How to Make a Tin Can Microphone
You don't necessarily need cell phones or the Internet to transmit a message. You and your children can construct a simple communication device without going high-tech or spending much money.
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Things You'll Need
- Tin can
- Tin canopener
- Piezo-electric transducer
- Glue
- Solid core wire
- Wire cutters
- Wire strippers
- Phono jack
- Soldering iron
- Solder
- Electrical tape
Instructions
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1
Cut the top of a tin can off. You also can use a pop-top tin can or a tin opener. The objective is to end up with a tin can without rough or sharp edges.
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2
Empty and clean the tin can. Wipe it out with dish washing liquid or any other cleaning solvent until it is free of any grime or odor.
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3
Position the piezo-electric transducer on the center of the underside of the can.
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4
Glue the edges of the piezo down onto the can and let it set until it dries.
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5
Place the piezo so that wires can be connected to it facing away from the can. Split the solid core wire in half with wire cutters. Use the wire strippers to shave the wire until 3 millimeters of metal appears.
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6
Remove the top off of the phono jack and connect the wires to the tabs by soldering. The center tab is for the 0V connection and the outside one is for the signal. Replace the top back on the phono jack.
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7
Connect the wiring properly. Solder the wire connected to the 0V to the black piezo wire. The red wire from the piezo should then be linked to the outside tab.
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8
Use the electrical tape to secure connections that were made by soldering. Wrap the wires individually to prevent short circuits.
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