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Updated 06.29.08

Making the ideal theremin Antenna

If you attempt to improvise the Lev Antenna spring using any other approach you will tread water alone!

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L4 = Century Extension Spring  C-253 $4.97 usd
9/16" x 16-1/2" x .054" (14.3 mm x 419.1 mm x 1.372 mm) Bar Code 3859? 00253 - Sales #60954

 

"The theremin linear pitch field of notes did not come from spice models, rather a whisper."

This is a tuning phenomenon!

 
Note: Use a spring coil stretch of 1" for linear octaves. 
Features:  

The pitch or "null" adjuster allows you to narrow the octave width to match the size of your hand for aerial fingering.

The C4 connection must be directly to the hot end of your pitch coil, no inline capacitor or choke interference.


LINKS is short for "Linear Ideal Note Key Spacing". When LINKS is achieved your theremin notes will match the piano keyboard key for key spacing from C1 to C4 with A2 at 16" (40.6 cm) distance from the antenna.

 My Theremin Theory
Observations
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Materials for the Lev Antenna

Century Extension Spring  (This is the Antenna)
C-253 $4.97 usd  9/16" x 16-1/2" x .054" (14.3 mm x 419.1 mm x 1.372 mm) Bar Code 3859? 00253 - Sales #60954

The actual length of the spring coils is 15.75" (40 cm) at 16 turns per inch (approx. 252 turns at a ½" diameter)

 Try Home Depot on the nut & bolt isle near the metal rods - I found my spring in Lowes near the nylon bolts.

5' PVC pipe 1/2 x 5'  98 cents - Use the full length of the PVC until your ready to mount it. This way you can stand it on the floor. Use an alligator clip to connect to the Lev Antenna at the brass screw to make removable.

Use a 1" to 2" stretch on the spring in the PVC pipe as seen in the picture to the left next to the brass screws. This gives you about 15 turns per inch. 

Note: Use a small turnbuckle for a stretch of 1/2" to 1.5" for ideal octave linearity tuning. 

You need two 1" screws and nuts to hold the spring stretched in the PVC pipe.

"Before tuning it is possible that the A5 note next to the antenna will be wider than the outside
 A1 low note, this is one of the interesting antenna phenomenon's."
Ace Hardware Outlet

CENTURY SPRING C-253

CENTURY SPRING EXTENSION SPRING 9/16 OD 16-1/2 Length .054 Wire diameter
25.2 Maximum deflection   61.7 LBS maximum safe load Steel Open wound helical
The Whisper "True beauty is hidden in Simplicity"  from Nov. of  '03