entranceColor music circuits on transistors. How to make color music on LEDs with your own hands
In this article we will talk about color music. Probably, every novice radio amateur, and not only, at one time had a desire to collect color music. What it is, I think, is known to everyone - to put it simply, it is the creation of visual effects that change in time to the music.
That part of color music that emits light can be performed on powerful lamps, for example, in a concert installation, if color music is needed for home discos, it can be done on ordinary 220-volt incandescent lamps, and if color music is planned, for example, as computer modding, for everyday use, it can be done with LEDs.
Recently, with the advent of LED strips on the market, color music consoles using such LED strips are increasingly used. In any case, for the assembly of Color Musical Installations (CMU for short), a signal source is required, which can be a microphone with assembled several amplifier stages.
Also, the signal can be taken from the line-out of the device, sound card computer, from the output of an mp3 player, etc., in this case, you will also need an amplifier, for example, two stages on transistors, for this purpose I used KT3102 transistors. The preamplifier circuit is shown in the following figure:
Preamplifier - schematic
Below is a diagram of a single-channel color music with a filter, working in conjunction with a preamplifier (above). In this circuit, the LED blinks under the bass (bass). To match the signal level in the color music scheme, a variable resistor R6.
There are more simple schemes color music that any beginner can assemble, on 1 transistor, besides, they do not need a preamplifier, one of these circuits is shown in the picture below:
Color music on a transistor
The pinout diagram of the Jack 3.5 plug is shown in the following figure:
If for some reason it is not possible to assemble a preamplifier on transistors, you can replace it with a transformer included as a step-up. Such a transformer should produce voltages on the windings of 220/5 Volts. The transformer winding with fewer turns is connected in a sound source, for example, a radio tape recorder, parallel to the speaker, while the amplifier must deliver at least 3-5 watts of power. A winding with a large number of turns is connected to the color music input.
Of course, color music is not only single-channel, it can be 3, 5 or more multichannel, when each LED or incandescent lamp blinks while reproducing the frequencies of its range. In this case, the frequency range is set by using filters. In the following diagram, three-channel color music (which he himself recently collected), capacitors are used as filters:
If we wanted to use not separate LEDs in the last circuit, but an LED strip, then the current-limiting resistors R1, R2, R3 should be removed in the circuit. If RGB tape or LED is used, then it must be done with a common anode. If you plan to connect long LED strips, then powerful transistors installed on radiators should be used to control the strip.
Since the LED strips are designed for a 12 Volt power supply, respectively, we should raise the power supply in the circuit to 12 Volts, and the power supply must be stabilized.
Thyristors in color music
So far, the article has only talked about color-music devices based on LEDs. If there is a need to assemble a CMU on incandescent lamps, then thyristors will need to be used to control the brightness of the lamps. What is a thyristor in general? It is a three-electrode semiconductor device, which accordingly has Anode, Cathode and Control electrode.
KU202 Thyristor
The figure above shows the Soviet thyristor KU202. Thyristors, if you plan to use it with a powerful load, must also be mounted on a heat sink (radiator). As we can see in the figure, the thyristor has a thread with a nut and is attached similarly to powerful diodes. Modern imported ones are simply equipped with a flange with a hole.
One of these thyristor circuits is shown above. This is a three-channel color music circuit with a step-up transformer at the input. In the case of the selection of thyristor analogs, one should look at the maximum permissible thyristor voltage, in our case for KU202N it is 400 volts.
The figure shows a similar color music scheme given above, the main difference in the lower scheme is that there is no diode bridge. Also, LED color music can be built into system unit... I have assembled such a three-channel color music with a preamplifier in the case from a sidirom. In this case, the signal was taken from the sound card of the computer using a signal divider, into the outputs of which active acoustics and color music were connected. There is an adjustment of the signal level, both general and separately for the channels. The preamplifier and color music were powered from the 12 Volt Molex connector (yellow and black wires). The preamplifier and three-channel color music schemes for which they were assembled are given above. There are other LED color music schemes, for example, this one, also three-channel:
Color music on 3 LEDs - diagram
In this circuit, in contrast to the one that I collected, inductance is used in the medium-frequency channel. For those who want to first collect something simpler, I give the following diagram for 2 channels:
If you collect color music on lamps, you will have to use light filters, which can be, in turn, both homemade and purchased. The picture below shows the available light filters:
Some fans of color music effects collect devices based on microcontrollers. Below is a diagram of a four-channel color music on the MC AVR tiny 15:
The microcontroller Tiny 15 in this circuit can be replaced with tiny 13V, tiny 25V. And at the end of the review on my own behalf, I want to say that the color music on lamps loses in terms of entertainment to the color music on LED, since the lamps are more inertial than LEDs. And for self-repetition, you can recommend this
Almost every novice radio amateur, and not only, had a desire collect color music prefix or a running fire to diversify listening to music in the evening or on holidays. In this article, we will focus on a simple color music set-top box, assembled on LEDs, which even a novice radio amateur can collect.
1. The principle of operation of color music consoles.
The work of color music consoles ( CMP, CMU or SDU) based on frequency division of the spectrum sound signal with its subsequent transmission through separate channels low, middle and high frequencies, where each of the channels controls its own light source, the brightness of which is determined by the oscillations of the sound signal. The end result of the work of the set-top box is to obtain a color scheme corresponding to the music being played.
To obtain the full gamut of colors and the maximum number of color shades, at least three colors are used in color-music consoles:
The division of the frequency spectrum of the audio signal occurs using LC- and RC filters, where each filter is tuned to its own relatively narrow frequency band and only passes through itself the vibrations of this section of the audio range:
1
. Low pass filter(LPF) transmits oscillations with a frequency of up to 300 Hz and the color of its light source is selected in red;
2
. Mid Pass Filter(FSF) transmits 250 - 2500 Hz and the color of its light source is selected green or yellow;
3
. High pass filter(HPF) transmits from 2500 Hz and above, and the color of its light source is selected blue.
There are no fundamental rules for choosing the bandwidth or the color of the glow of the lamps, so every radio amateur can use colors based on the characteristics of his perception of color, and also change the number of channels and bandwidth at his own discretion.
2. Schematic diagram of a color music set-top box.
The figure below shows a diagram of a simple four-channel color music set-top box, assembled on LEDs. The set-top box consists of an input signal amplifier, four channels and a power supply unit that provides power to the set-top box from the AC mains.
An audio signal is applied to the contacts PC, OK and General connector X1, and through resistors R1 and R2 falls on a variable resistor R3, which is the input level control. From the middle terminal of the variable resistor R3 beep through the capacitor C1 and resistor R4 arrives at the entrance preamplifier assembled on transistors VT1 and VT2... The use of an amplifier made it possible to use the set-top box with almost any audio signal source.
From the output of the amplifier, the audio signal is fed to the upper terminals of the trimming resistors R7,R10, R14, R18, which are the load of the amplifier and perform the function of adjusting (tuning) the input signal separately for each channel, and also set the desired brightness of the channel LEDs. From the middle terminals of the trimming resistors, the audio signal is fed to the inputs of four channels, each of which operates in its own band of the audio range. Schematically, all channels are made the same and differ only in RC filters.
Per channel higher R7.
Channel bandpass filter formed by a capacitor C2 and only passes the high-frequency spectrum of the audio signal. Low and middle frequencies do not pass through the filter, since the resistance of the capacitor for these frequencies is high.
Passing the capacitor, the high frequency signal is detected by the diode VD1 and fed to the base of the transistor VT3... The negative voltage appearing at the base of the transistor opens it, and a group of blue LEDs HL1 — HL6 included in its collector circuit are ignited. And the greater the amplitude of the input signal, the more the transistor opens, the brighter the LEDs light up. To limit the maximum current through the LEDs, resistors are connected in series with them R8 and R9... If these resistors are missing, the LEDs may be damaged.
Per channel middle frequency signal is supplied from the middle terminal of the resistor R10.
The channel bandpass filter is formed by the contour С3R11С4, which for low and high frequencies has significant resistance, therefore, on the base of the transistor VT4 only mid-frequency vibrations are received. LEDs are included in the collector circuit of the transistor HL7 – HL12 Green colour.
Per channel low frequency signal is fed from the middle terminal of the resistor R18.
The channel filter is formed by a contour С6R19С7, which attenuates the signals of medium and high frequencies and therefore to the base of the transistor VT6 only low frequency vibrations are received. The channel is loaded by LEDs HL19 – HL24 Red.
For a variety of colors, a channel has been added to the color music prefix yellow colors. The channel filter is formed by a contour R15C5 and operates in the frequency range closer to low frequencies. The input signal to the filter comes from a resistor R14.
The color music console is powered by constant voltage 9B... The set-top box power supply consists of a transformer T1, diode bridge made on diodes VD5 – VD8, microcircuit voltage stabilizer DA1 type KREN5, resistor R22 and two oxide capacitors C8 and C9.
AC voltage rectified by a diode bridge is smoothed by an oxide capacitor C8 and goes to the voltage stabilizer KREN5. From the conclusion 3 of the microcircuit, a stabilized voltage of 9V is supplied to the set-top box circuit.
To obtain an output voltage of 9V between the negative bus of the power supply and the terminal 2 microcircuit included resistor R22... By changing the value of the resistance of this resistor, they achieve the desired output voltage at the output 3 microcircuits.
