555 Machine Gun

This "machine gun" circuit generates a sound that mimics the sound of a toy machine gun. It is based around a 555 timer IC in a feedback loop.

Check out this demo video to hear the circuit in action.

The Circuit

The 555 timer is set up in astable mode, although not the "normal" way, but using a feedback loop from the output. It generates a continuous stream of rectangular pulses. These pulses are shaped to create a rhythmic sound that resembles a machine gun firing.

Parts List

Battery
9V
C1
10nF
C2
10µF
C3
10µF
C4
100µF
Q1
BC557
R1
100k
R2
47k
Speaker
8-ohm
U1
555 Timer

The Layout

Make sure that all the electrolytic capacitors and the transistor are connected with the correct orientation. Here’s how you can build the 555 timer machine gun circuit on a breadboard: