Simple Hobby Electronic Circuit Projects

A few of the interesting and useful hobby electronic circuit diagrams already published in this blog have been selected and compiled here for quick reference and understanding.

Making a Photo Cell using a Power transistor

This is an old trick I learned many years ago. Removing the round metal cap from a power transistor, in many cases, will reveal a photocell. Even those that don't reveal a photocell have a base-emitter region that is sensitive to light when the cover is removed.

As shown in the photo, the metal cap has been removed and the photocell is located acroos the base-emitter pins. This particular power transistor read 1250 ohms in darkness and 600 ohms under a light bulb. I removed the cap on a 2N456A and it does not show a photocell inside.

In darknesss, it reads 300 ohms. Under a light bulb, it reads 25 ohms. Removing the cover can be difficult. The best way is to use a dremel tool with a metal cutting disc. A small hack saw could also be used. A last resort would be to take a small pair of sharp edge diagonal cutting pliers and pinch the metal at the round edges until the metal is penetrated.

Grab as much metal as possible and twist the pliers and metal upwards to expose the inside. Be careful not to damage the base-emmitter region. The amount of resistance change,is going to vary with different types of power transistors.

Making small emergency capacitors

When you need a small size capacitor in an emergency, this is one method of making one. I made a 22 pf (.022nf) capacitor with pencil and paper as shown in the photo below.

You need a clean sheet of white paper, such as a typing sheet. You will also need a graphite pencil with a dull end and some scissors. As the size shown resulted in 22pf of capacitance, you will need a smaller size for smaller pf's and larger for larger pf's.

Your actual capacitance values will depend upon the type of lead pencil you used and the pressure you applied to the paper sheet. Start on one side and take the side of the pencil lead, making strokes to spread the graphite across the plate area and connection tab on one side.

Take care not to puncture the thin paper. Also leave a little room at the edges, so the opposite side plate will not short

The connector tabs should only have graphite applied on it's plate side. Turn the paper over and do the same thing on the opposite side.

The connector tab on the opposite side will be on the opposite end as compared with the front plate. Use a capacitance meter to test the capicatance.

If it is a smaller value than what you needed, just add more graphite to enlarge the plate area on both sides. If your tester doesn't identify any capacitance, check with an ohmmeter for a high resistance short.

You may have penetrated the paper and shorted the plates. Once you have the value required, take the scissors and allow some space from the graphite plates so you want be cutting into the graphite. Connect pg (gator) type clips to the connector tabs and install it in your circuit. This is only a temporary fix as the environment, moisture, etc., could gradually change the value.

Simple Touch Sensitive Switch Circuit

We all know about this little versatile chip which finds its way in almost all useful electronic circuits, yes our very own IC 555. The following circuit is no exception, it's a sensitive touch switch circuit using the IC 555.

Here the IC is configured as an monostable multivibrator, in this mode the IC activates its output momentarily by producing a logic high in response to a trigger at its input pin#2.

The momentary activation time period of the output depends on the value of C1 and the setting of VR1.

When the touch switch is touched pin#2 is pulled to a lower logic potential which may be less than 1/3 of Vcc. This instantly reverts the output situation from low to high activating the connected relay driver stage.

This in turn switches ON the load attached with the relay contacts but only for the time until C1 gets fully discharged.

Simple Bistable Touch Switch

While there are plenty of prototypes for touch switches, creating a design that is easier than previous models is always a challenge.

Whereas most latching touch switches use a couple of wired NAND gates as a flip-flop bistable, this circuit just requires one non-inverting CMOS buffer, one capacitor and one resistor. As N1 's input is held low by bridging a finger with the lower set of touch points, N1 's output goes low.

The input of N1 is kept low by the output through R1 when the contacts are released, hence the output remains low permanently. The input of N1 is rendered high when the upper set of contacts are bridged, so that the output goes high. Once the contacts are released, the input is kept high through R1, and therefore output stays high.

Simple 50 Hz Hum Filter

There are also situations where it is beneficial to be able to remove of unnecessary interference with the mains (50 Hz).

The easiest way of doing that is to use a special filter that only eliminates the 50 Hz signal components while passing unchanged other signal frequencies, i.e. a highly selective filter. A typical circuit is illustrated in figure 1 for such an filter.

While a filter with a notch frequency of 50 Hz and a Q of 10 will require nearly 150 Henries inductance, the most easiest answer is To electronically synthesize the intended inductance (see Figure 2).

Together with R2 … R5, C2 and P1, the two opamps give a rather ideal simulation of a traditional wound inducer located within two pin3 of IC1 and earth. The resulting inductance value is equal to the sum of the R2, R3 and C2 values ( i.e., L = R2 x R3 x C2).

With P1 this value could be slightly changed for tuning purposes. The attenuation of 50 Hz signals is 45 to 50 dB when the circuit is calibrated correctly. The circuit can be used in harmonic distortion as a hum-rejection filter for TV sound signals, meters or as hum filter.

Fluorescent Lamp Dimmer Circuit

It is not possible to control the light level of fluorescent lamps through traditional light dimmers, except if specific modifications are executed. In the circuit detailed here the heater filaments of the fluorescent lamp are pre-heated using a heater transformer with a pair of individual windings.

The starter is ignored, but the choke (L1) can be allowed to be in the circuit. The (standard) triac control stage is attached by using the choke with a 33 k/2 W 'bleeder' resistor across the tube and choke to provide current to the dimmer when the tube is shut down. On the other hand, 3 100 K resistors 1/4 W could be joined in parallel.

Any kind of suppression systems existing in the triac dimmer must be taken off; the large self-inductance of L1 may limit the interference due to the dimmer to a lowest.

When the range of fluorescent light intensity control is found inadequate, you possibly can test out the value of capacitor C1. Regular safety measures must, obviously, be weaned: the circuit should be installed on an insulation box, P1 must have a plastic spindle, and Cl needs to be a 400 V rated.

Simple Triac Dimmer Circuit

The circuit of a simple triac light dimmer shown below can be used for dimming incandescent lamps directly from AC mains.
The circuit is very easy to construct and uses very few components. The pot is used for controlling the load power or the intensity of the light. The dimmer circuit can be also used for controlling ceiling fan speeds.

Simple Audio Power Amplifier Circuit

The circuit illustrated here is probably the simplest form of an audio power amplifier.

Though the circuit is very crude by its specs yetis able to amplify an audio input up to a powerful 4 watts in a 8 Ohm speaker.
The transistor used  in this amplifier is a 2N3055 is used as a switch for inducing voltages in response to the input signals into one half winding of the transformer.
The back emf generated across the winding of the transformer is effectively dumped over the speaker generating the required amplifications. The transistor needs to be mounted on a suitable heatsink.

Simple FET Audio Mixer

Low-cost junction-FETs as explained here could typically be used favorably to low frequency circuits. In a small-scale audio-mixers the application of JFET5 contributes to an excellent saving in parts due to relative ease of the biasing techniques. The input impedance of each channel is established solely by the magnitude of the potentiometer used.

The quantity of input channels could be significantly extended, in case it is demanded, so long as the common drain load resistor (RI) is appositely selected. Its value may be the regular value nearest to 22k / n, where n is actually the quantity of input channels

 Simple Water Level Alarm Circuit

Just a couple of transistors are enough for implementing a simple water level alarm circuit and used for getting a warning signal when the water level inside a tank nears the overflowing level.

The two transistors are configured as a high gain, high sensitive switch, which also is capable of generating a tone when the shown terminals get bridged through the terminals coming in contact with the water inside the tank.

The water offers just about the right resistance value across the specified points of the circuit for initiating high pitched tone or the desired warning alarm.

Simple Temperature Detector Circuit

A very simple temperature indicator circuit can be built using the circuit shown in the diagram. A generally purpose small signal transistor is used here as the sensor and another active device in the form of a1N4148 diode is used for providing a reference level to the sensing operation.

The heat source which is to be measured is place in contact with the transistor while the diode is held at a relatively constant ambient temperature level.

As per the setting of the preset P1, if the threshold is crossed by the introduced heat source, the transistor begins to conduct substantially, illuminating the LED and indicating the generation the heat beyond a particular set limit.

Parts List for the above simple transistor hobby circuit

• R1 = 1K,
• R2 = 2K2,
• D1 = 1N4148,
• P1 = 300 Ohms,
• T1 = BC547
• LED = RED 5mm

100 Watt Transistor Based Inverter Circuit

Inverters are devices which have important applications where normal electric supply is not available or difficult to obtain through conventional routes.

The simple 100 watt inverter circuit shown here can be built and used for powering many electrical appliances like, lights, soldering iron, heater, fan etc. The whole 100 watt inverter circuit mainly involves transistors and therefore becomes easier to construct and implement.

Parts List

• R1, R4 = 330 Ohms,
• R2, R3 = 39K,
• R5, R6 = 100 Ohms, 1watt,
• C1, C2 = 0.47uF,
• D1, D2 = 1N5402
• T1, T2 = BC547,
• T3, T4 = TIP127,
• T5, T6 = 2N3055,
• Transformer = 9-0-9V, 10Amp, 220V or 120V

 100 Watt Transistor Power Amplifier Circuit

This circuit of a transistor power amplifier is outstanding with its performance and is able to provide a thumping 100 watts of pure music output.

As can be seen in the diagram it utilizes mainly transistors for making the amplifier and its implementations and a handful of other inexpensive passive components like resistors and capacitors. The required input is not more than 1 V, which gets amplified 200,000 times at the output.

Simple 10 Watt Amplifier Circuit

This a simple transistorized 10 W power amplifier, mains driven circuit, which will deliver 10 watt into a 4 ohm loudspeaker. The input sensitivity of the amplifier is 100 mV input sensitivity, input resistance is 10 k.

Before using make sure to optimze thr 100 ohm preset for setting up the quiscent current correctly. Meaning to ensure that the amplified draws minimum possibe current in the absence of an input signal.

To do this connect a small 10 mA bulb in series with the positive line. Short the input line with the ground, also short the speaker terminals. Now switch ON power and adjust the 100 ohm preset until the bulb illumination is almost zero.

The 100 k preset sets the gain of the amplifier.

Simple Automatic Emergency Lamp Circuit

This simple emergency lamp circuit uses very components and yet is able to provide some useful service.

The shown device is able to switch ON automatically when mains power fails, illuminating all the connected LEDs.As soon as power is restored, the LEDs shut off automatically and the connected starts charging through the built in power supply.
The emergency light circuit employs a transformerless power supply for initiating the explained automatic actions and also for trickle charging the connected battery.

Parts List for the above CIRCUIT DIAGRAM

• R1 = 220K,
• R2 = 10K,
• D1, D2, D3 = 1N4007,
• Z1 = 15V 1watt, zener diode,
• C2 = 100uF/25V
• LEDs = white, high bright type.

 Automatic Day Night Light Switch Circuit

This simple transistor circuit can be used for monitoring the dawn and dusk conditions and for switching lights in response to the varying conditions.
Thus the day night light switch circuit can be used for switching ON the connected lights when night sets in and switch it OFF during day break. The threshold tripping point may be set by adjusting the 10K preset.

The capacitors are 100uF/25V, the transistors are ordinaryBC547, and the diodes are 1N4007.

 Electronic Candle Circuit

This is a simple hobby project and exhibits all the properties of a conventional wax type candle. Here the LED is used in place of the candle flame, which illuminates as soon as the mains power fails and shuts off automatically when the power is restored.

So it also performs the function of an emergency lamp. The connected battery is used for powering the candle”light and it is charged continuously when the unit is not being used and powered through the mains supply.

An interesting “puff off” feature is also included so tatthe “candle” light may be switched OFF whenever desired through a puff of airinto the attached mic which acts as the air vibration sensor.

 Simple Emergency Flashlight Circuit

This circuit may be used as an automatic emergency lamp when there’s no power or when mains power fails during night times.

As shown in the diagram, the circuit utilizes a cheap incandescent flashlight bulb for the required illumination. As long as the input supply from the mains transformer is present the transistor remains switched OFF and so does the lamp.

However the moment the mains power fails, the transistor conducts and switches ON the battery power to the bulb, instantly illuminating it brightly.

The battery is trickle charged for so long as the mainspower remains connected to the circuit.

Parts List

• R1 = 22 Ohms,
• R2 = 1K,
• D1 = 1N4007,
• T1 = 8550,
• Lamp = 3V flashlight bulb.
• Transformer = 0-3V, 500 mA,
• Battery = 3V, penlight 1.5 V cells (2nos. in series)

Music operated Dancing Light Circuit

This circuit may be used for transforming music into dancing light patterns.

The operation of the music lamp circuit is very simple, the music input is fed to the bases of the shown transistor array, each of them are configured to conduct at a specific voltage level in the incrementing order from the top to the bottom transistor.

Thus the uppermost transistor conducts with the input music is at the minimum volume level and the subsequent transistor starts to conduct in sequence as per the volume or the pitch of the music.

Each transistor is rigged with individual lamps which light up in response to the music levels in a “chasing” dancing light pattern.

Parts List

• All the base presets are = 10K,
• All the collector resistors are 470 Ohms,
• All the diodes are = 1N4148,
• All NPN transistors are = BC547,
• The single PNP transistor is = BC557,
• All the triacs are = BT136,
• The input capacitor = 0.22uF/25V non polar.

 Simple Clap Switch LED Lamp Circuit

The interesting clap switch circuit shown here can be used in stairways and passages for illuminating the premise momentarily through clap sound.

The circuit is basically a sound sensor circuit with an enclosed amplifier stage. The clap sound or any similar sound is detected by the mic and converted into minute electrical pulses. These electrical pulses are suitably amplified by the subsequent transistor stage.

The Darlington stage shown at the output is the timer stage which switches in response to the above sound interaction and illuminate the connected LEDs for some period of time defined by the 220K resistor and the two39 K resistors.

After the time lapses the LEDs are switched off automatically and the clap switch circuit returns to its original state until the next clap sound is detected.

The parts list is given in the circuit diagram itself.

 A Simple ELCB Circuit

The circuit shown here can be used for detecting earth leakage conditions and for implementing the required shutting off the mains power supply.

Unlike usual configurations, here the ground to the ELCB circuit and the relay is acquired from the earthing line itself. Also since the input coil is also referenced to the common earthing ground, the entire functioning becomes compatible and accurate.

On sensing a possible current leakage at the input, the transistors come into action and switch the relays appropriately. The two relay have their individual specific roles to play.

One relay detects and switches OFF when there’s current leakage through an appliances body, while the other relay is wired up to sense the presence of a the earthing line and switches OFF the mains as soon a wrong or weak earthing line is detected.

 Parts List

• R1 = 33K,
• R2 = 4K7,
• R3 = 10K,
• R4 = 220 Ohms,
• R5 = 1K,
• R6 = 1M,
• C1 = 0.22uF,
• C2, C3, C4 = 100uF/25V
• C5 = 105/400V
• All diodes = 1N4007,
• Relay = 12V, 400 Ohms
• T1, T2 = BC547,
• T3 = BC557,
• L1 = output transformer as used in radio push pull amplifierstage

Simple LED Flasher

A very simple LED flasher circuit is illustrated in the diagram. The transistors and the corresponding parts are connected in the standard astable multivibrator mode, which forces the circuit to oscillate the moment power is applied.

The LEDs connected at the collector of the transistors start flashing alternately in wig wag manner.

The LEDs shown in the diagram are connected in series and parallel, so that many numbers of LEDs can be accommodated in the configuration. The pots P1 and P2 may be adjusted for getting different interesting flashing patterns with the LEDs.

Parts List

• R1, R2 = 1K,
• P1,P2 = 100K pots,
• C1, C2 = 33uF/25V,
• T1, T2 = BC547,
• Resistors connected with each LED series = 470 Ohms
• LEDs are 5mm type, color as per choice.

 Simple Wireless Microphone Circuit

Anything spoken into the mic of the presented circuit cab be clearly picked up and reproduced by any standard FM radio, within a range of 30meters of distance.

The circuit is very simple and just requires ther shown components to be assembled and connected with each other as depicted in the diagram.

The coil L1 for this FM transmitter circuit consists of 5 turns of 1mm super enameled copper wire, having a diameter of around 0.6 cm.

Parts List

• R1 = 4K7,
• R2 = 82K,
• R3 = 1K,
• C1 = 10pF,
• C2, C3 = 27pF,
• C4 = 0.001uF,
• C5 = 0.22uF,
• T1 = BC547

40 LED Emergency Light Circuit

The shown design of a 40 LED emergency light is driven usingan ordinary transistor/transformer inverter circuit.

The transistor and the respective winding of th transformer are configured as a high frequency oscillator stage.

