SN76477 synthesizer / noise box

[FUZZZZzzzz]

I recently bought a SN76477 chip. Ive always wanted to make some sort of noise sound generator. I found out that theres even a toy called the Remco Sound FX. Thats based on this chip. From what I understand you can basically build the demo circuit from the datasheet and all sorts of cool noise will occur, as the chip is pretty much a synthesizer by itself. I also found this musical organ layout and was wondering if its easy to integrate some of the chips functions to the existing musical organ? Is this trial and error or impossible beacuse of the organ layout.



https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Texas_Instruments_SN76477



DEMO CIRCUIT:



FIVE DIFFERENT OUTPUT STRUCTURES:

[Mark Hammer]

This TI chip was a favorite of experimenters for a number of years, with many music circuits appearing in POLYPHONY, and other mags well before there was an internet.  But they ceased production long ago, and have turned into unobtainium.  I'd suggest keeping an eye out at yard sales for old children's toys, but even those would be 30+ years old.

[FUZZZZzzzz]

yes.. ive noticed. i do have own in my posession. its a NOS version I believe. Costs about 5 euros. 12 incl shipping. I thought Id give it a try. Is there a problem with ICs being old? When they have been well kept in a drawer? Would like to etch some sort of stylophone keyboard and maybe add some cool features from the chip itself. Or if that doesnt work ill make some sort of noise device with a step sequencer.

[anotherjim]

The Thomas Henry SN-voice is probably the most serious thing you can do with that chip.
https://www.birthofasynth.com/Thomas_Henry/Pages/SN-Voice_main.html
You may find more application hints if you study this one.

But try the simpler application examples the datasheet provides first, such as the bird chirp/dog bark to verify you have a working one.

[rankot]

According to Aliexpress, looks like Chinese are producing a reissue.

[anotherjim]

According to Aliexpress, looks like Chinese are producing a reissue.

That would be awesome.

I made a sequenced "thing" with the 76477, which was the Mk1 Throbotron, all I have now in evidence is an old cassette with  the nearest impression of a drum machine I could get from it - a sort of "Thup-thup-chuff-chuff..."
It was basically the full demo circuit with the mixer pins alternately selected according to a CD4017 based step sequencer.
I'd love to revisit it one day, but relying on NOS parts doesn't appeal.

More info..
http://www.righto.com/2018/05/inside-76477-space-invaders-sound.html

[FUZZZZzzzz]

thats a really cool link. looking forward to reading it. thanks!