Monday, January 14, 2013

Generate Retro Atari-Like Sounds with the Atari Punk Console

The "stepped tone generator," or Atari Punk Console (APC) as it has been dubbed, is a fun electronics project for anyone looking to get into electronics or build something fun. The APC generates adjustable, retro style, synth square waves, similar to the sounds of the classic Atari game console. Over the last few days, I have built my version of the Atari Punk Console using proto board, a project enclosure from Radio Shack, and other components ordered online. You can also buy APC kits with all of the parts included, and the schematics are widely available.

Atari Punk Console schematic courtesy of Jameco Electronics

It has volume control, and a switching 3.5mm audio output jack, which shuts off the internal speaker when plugged in. It is controlled with a basic on/off toggle switch, two 500k Ohm potentiometers, as well as a momentary pushbutton for more control, and is powered by a 9V battery. Once it was finished, I had to fight to get it back from my kids!

1 comment:

  1. That reminds me of the metal detector my dad used to use when I was a kid. It used tubes and required 3 different batteries including a 45v battery. Good times!

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