The oscillations induce a high voltage across the winding of the transformer. The stepped-up voltage at the output is directly used to drive the LED which are all connected in series for getting the desired balance and the illumination.

Parts List

• R1 = 470 Ohms,
• VR1 = 47K,
• C1, C2 = 1uF/25V
• TR1 = 0-6V, 500mA,
• Battery = 6V, 2AH,
• LEDs = high bright white, 40 nos.

 Simple Transistor Latch Circuit

If you are looking for a circuit which can be used to latch the output in response to an input signal, then this circuit can be used for the intended purpose very effectively and also very cheaply.

A momentary input trigger is applied to the base of T1,which switches it for a fraction of a second depending upon the length of the applied signal.

The conduction of T1 immediately switches T2 and the connected relay. However at the very instant a feedback voltage also appears at the base of T1 via R3 from the collector of T2.
This feed back voltage instantly latches the circuit and keeps the relay activated even after the trigger from the input is removed.

Parts List

• R1, R3 = 100k,
• R2, R4 = 10K,
• C1 = 1uF/25V
• D1 = 1N4148,
• T1 = BC547,
• T2 = BC557
• Relay = 12V, SPDT

 Simple LED Music Light Circuit

In one of the previous sections we studied a simple music light show circuit using mains operated incandescent lamps, the present design incorporate LEDs for similar intended light show generation.

As can be seen in the figure, the transistors are all wired up in sequencing array. The music signal varying with pitch and amplitude is applied at the base of the buffer amplifier PNP transistor.
The amplified music is then fed across the whole array where the respective transistor receive the inputs with incrementing pitch or the volume levels and go on switching in the corresponding manner from start to finish, producing an interesting LED light sequencing pattern.
This light exactly varies its length according to the pitch or the volume of the fed music signal.

Parts list is provided in the diagram.

 A Simple 2-Pin Automobile Indicator Lamp Flasher Circuit with Buzzer

If you want to make a flasher unit for you motorbike then this circuit is just for you. This simple turn signal flasher circuit can be easily built and installed in any two wheelers for the desired actions.

The automobile flasher circuit employs just two 2-pins instead of 3 as found in other flasher circuits. Once installed, the circuit will faithfully flash the side indicator lights whenever the intended function is switched ON.

The circuit also incorporates an optional buzzer circuit which can be also included for getting a beeping sound in response to the flashing of the lamps.

Parts List

• R1, R2, R3 = 10K
• R4= 33K
• T1 = D1351,
• T2 = BC547,
• T3 = BC557,
• C1, C2 = 33uF.25V
• L1 = Buzzer Coil

Simple Relay Motorbike Flasher Circuit

In the above section we discussed a simple three transistor based flasher circuit; here we study another similar design, however here we incorporate a relay for the switching actions of the lamps.

The circuit looks pretty straightforward and employs hardly anything substantial and yet performs the expected functions wonderfully well.

Just build it and wire it in your mo-bike for witnessing the intended functions...

 Parts List

• R1 = 1K,
• R2 = 4K7,
• T1 = BC557,
• C1 = 100uF/25V,
• C2 = 1000uF/25V
• Relay = 12V, 400 Ohms
• D1 = 1N4007

Simple Triac Flasher Circuit

This circuit is designed to flash a standard incandescent lamp flash at any rate between 2 and about 10 Hz determined by the 100 K pot. The 1N4004 diode rectifies the mains input AC, which is fed to a variable RC network stage. The moment the electrolytic capacitor gets fully charged, it reaches the breakdown voltage of the diac ER 900 (or DB-3).

Next, the capacitor begins discharging through the diac, which fires the triac causing the connected lamp to illuminate brightly and shut off. After some delay as preset by the 100 k pot, the capacitor begins recharging again to the breakdown limit of the diac, causing the lamp to pulse and shut down. The process continues allowing the lamp to flash at the specified rate. The 1 k decides at what current threshold the triac is supposed to fire.

 Simple Door Bell Timer, with Adjustable Timing Facility

Yes this simple transistor circuit can be used as a home door bell and it’s ON time can be set as preferred by the user, meaning if you wanted that the sound of the bell to remain switched ON for a particular period of time, you could easily do it just by adjusting the given pot.