3. Details.
Any fixed resistors with a power of 0.25 - 0.125 W can be used in the set-top box. The figure below shows the values of resistors in which colored stripes are used to indicate the value of resistance:
Variable resistor R3 and trimmer resistors R7, R10, R14, R18 of any type, if only they fit the size printed circuit board... In the author's version of the design, a domestic variable resistor of the SP3-4VM type was used, and trimming resistors were imported.
Fixed capacitors can be of any type, and are designed for an operating voltage of at least 16 V. If you have difficulty acquiring a 0.3 μF capacitor C7, it can be made up of two 0.22 μF and 0.1 μF capacitors connected in parallel.
Oxide capacitors C1 and C6 must have an operating voltage of at least 10 V, capacitor C9 at least 16 V, and capacitor C8 at least 25 V.
Oxide capacitors C1, C6, C8 and C9 have polarity, therefore, when mounting on a breadboard or printed circuit board, this must be taken into account: for Soviet-made capacitors, a positive terminal is indicated on the case, for modern domestic and imported capacitors, a negative terminal is indicated.
Diodes VD1 - VD4 any of the D9 series. A colored strip is applied to the diode body from the anode side, defining the letter of the diode.
As a rectifier, assembled on VD5 - VD8 diodes, a ready-made miniature diode bridge is used, designed for a voltage of 50V and a current of at least 200 mA.
If you use rectifier diodes instead of a ready-made bridge, you will have to slightly correct the printed circuit board, or the diode bridge should be taken out of the main board of the set-top box and assembled on a separate small board.
For self-assembly of the bridge, the diodes are taken with the same parameters as the factory bridge. Any rectifier diodes from the KD105, KD106, KD208, KD209, KD221, D229, KD204, KD205, 1N4001 - 1N4007 series are also suitable. If you use diodes from the KD209 or 1N4001 - 1N4007 series, then the bridge can be assembled directly from the printed wiring side directly on contact areas boards.
LEDs are conventional with yellow, red, blue and green glow colors. Each channel uses 6 pieces:
Transistors VT1 and VT2 from the KT361 series with any letter index.
Transistors VT3, VT4, VT5, VT6 from the KT502 series with any letter index.
Voltage stabilizer type KREN5A with any letter index (imported analogue 7805). If you use nine-volt KREN8A or KREN8G (imported analogue 7809), then the resistor R22 is not installed. Instead of a resistor, a jumper is installed on the board, which connects the middle terminal of the microcircuit with the negative bus, or this resistor is not provided at all in the manufacture of the board.
To connect the set-top box with a sound signal source, a jack-type connector for three contacts is used. The cable is taken from a computer mouse.
Power transformer - ready-made or home-made with a power of at least 5 W with a voltage on the secondary winding of 12 - 15 V at a load current of 200 mA.
In addition to the article, watch the first part of the video, which shows the initial stage of assembling a color music set-top box.
This concludes the first part.
If you are tempted to make color music on LEDs, then select parts and be sure to check the health of diodes and transistors, for example,. And then we will make the final assembly and adjustment of the color music console.
Good luck!
Literature:
1. I. Andrianov "Prefixes for radio receivers".
2. Radio 1990 №8, B. Sergeev "Simple color music prefixes".
3. Operation manual for the radio designer "Start".
The inexhaustible potential of LEDs has once again been revealed in the design of new and modernization of existing color music consoles. 30 years ago, color music was considered the peak of fashion, assembled from multi-colored 220-volt bulbs connected to a cassette recorder. Now the situation has changed and the function of a tape recorder is now performed by any multimedia device, and instead of incandescent lamps, super-bright LEDs or LED strips are installed.
The advantages of LEDs over lamps in color music consoles are undeniable: wide color gamut and richer light; various design options (discrete elements, modules, RGB tapes, rulers); high response speed; low power consumption.
How to make color music using a simple electronic circuit and make the LEDs flash from the audio source? What are the options for converting an audio signal? We will consider these and other questions with specific examples.
- See also how to do
Color music on transistors KT805AM (3-channel)
First, we present to your attention a 12V color music with KT805AM transistors.
This color music uses a minimum of details: 6 resistors with a nominal value of 100 ohms, capacitors of 5 denominations, 3 transistors KT805AM.
You can also use other transistors of the KT brand, we have KT829.
This color music for the house was assembled by surface mounting, since there are few details, but below you can download a printed circuit board for color music for 2 channels (stereo)
Necessary radio parts for assembling color music with your own hands:
- 3 bipolar transistors (VT1 – VT3) - KT805AM (KT829).
- Electrolytic capacitors - C1 100 uF C2, C3 4.7 uF, C4 47 uF, C5 22 uF, C6 1 uF.
- 6 resistors (R1 – R6) - 100 Ohm.
- LED (LED1-LED3) - 12V.
Instead of resistors R4 – R6, you can use variables with a nominal value of 10 kOhm, instead of LEDs - an LED strip.
