SparkFun SparkPunk Sound Kit
The SparkFun SparkPunk is a through-hole soldering kit that builds into a versatile analogue sound synthesiser inspired by the Atari Punk Console. It features dual oscillators, sub-octave generators, and a sweepable bandpass filter, all driven by a dual 555 timer IC — giving you a wide palette of tones to explore.
Press the illuminated tactile button, tweak the potentiometers, flip the switches, and discover sounds ranging from mellow drones to harsh, clangourous tones. The kit outputs via a 3.5mm audio jack and runs on a single 9V battery (included). As a through-hole kit, it's also highly hackable — add photocells, custom knobs, or external speakers to expand its capabilities.
Key Features
- Dual Oscillators – Two tone sources for rich, complex sounds
- Sub-Octave Generator – Adds lower harmonics for deeper tones
- Sweepable Bandpass Filter – Shape the frequency response in real time
- Through-Hole Soldering Kit – Great soldering practice, no SMD required
- Analogue Expansion Port – Interface with other analogue circuits
- 9V Battery Powered – Portable, self-contained operation
- 3.5mm Audio Output – Connect to headphones, speakers, or amplifiers
- Hackable Design – Open-source hardware with Eagle files and schematics available
Ideal For
- Learning through-hole soldering techniques
- Exploring analogue synthesiser circuits
- Electronic music and noise generation
- STEM education and maker workshops
Package Contents
- 1× SparkPunk PCB
- 1× ICM7556 Dual Timer IC
- 1× CD4013BE Flip-Flop IC
- 2× LM358 Op-Amp IC
- 1× 10K Dual Potentiometer
- 3× 10K Potentiometer
- 1× Red LED Tactile Button
- 5× Mini Power Switch
- 1× 1N5819 Schottky Diode
- 2× 1N4148 Silicon Diode
- Resistors (1M, 1K, 470Ω, 10K, 100K — various quantities)
- Capacitors (0.47µF, 1µF, 0.1µF ceramic; 10µF electrolytic — various quantities)
- 1× 3.5mm Audio Jack
- 1× 9V Alkaline Battery & Holder
- Mounting hardware (2-56 nut and screw)
Resources
The SparkFun SparkPunk Sound Kit appears in the following collections:
