“I’ve been playing around with the 555 IC and never have I managed to get it to do anything until now. When I heard it come to life and start oscillating at me I was pretty damn happy with myself. If I can get it to make a sound, then anyone should be able to!
I won’t go into any details about the 555 IC - but if you want to know more you can check it out for yourself here.
Basically this project uses a photo cell, also known as a CDS photoresister to change the pitch of the oscillating 555 IC. You use an LED to control the pitch, putting it closer to the photo cell shortens the pitch and moving it away lengthens the pitch.
I wish I could claim the circuit but all credit for it goes to Dean Segovis over at Hack-a-week who came up with the idea.
It’s all my idea though to stick it into a NES controller. Don’t really know if it is the smartest one I’ve ever had but you can be the judge of that. Don’t worry, I didn’t use an original NES controller, just a cheap knock-off.”