555 astable (tone generator) kit

This kit is perfect for GCSE students needing to use a 555 timer in its astable mode, where it produces a square wave output. The frequency of which is adjustable via the variable resistor. The board has a choice of two outputs. The logic output can be used to drive another IC or a speaker can be connected so the tone is heard (e.g. a door bell). The push button switch connects to the reset line such that the IC is only active when the button is pressed.

This kit contains:

• 1 x 555 timer IC
• 1 x 8 pin IC holder
• 1 x 3.3Kohm resistor
• 1 x 10Kohm resistor
• 1 x 47Kohm potentiometer
• 2 x 10nF ceramic capacitors
• 1 x BC547 NPN transistor
• 1 x push to make switch
• 1 x PP3 clip lead
• 1 x 3AA battery holder
• 0.5m connecting wire
• 1 x tone generator PCB

PCB dimensions: 40mm x 40mm.

Requires x3 AA batteries and depending upon desired use a speaker, both available separately.

Click here to download build instructions 

Note: Schools will receive a more detailed set of teaching notes on a CDROM.