Color music scheme for home on transistors:
Here is a photo of the board:
For this color music to work, you will need a preamplifier, you can use the Vega10u-120c amplifier as it, connect it to the speaker outputs.
You can download the color music circuit board (3 colors, 2 channels) below:
Files to download:
How this do-it-yourself color music works, see below:
DIY color music on LEDs
This light and music installation creates a visual effect on a home tree or at a disco. With the first chords of music, LED garlands flare up in multi-colored overflows.
The scheme is based on the principle frequency division of the sound signal in the channels, different frequencies correspond to their own color of the LED glow. To eliminate the flickering effect and reduce eye fatigue, a backlight channel has been introduced, which is turned off when the blue channel is turned on.
The circuit of the device consists of three light-music channels: low - red, medium - green and high frequency - blue. In the input circuits, signal level controls are installed, the setting mode of which determines the brightness of the garlands.
The input signal level can vary from 0.5 to 3 volts. Additionally, for convenience, an input signal level control is installed.
- Step-by-step instructions for creating a homemade
Diagram of a light and music installation on LEDs:
The key devices are thyristors. An external signal with level separation is applied to the top or bottom input (line or radio). The signal through the brightness regulator R9 and the capacitor C3 is fed to the input of the amplifier on the transistor VT1 of reverse conductivity. The amplifier provides automatic limiting of the signal by the VD1 diode. Excessive signal at the base of the transistor VT1 leads to the opening of the diode VD1 and bypassing the base-emitter junction.
The signal taken from the collector of the transistor VT1 is fed for distribution to the input channel level regulators - resistors R1. Then the signal is fed to the filters of channels with a frequency separation of 50-200 Hz, 250-1000 Hz, 1200-5000 Hz.
After frequency separation, the signals are fed to the input of the VS1 thyristor preamplifiers. Resistors R3 allow you to adjust the sensitivity of the input thyristors due to the spread of characteristics.
The amplified signal from the load R5 of the cathode VS1 is fed to the control electrode of the power amplifier on thyristors VS2. LED strings HL1 – HL21 are connected in pairs to the anode circuit of the output thyristor, ten pieces in two parallel lines. The LED lines are also equipped with limiting resistors R6, R7 (R17, R18 in the backlight).
The backlight channel is composed of one thyristor VS3 and is controlled from the anode of the output thyristor of the blue channel.
The power supply of the preamplifier and output channels is separate - the preamplifier is powered from a full-wave rectifier on the diode bridge VD3 and then through the resistor R16 and the diode VD2 in reverse connection.
The VD2 diode prevents the shunting of the thyristors of the channels by a constant voltage smoothed by the capacitor C4. The channels of the light and music installation are powered by a pulsed voltage from the VD3 rectifier.
The power transformer T1 is installed with a small power (no more than 20 watts) from a Chinese adapter. Of course, with the possible replacement of the LED garland with light bulbs, the power of the transformer will have to be increased five times.
Setting up this color music for the home consists in the selection entry levels signal on each channel. It is advisable to send a signal from the generator, and then select the capacitors C1, C2 to match the bandwidth of the channels.
- See also how to do it yourself
List of radio elements for 1 channel (red):
- 21 red LEDs (HL1 – HL21).
- 2 film or ceramic capacitors - C1 0.1 μF and C2 0.05 μF.
- Resistors - R2 1 kOhm; R4 8.2 kΩ; R5 1 kΩ; R6, R7 57 ohm.
- Thyristors and triacs (TS1, TS2) - KU102B (KU101B) and KU102G (KU101G).
- 21 green LEDs (HL1 – HL21).
- Variable resistor (R1) - 10 kOhm.
- Trimmer resistor (R3) - 100 kOhm.
- Thyristors and triacs (TS1, TS2) - KU102B (KU101B) and KU102G (KU101G).
- 21 blue LEDs (HL1 – HL21).
- 2 film capacitors - C1 0.1 μF and C2 0.05 μF.
- Variable resistor (R1) - 10 kOhm.
- Trimmer resistor (R3) - 100 kOhm.
- Resistors - R2 1 kOhm; R4 8.2 kΩ; R5 1 kΩ; R6, R7 56 ohm.
- 21 orange LEDs (HL1 – HL21).
- Thyristor and triac (TS3) - KU102G (KU101G).
- Bipolar transistor (VT1) - KT312B or KT315.
- 2 diodes (VD1, VD2) - KD512A (KD106, KD512B or other low-power).
- Diode bridge (VD3) - КЦ407А.
- Transformer (T1) - 12V 1A (possible for 2A and higher).
- Film capacitor (C3) - 1 μF.
- 2 electrolytic capacitors (C4, C5) - 10 μF x 16V.
- Variable resistor (R9) - 10 kOhm.
- Trimmer resistor (R14) - 10 kOhm.
