Electronic metronome

How it works

This analog metronome produces regular audible clicks. Its timing components establish the repetition rate, allowing an oscillator’s electrical cycle to be heard as a musical beat.

It is a useful experiment in the relationship between resistance, capacitance, and timing. Component tolerances mean a control position should not be treated as an accurately calibrated tempo.

On the bench

Compare the clicks against a clock or known metronome. Make rate adjustments gradually and keep the speaker or sounder load within the circuit’s capabilities.

Resources & provenance

Rewritten from the original circuits/msr/r3j19ns_msr007.php page. Component values and historical performance claims have not been independently bench-tested. The circuit figures have had their watermarks removed.