Powerful Security Siren

This circuit was requested by several correspondents. Its purpose was to obtain more power than the siren circuit already available on this website (One-IC two-tones Siren) and to avoid the use of ICs. A complementary transistor pair (Q2 & Q3) is wired as a high efficiency oscillator, directly driving the loudspeaker. Q1 ensures a full charge of C2 when power is applied to the circuit. Pressing on P1, C2 gradually discharges through R8: the circuit starts oscillating at a low frequency that increases slowly until a high steady tone is reached and kept indefinitely. When P1 is released, the output tone frequency decreases slowly as C2 is charged to the battery positive voltage through R6 and the Base-Emitter junction of Q2. When C2 is fully charged the circuit stops oscillating, reaching a stand-by status.

Powerful Security Siren Circuit diagram:

Security Circuit diagram

Parts:

P1 = SPST Pushbutton Operating Switch

R1 = 1K

R2 = 10K

R3 = 1K

R4 = 220R

R5 = 10K

R6 = 220K

R7 = 22K

R8 = 100K

C1 = 22uF-25V

C2 = 22uF-25V

C3 = 10nF-63V

C4 = 47uF-25V

Q1 = BC557

Q2 = BC557

Q3 = BC337

B1 = 12V Battery

SW1 = SPST Toggle or Slide Main Switch

SPKR = 8 Ohms Loudspeaker

Notes:

  • A good sized loudspeaker will ensure a better and powerful output tone.

  • As stand-by current drawing is zero, SW1 can be omitted and B1 wired directly to the circuit.

  • Maximum current drawing at full output is about 200mA.