The actual tune is derived from the IC UM66 and the associated components, while all the included transistors along with the relay are configured for producing the time delay for keeping the music switched ON.

Parts List

• R1, R2, R4, R5 = 1K
• VR1 = 100K,
• D1, D2 = 1N4007,
• C1, C2 = 100uF/25
• T1, T3 = BC547,
• T2 = BC557
• Z1 = 3V/400mW
• Transformer = 0-12V/500mA,
• S1 = Bell Push
• IC = UM66

Timer Circuit with Independent On and OFF Delay Adjust Facility

The circuit can be used for generating delays at a desired rate. The On time of the relay can be controlled by adjusting the Pot VR1 while the pot VR2 may be used to decide after how long the relay responds once theinput trigger is fed by the switch S1.

The parts list is enclosed inside the diagram.

 Simple High and Low Mains Voltage Cut Off Circuit

Are you having problems with your input Mains supply? That’s common problem associated with our input mains AC line, where a high and a low voltage conditions are quite frequently encountered by us.

The simple high low voltage controller circuit shown here can be built and installed in you house electrical board for getting a 24/7 safety from the possible dangerous AC voltage conditions.

The circuit keeps the relay and the wired appliances as long as the mains input stays within a safe tolerable level and switches the load OFF the moment a dangerous or unfavorable voltage condition is sensed by the circuit.

Parts List

• R1, R2 = 1K,
• P1, P2 = 10K Preset,
• T1, T2 = BC547B,
• C1 = 100uF/25V,
• D1 = 1N4007
• RL1 = 12V, SPDT,
• TR1 = 0-12V, 500mA

 0 – 40 V, 0 – 4 Amp Continuously Variable Power Supply Circuit

This unique work bench circuit utilizes only a few inexpensive transistors and yet delivers some truly useful features.

The feature includes continuously variable voltage from zero to the maximum transformer voltage and current variable from zero to the maximum applied input level.

The output of this power supply is also over load protected. The pot P1 is used for setting the maximum current while the pot P2 is used for varying the output voltage level up to the desired levels.

Parts List

• R1 = 1K2,
• R2 = 100 Ohms,
• R3 = 470 Ohms,
• R4 = Evaluate using Ohms law.
• R5 = 1K8,
• R6 = 4k7,
• R7 = 68 Ohms,
• R8 = 1k8,
• T1 = 2N3055,
• T2, T3 = BC 547B,
• D1 = 1N4007,
• D2, D3, D4, D5 = 1N5408,
• C1, C2 = 2200uF/50V,
• Tr1 = 0 – 35 Volts, 3 Amp

 Simple Crystal Tester Circuit

When it comes to frequency generating circuits or rather precise oscillator circuits, crystals become a crucial part, especially because they play an important role for generating and maintaining accurate frequency rates of the particular circuit.
However these devices are prone to many defects and are normally difficult to check through conventional DMM units.

The shown circuit can be used for checking all types of crystals instantly. The circuit itself is a small transistor oscillator circuit which starts oscillating when a good crystal is introduced across the indicated points in the circuit. If the crystal is a good one, the bulb lights up showing the relevant results and if there’s any defect in the attached crystal, the bulb remains switched OFF.

Simple Current Limiter Circuit Using two transistors

In many critical applications, circuits are required to maintain a strict controlled magnitude of current through them of at their outputs.

The proposed circuit is exactly meant for carrying out the discussed function.

The lower transistor is the main output transistor which operates the output vulnerable load and by itself is unable to control the current through it.
The introduction of the upper transistor makes it sure that the base of the lower transistor is allowed to conduct as long as the current output is within the specified limits. In case the current tends to cross the limits, the upper transistor conducts and switches OFF the lower transistor inhibiting any further passage of the exceeded current limit.

The threshold current may be fixed by R which is calculated with the shown formula.

Well, I am sure there can be countless number of hobby electronic circuits that can be included here, however for the moment I could gather only these many, if you think I might have missed a few you may simply feel free to update the same through your valuable comments....

About Swagatam

I am an electronic engineer (dipIETE ), hobbyist, inventor, schematic/PCB designer, manufacturer. I am also the founder of the website: https://www.homemade-circuits.com/, where I love sharing my innovative circuit ideas and tutorials.
If you have any circuit related query, you may interact through comments, I'll be most happy to help!