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In Greek mythology, a siren was a demonic being (half bird, half woman). Later on this idea was transformed in art into a mermaid: a combination of a fish and a woman. Mechanical and electromechanical versions were invented even later, and electronic models were developed in the last century. Sirens are characterized by their ability to produce sounds that attract attention. With the exception of the flesh-and-blood models, they are thus used to warn people in a particular area of impending danger. The electronic versions are the most suitable for DIY construction.... [read more]

This amplifier was designed to be self-contained in a small loudspeaker box. It can be feed by Walkman, Mini-Disc and CD players, computers and similar devices having line or headphone output. Of course, in most cases you'll have to make two boxes to obtain stereo.... [read more]

While smoke alarms are quite cheap devices, the cost of 9V batteries quickly exceeds their purchase price. Added to that is the irritation of random beeps from the alarm as the battery reaches the end of its useful life. This circuit allows typical smoke alarms to be powered from the 12V supply in a burglar alarm while still keeping the standard 9V batteries in place. It extends the 9V battery life to that of its "shelf life" as the battery is only required to drive the smoke alarm in the event the 12V supply is removed or shorted out.... [read more]

The purpose of this circuit is to animate shop-windows by means of a capacitive sensor placed behind a post-card-like banner. The card is placed against the glass inside the shop-window, and the visitor can activate the relay placing his hand on the card, from the outside. Especially suited for toy-shops, the circuit can activate model trains, small electric racing cars, lights etc. Further applications are left at user's imagination. Adopt it to increase the impact of your shop-window on next Christmas season!... [read more]

This circuit idea is certainly not new, but when it comes to making a trade-of between using a small, short-circuit proof transformer or a capacitive voltage divider (directly from 230 V mains voltage) as the power supply for a fan, it can come in very handy. If forced cooling is an afterthought and the available options are limited then perhaps there is no other choice. At low currents a capacitive divider requires less space than a small, short-circuit proof transformer.... [read more]

In this circuit, one, two or three neon indicator bulbs can be made to flash in sequence at rates determined by the R and C values. In the single stage circuit, using one lamp, the capacitor charges through the resistor until the ionization potential of the neon is reached (about 70 volts) and then discharges quickly through the lamp until the voltage falls below what is needed to sustain the lamp which is approximately 45 volts.... [read more]