- Resistors - R8 100 kOhm; R10 180 kΩ; R11 10 kΩ; R6, R12 1 kΩ; R13 100 Ohm; R15 1 kΩ; R16 560 Ohm; R17, R18 56 Ohm.
| Name | Type of | Replacement | Note |
| Transistor VT1 | KT312B | KT315 | NPN |
| Resistors R1 – R18 | MLT 0.125 | S2-29 | - |
| Thyristors VS1 – VS3 | KU101B | KU101G | 1 Ampere |
| Resistor R3 | SPO | - | - |
| Diode VD1, VD2 | CD 512B | KD 106 | - |
| Transformer T1 | CCI | TN | 12V 1 Ampere |
| Resistor R1, R9 | SPO | SP-3 | - |
It should be noted that in the circuit, all three channels have the same part names, since they are identical, except for the input filters. The number of channels can be increased by making two boards, which will make it possible to complement the colors.
The circuit is assembled on a printed circuit board and installed with a transformer in a plastic block BP-1. Garlands are arranged at personal discretion, they are connected to the device circuit with a thin stranded wire in insulation with a diameter of 0.24 mm.
Color music scheme for home - small-sized color music device
The described design of the color music device is intended for use in conjunction with a portable radio receiver VEF-201 (or similar). Due to the location of the screen on the front wall next to the loudspeaker, the basic principle of color music is fulfilled: color is organically linked to sound and reflects it. Application special system diffusion made it possible to place incandescent lamps almost directly in front of the screen. In addition, the system emitters - screen is a split design, which greatly simplified the entire installation.
The operation of this color-musical device is based on the division of the sound range into three frequency sub-ranges: low, middle and high frequencies. It is also possible to split into 4 sub-bands, but in this case, the circuit and printed circuit board, as well as the location of the lamps in front of the screen, should be slightly changed.
The color music device consists of 3 main blocks:
- a pre-amplifier on transistors T1 and T2, necessary to amplify the audio frequency taken from the low-frequency detector;
- three filters on the TZ transistor;
- three power amplifiers assembled according to similar composite circuits (in Fig. 1 - on transistors T4 and T5).
Depending on the transmitted frequencies (the selected number of channels) in the filter of each channel, the capacitances of the capacitors C3 – C5 have the values shown in the table below:
| Colour | 1- C, μF | 2 - C, μF |
| Red | 0.1 | 0.1 |
| Green | 0.03 | 0.047 |
| Blue | 0.01 | 0.01 |
| Green | - | 0.022 |
Diode D1 is necessary to isolate a negative component at the input of the power amplifier so that the transistor T4 is always on. The input is a signal directly from the LF detector of the receiver.
Schematic diagram of color music for DIY installation:
- To turn off the power to the device, use the B1 key switch located on top of the receiver.
- Resistors used in the design (ULM or MLT) - 0.125.
- Electrolytic capacitors - type K50-6.
- Transistors and diodes, with the exception of the T5 transistor, any low frequency can be used.
- L1 lamps - 2.5 V, 75 mA. It is possible to use microlamps for a voltage of 9 V, but in this case the power consumption will increase by 1.5 times, and the sensitivity will decrease by 1.3 times.
Necessary radioelements:
- 5 bipolar transistors - 1 Т1 MP40 and 4 Т2 – Т5 MP16.
- Diode (D1) - D220.
- Resistors - R1 620 kΩ, R2, R5 10 kΩ, R3 7.5 kΩ, R4 470 kΩ, R6 5.1 kΩ, R7 4.7 kΩ, R8 220 kΩ, R9 3.3 kΩ, R10 2 kΩ, R11 2.2 kΩ, R12 62 kΩ.
- 2 electrolytic capacitors (C1, C2) - 5 μF 10V and 10 μF 10V (K50-6).
- 4 capacitors C3 – C5 - 0.1 µF for a red filter, 0.03 µF for a green filter, 0.01 µF for a blue filter, 0.047 µF for a yellow filter.
- Incandescent lamp (L1) - 2.5V 75mA.
Thanks to two layers of tubes with a diameter of 1–1.5 mm, located perpendicular to each other, the scattering of colors occurs practically over the entire area of the screen. It should also be noted that the light hits only the screen and is not visible on the scale of the radio receiver, as a result of which the design of the emitter-screen system is greatly simplified.
- You might also be interested in
- We take out the chrome strips and decorative mesh from the receiver body.
- At the left end of the plank, we shorten it by 10 cm, and the mesh - by 9.5 cm, after which we bend 0.5 cm of the mesh at a right angle outward (this end will form one of the edges of the screen frame).
- We select all excess plastic on an area of 10x10 cm with a soldering iron tip, trim the edges, after which we insert the shortened mesh and strip into their original places.
- In the resulting square we glue a 10x10 cm plate made of organic glass with a thickness of 3 mm.
- Next, fill the scattering layers with glass tubes or rods 1–1.5 mm in diameter.
