Discrete Dekatron Pendulum Circuit

[threeneurons]

Here's one of my spinner kits modified to be a pendulum, but using discrete components:

And here's a video of it in operation:

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x10604k_discrete-pendulum-mod-to-spinner-kit_creation

The "index" signal toggles a flip-flop, that in turn grounds the bottom of one cap, while opening another, which changes which guide leads. Hence, the direction of rotation, is determined. 

[blkadder]

That is an awesome mod.  I have one of your spinner kits (you had to fix it for me), so I may have to figure out how to make this work with my kit.  When this mod is done, is the speed of the movement still adjustable?  I only ask this since I am a relative newbie to all this electronic stuff.  Thanks very much for posting what I am sure will be a popular mod for your awesome kits.

Ron

...Semper Fidelis...

[threeneurons]

Thank you. Yes, the speed is still adjustable. In the end its not an easy mod. It involves ~30 components. That added perf board measures 2"x1.5", while the original board is only 2.3"x 2.3". It was just an exercise in seeing if it could be done with discrete components. If I was to do a hobbyist friendly kit, I'd probably just re-layout my "Do-hickie" circuit, using all thru-hole parts.

Of course anyone is free to hand wire the circuit straight of my page:  

http://threeneurons.wordpress.com/dekatron-stuff/dekatron-dohickie/

On Friday, May 24, 2013 4:35:09 AM UTC-7, blkadder wrote:

... is the speed of the movement still adjustable?