Sound Reactive Vacuum Tube Lamp Sans Microcontroller

Here at Hackster we love microcontrollers and the wide range of dev boards available to support them, but there are also times when a few discreet components will do the job. In his latest hack, lonesoulsurfer decided to construct a lamp out of vacuum tubes, along with a few transistors, LEDs, and other electrical bits.

While the tubes themselves don’t do much electrically, acting solely as a sort of diffuser for the green LEDs underneath, the build does solve the problem of what to do with tubes if you happen (like Mr. Surfer) to enjoy collecting them. The body is made out of a solid block of wood, chiseled out to hold the electronics inside, and drilled for the tubes and LEDs.

Inside, LEDs are wired up to light the tubes from the bottom, producing a nice green ambient glow. The sound reaction circuit consists of a pair of 9104 transistors, a few resistors and capacitors, plus an electret microphone. The build also includes a rechargeable 18650 Lithium-ion cell, as well as a micro-USB charging board for power.

If you’d like a flickering effect independent of the ambient sound, you might even check out his Vacuum Tube LED Candle for another take on this type of lighting.