- We do not glue the first layer (vertical) to the body, but insert the tubes with noticeable force close to the organic glass plate.
- Apply the second layer (horizontal) to the first one and glue it to the body.
- We fix the lamps in the existing round holes with back side power compartment of the radio receiver. This is reflected in Figure 3.
- First, we put a thin foil under them, and after installing the lamps, we seal these holes with light filters.
- We connect the lamp leads to the power amplifier board with a PEL 0.2 wire.
From a thin sheet of duralumin we cut out 2 plates 5x15 mm in size, in which we drill two holes with a diameter of 3 mm. This is reflected in Figure 4.
After the plate, we bend it at right angles. With these corners, we attach the printed circuit board to the two screws that attach the speaker. Thus, the board will be located on the bottom of the radio receiver, with the details inside the chassis.
Power amplifiers are assembled on a separate board measuring 60x25x2 mm. This board is glued to the radio PCB and to the chassis as shown in Figure 5. The same figure shows the location of the PCB on the radio chassis.
Device appearance
The power pushbutton switch is made from a table lamp switch. It is attached to the KPE block. Its location relative to the elements of the radio receiver is shown in Figure 6.
Setting up a color musical device is reduced to the selection of the optimal modes of all stages and bandwidths of the three filters.
- With resistor R1 we set the collector current of transistor T1 equal to 0.3 mA.
- With resistor R4 we select the collector current of transistor T2 equal to 0.5–0.8 mA.
- Set the filter gain to be the same for all 3 channels.
- We select the bandwidth of the filters using resistors R10 and R11, instead of which we put a potentiometer for the time of tuning.
- Finally, in the receiver silence mode, select the resistor R12 so that the L1 lamp is on the threshold of ignition.
Video about creating color music for your home with your own hands:
The inexhaustible potential of LEDs has once again been revealed in the design of new and modernization of existing color music consoles. 30 years ago, color music was considered the peak of fashion, assembled from multi-colored 220-volt bulbs connected to a cassette recorder. Now the situation has changed and the function of a tape recorder is now performed by any multimedia device, and instead of incandescent lamps, super-bright LEDs or LED strips are installed.
The advantages of LEDs over bulbs in color music consoles are undeniable:
- wide range of colors and richer light;
- various design options (discrete elements, modules, RGB tapes, rulers);
- high response speed;
- low power consumption.
How to make color music using a simple electronic circuit and make the LEDs blink from an audio source? What are the options for converting an audio signal? We will consider these and other questions with specific examples.
The simplest circuit with one LED
First you need to figure out a simple color music circuit, assembled on one bipolar transistor, resistor and LED. Power can be supplied to it from a DC source with a voltage of 6 to 12 volts. This color music works on one transistor according to the principle of an amplifier stage with a common emitter. A disturbing effect in the form of a signal with varying frequency and amplitude arrives at the VT1 base. As soon as the oscillation amplitude exceeds a certain threshold value, the transistor opens and the LED flashes.
The disadvantage of this simplest scheme is that the rate of blinking of the LED completely depends on the level of the audio signal. In other words, the full-fledged color-musical effect will be observed only at one volume level. Decreasing the volume will result in a rare wink, while increasing it will result in an almost constant glow.
Diagram with one color LED strip
The simplest transistor color music above can be assembled using led strip in load. To do this, you need to increase the supply voltage to 12V, select a transistor with the highest collector current exceeding the load current and recalculate the resistor value. Such a simple color music from an LED strip is perfect for novice radio amateurs to assemble with their own hands, even at home.
Simple three-channel circuit
A three-channel sound converter allows you to get rid of the shortcomings of the previous circuit. The simplest color music scheme with dividing the sound range into three parts is shown in the figure. 
It is powered by a constant voltage of 9V and can light one or two LEDs in each channel. The circuit consists of three independent amplifying stages, assembled on KT315 (KT3102) transistors, the load of which includes LEDs of different colors. A small step-down mains transformer can be used as a pre-amplification element.
The input signal is fed to the secondary winding of the transformer, which performs two functions: galvanically isolates the two devices and amplifies the sound from the line output. Then the signal goes to three parallel-connected filters, collected on the basis of RC-circuits. Each of them operates in a specific frequency band, which depends on the values of the resistors and capacitors. The low-pass filter allows sound vibrations up to 300 Hz to pass through, as indicated by the flashing red LED. Sound in the range of 300-6000 Hz passes through the mid-pass filter, which manifests itself in the flickering of the blue LED. The high-pass filter passes a signal with a frequency greater than 6000 Hz, which corresponds to a green LED. Each filter is equipped with a trimming resistor. With their help, you can set the uniform glow of all LEDs, regardless of the musical genre. At the output of the circuit, all three filtered signals are amplified by transistors.
