Cricket Chirping Sound Generator

Cricket Chirping Sound Generator

This is the circuit diagram of cricket chirping sound generator based on IC 4060, a 14 stage ripple counter and oscillator IC. A suitable audio wave form is produced by IC2 and related electronic components, driving the mini speaker through Q1. To allow a more real-life behavior, the chirp is interrupted in a pseudo-casual way by two timers built around IC1C and IC1D, whose outputs are mixed into IC1B and further time-delayed by IC1A, driving the reset pin of IC2.

An optional Photoresistor can be wired across this pin and positive supply, it is to make the circuit operates in the dark and stops when light is coming, thus imitating the cricket's behavior even more closely. R9 acts as volume control and can be a preset trimmer or a small potentiometer.

Components List:

R1 = 330K 1/4W
R2 = 220K 1/4W
R3,R6 = 100K 1/4W
R4 = Photo resistor (Optional, see text)
R5,R7 = 22K 1/4W
R8 = 10K 1/4W
R9 = 470R 1/2W Trimmer Cermet or Carbon
R10 = 22R 1/4W
C1,C2,C3 = 47µF/25V
C4 = 10µF/25V
C5 = 1µF/50V
C6 = 10nF/63V
D1,D2,D3,D4 = 1N4148
Q1 = BC547
IC1 = 4093
IC2 = 4060
SPKR = 8 Ohm
SW1 = SPST Toggle or Slide Switch
B1 = 9V PP3 Battery (See Notes)

Circuit Notes:
  • The circuit can be powered by any battery or power supply adapter with 5 - 12V range.
  • For maximum performance results please use a loudspeaker as small as possible.
  • In some cases, the chirp can be improved further on by pressing the loudspeaker against a flat surface, for example. a wooden table.
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