch of the sound generated by the buzzer. The Circuit Scribe kit makes this easy to do - no programming required.

Materials Needed:

Circuit Scribe buzzer

Circuit Scribe light sensor

Circuit Scribe power module + 9V battery

Steel sheet

Paper

Conductive ink

Circuit Scribe footprint template

Take a look at your components - for this project, we're using a buzzer, a light sensor, and a power module - and consider how you will connect them to each other. You may want to do a pencil sketch before using conductive ink to create your final layout.

Use the circuit stencil provided in the Circuit Scribe kit to easily mark accurate footprints for each component. Be sure to fill the circle in to ensure a robust connection.

Connect components to each other. I found it helpful to label footprints to ensure I was connecting the right pieces. Here, we connect the positive side of the power module to 'VCC' on the photo sensor, then 'output' on the photo sensor to the positive side of the buzzer. The negative side of the buzzer connects to 'GND' on the photo sensor and ultimately to the negative side of the power module, completing the circuit.

Be sure to make your connections robust, and be careful to keep them apart from each other. Electricity will take the easiest route, and we don't want a short circuit!

Now, for the moment of truth. Place the modules atop their footprints, turn on the power, and experiment with light. You may need a flashlight (I used a cell phone light) to trigger the sound.

Is your circuit working? If not, it's time to troubleshoot! Are your connections solid? Do you have a short circuit anywhere? Are all of your modules in the right places?

You did it! Have fun playing your light theremin!