![](https://www.thatraymond.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/20190408_161959-1024x576.jpg)
I wanted to make a metronome and decided on the venerable “555” chip. In this case I used an LM555CN. I had all components needed except the IC itself, so I ordered a handful (they are only about $0.75/each) and started the process. This was my first time playing with a 555, and it was great fun!
I started with this circuit from Jameco. Then I breadboarded and made changes until I was happy. The original circuit gave roughly 25-550 BPM which was pretty wild – standard metronomes are 40-208 BPM. My circuit as adjusted gives me 35-200 BPM which is close enough for my purposes.
![](https://www.thatraymond.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/555-metronome-schematic.jpg)
![](https://www.thatraymond.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/555-met-2-layout-1024x896.png)