If the circuit is powered from a low-voltage DC source, then the transformer can be safely replaced with a single-stage transistor amplifier. 
First, galvanic isolation loses its practical meaning. Secondly, the transformer loses several times to the circuit shown in the figure, in terms of weight, size and cost. Scheme simple amplifier audio frequency consists of a KT3102 transistor, two capacitors that cut off the DC component, and resistors that provide the transistor with a common emitter mode. A trimmer resistor can be used to achieve an overall gain for a weak input signal.
In the case when it is necessary to amplify the signal from the microphone, an electret microphone is connected to the input of the previous circuit, supplying potential to it from the power source. The diagram of a two-stage pre-amplifier is shown in the figure. 
In this case, the trimmer resistor is located at the output of the first amplifier stage, which gives more opportunities for adjusting the sensitivity. Capacitors C1-C3 pass the useful component and cut off D.C.... Any electret microphone is suitable for implementation, for normal operation of which a bias of 1.5V is sufficient.
Color music with RGB LED strip
The following diagram of the color music box operates from 12 volts and can be installed in a car. It combines the main functions of the previously considered circuit solutions and is capable of operating in the color music and lamp mode.
The first mode is achieved due to the contactless control of the RGB tape using a microphone, and the second - due to the simultaneous glow of red, green and blue LEDs on full power... The choice of the mode is carried out using a switch located on the board. Now let's dwell on how to make a color music that is perfect even for installation in a car, and what details are required for this.
Structural scheme
To understand how this color music console works, let's first look at its structural diagram. It will help trace the complete signal path. 
The source of the electrical signal is a microphone, which converts sound vibrations from a phonogram. Because this signal is too small and needs to be amplified with a transistor or operational amplifier. This is followed by an automatic level control (AGC), which keeps the vibrations of the sound within reasonable limits and prepares it for further processing. Filters divide the signal into three components, each of which works in only one frequency range. In the end, it remains only to amplify the prepared current signal, for which transistors operating in the key mode are used.
Schematic diagram
Based on the structural blocks, you can proceed to the consideration of the schematic diagram. Her general form shown in the figure. 
To limit the current consumption and stabilize the supply voltage, a resistor R12 and a capacitor C9 are installed. R1, R2, C1 are set to set the microphone bias voltage. Capacitor C fc is individually matched to specific model microphone in the process of adjustment. It is needed in order to slightly muffle the signal of the frequency that prevails in the operation of the microphone. Usually, the influence of the high frequency component is reduced.
Unstable voltage in the car network can affect the operation of color music. Therefore, it is most correct to connect homemade electronic devices through a 12V stabilizer.
Sound vibrations in the microphone are converted into an electrical signal and through C2 are fed to the direct input of the DA1.1 operational amplifier. from its output, the signal follows to the input of the DA1.2 operational amplifier, equipped with a circuit feedback... Resistors R5, R6 and R10, R11 set the gain DA1.1, DA1.2 equal to 11. Elements of the OS circuit: VD1, VD2, C4, C5, R8, R9 and VT1 together with DA1.2 are part of the AGC. At the moment when a signal of too large amplitude appears at the output DA1.2, the transistor VT1 opens and, through C4, closes the input signal to the common wire. This leads to an instant drop in the output voltage.
Then stabilized alternating current audio frequency passes through a cut-off capacitor C8, after which it is divided into three RC-filters: R13, C10 (LF), R14, C11, C12 (MF), R15, C13 (HF). In order for the color music on the LEDs of the luminary to be bright enough, you need to increase the output current to the appropriate value. For a tape with a consumption of up to 0.5A for each channel, medium-power transistors such as KT817 or imported BD139 without mounting on a radiator are suitable. If the assembled light music with your own hands assumes a load of about 1A, then the transistors will need forced cooling.
In the collectors of each output transistor (parallel to the output) there are diodes D6-D8, the cathodes of which are combined with each other and brought to the switch SA1 (White light). The second contact of the switch is connected to the common wire (GND). While SA1 is open, the circuit operates in color music mode. When the switch contacts are closed, all LEDs in the strip light up at full brightness, forming a total of a white stream of light.
PCB and assembly parts
For the manufacture of a printed circuit board, you will need a one-sided textolite measuring 50 by 90 mm and a ready-made lay file, which can be downloaded. For clarity, the board is shown from the side of the radio elements. Before printing it is necessary to set its mirroring. Layer M1 shows 3 jumpers placed on the side of the parts. 
To assemble color music from an LED strip with your own hands, you will need affordable and inexpensive components. Electret type microphone, suitable in a protective case from old audio equipment. Light music is assembled on a TL072 microcircuit in a DIP8 package. Capacitors, regardless of type, must have a voltage margin and be rated for 16V or 25V. If necessary, the design of the board allows you to install the output transistors on small heatsinks. On the edge, a 6-position terminal block is soldered for power supply, connecting an RGB LED strip and a switch. A complete list of elements is given in the table. 
In conclusion, I would like to note that the number of output channels in a home-made color music set-top box can be increased as many times as you like. To do this, you need to split the entire frequency range into large quantity sectors and recalculate the bandwidth of each RC filter. Connect LEDs of intermediate colors to the outputs of additional amplifiers: violet, turquoise, orange. From such an improvement, do-it-yourself color music will only become more beautiful.
The above diagrams belong to cxem.net
Read the same
Below are the schematic diagrams and articles on the subject of "color music" on the site on radio electronics and radio hobby site.
What is "color music" and where it is applied, schematic diagrams of self-made devices that relate to the term "color music".
I offer two simple schemes of the CMU. The first one was collected many years ago, was repeated by several radio amateurs and did not need any adjustment. The circuit is assembled on only six transistors of the KT315 type, they, of course, can be replaced with others ... A simple, easily repeatable color music installation on symmetric thyristors and incandescent lighting lamps is described, which can be used to illuminate a hall or a dance floor, because summer is coming! It is said about color music ... This music console has a relatively high power of lighting lamps, namely: in each channel you can use lamps designed for a voltage of 220 V (one or more), or low-voltage, connected in garlands of 220 V. Total power ... A diagram of a simple color music set-top box for working with a tube radio, bass amplifier or tape recorder. It contains a minimum of parts and is not difficult to assemble, a good option for beginner radio amateurs. Connect it to the secondary winding of the output transformer. It is used for power supply ... Color music scheme, the principle of operation of the installation is based on dividing the spectrum of an audio signal by frequency. To achieve greater variety and richness of the color pattern, instead of the widespread three-color system, it uses a four-color system (red, yellow, blue and violet) ... accompaniment of pop numbers. In this case, it is advisable to mount powerful incandescent lamps in projectors with color filters, directing them ... electronic devices ... The power of each of the three main channels ... Home-made color music on triacs, a diagram and a description of parts for self-production. Triacs are symmetrical thyristors that operate at any polarity of the voltage at the anode. They are used in household dimmers SRP-0.2-1. Installation - three-channel. The audio signal is fed to its input through the step-up transformer T1, which also performs the functions ... I would like to present to your attention a color-music set-top box, assembled on two synchronous binary counters-dividers (each counter is based on four D-flip-flops), it is also a K561IE10 microcircuit. This design is readily available for repetition, the K561IE10 microcircuit can still be bought at a radio store, and radio amateurs will probably find it in stock ... The proposed simple devices are designed to create lighting effects in discos and during various entertainment events. The signals generated by them can control several lighting devices, switching them almost randomly. Provided ... The peak of the popularity of color music installations falls on the 80s of the last century, now they are somehow almost forgotten. And yet, time does not stand still, and there are new technologies that can revive "color music" in a new form. Here, for example, three-color LED RGB strips or garlands ... A diagram of a simple home-made three-channel color music installation with a microphone for responding to sound in a room is given. The device "connects" to acoustic equipment, that is, instead of a connector, there is a microphone at the input, and it perceives music directly in the room where it is ... A three-color LED strip can be used as a screen for a color music installation. The advantage of an RGB LED strip is that it can be positioned as you like, either under a matte screen or, for example, hung like a garland on a Christmas tree. Diagram of a color music installation ... This device is a typical analog light music set-top box, like those that were very popular in the 80s and 90s and are undeservedly forgotten today. The input signal through a separate transformer goes to four active filters, dividing the signal into four ... Schematic diagram of homemade color music into three channels, it is based on LM567 tone decoders, S202S02 opto-switches are used for switching. The peak of the popularity of color music installations falls on the 80s of the last century. Now they are somehow almost forgotten. And yet, time is not worth it ... The scheme of light and music on LEDs, a simple design on microcircuits K561IE16, K176IE4 for novice radio amateurs. In most cases, light and music installations are built on the basis of filters that divide the input audio signal into several bands. Then at the exit of each of the bands there is a key ... homemade device, which changes the color of the LEDs according to the ratio of the frequency components of the audio signal. This device is not fully a color-music installation, because it works in a completely different way. The color music installation at the entrance has ... Good afternoon, dear radio amateurs. This article appeared due to many questions about ionophones of various types, sent to me after the publication of a series of articles on this topic. Especially often, questions related to tube ionophones and their improvement and further development ... Various versions of light-dynamic installations (SDU) are widely presented in the radio amateur literature. For the most part, they can be divided according to the principle of operation into two different groups: these are switches for garlands (lights), operating from a clock generator according to a certain program ... Good afternoon, dear radio amateurs. Today I would like to continue a small series of articles devoted to ionophones, answering numerous requests and questions that came after the publication of previous articles on this topic. The proposed version of the ionophone is, in fact, a more powerful version ...