Parts List:

Rx = 10K
Cbias,C1,C2
etc.
R1 = 1K
C3
R2 = 100K
C4,Cx
2-wire
R3 = 100K
Ry
R4 = 25K
D1,D2
R5 = 2K7
D3

= 0.1uF, ceramic
= 1uF, electrolytic
= 10uF, electrolytic

Q1 = 2N2222,2N3904,
IC1 = 741 op-amp
MIC = Electret Mike,

= Relay
= 1N914,1N4148,NTE519
= 1N4001

This relay remains dormant until the op-amp activates upon sound via the electretmicrophone. I only tested the 2-wire type.
The input stage is a regular off-the-shelf 741 operational amplifier and connected as a
non-inverting follower audio amplifier.
Gain is approximately 100 which you can raise by increasing the value of R2.
The amplified signal is rectified and filtered via C3, D1/D2, and R3 to an acceptable DC
level. D1 and D2 can be any signal diode like 1N914, 1N4148, or the NTE519.
Cx can be anything with a value of 6.8 to 22uF. Adjust if necessary. Cbias is to DC-couple
the mic to the input of the 741.
Q1, the 2N2222 or 2N3904, is a general purpose NPN transistor and is not critical. The
NTE123A will work too.
Potentiometer R4 is used to set the audio level to a desired sensitivity value to activate
the relay via transistor Q1.
Diode D3 is mounted over the relay coil to absorb sparks when the relay opens. Cathode
goes to '+'.
The op-amp configuration in this particular drawing needs a dual voltage power-supply
which can be made from two 9 volt alkaline batteries.

Variant 2

Parts List:
R1 = 1K
R2 = 100K
electrolytic
R3 = 220K
electrolytic
R4 = 25K potentiometer
R5 = 2700 ohm (2K7)
D1
D2
U1
Q1

=
=
=
=

C1,C2 = 0.1 uF, ceramic

C3 = 1 uF, 16V or better,
C4 = 10 uF, 16V or better,

1N914, signal diode

1N4004, general purpose diode
LM741, op-amp, 8-pin
2N2222, NPN transistor

MIC1 = Electret mike, 2-wires

Re1 = Relay, suit to your needs

This relay remains dormant until the op-amp activates upon sound via the electretmicrophone. Only tested with the 2-wire type.
The input stage is a regular off-the-shelf 741 operational amplifier and connected as a
non-inverting follower audio amplifier.
Gain is approximately 100% which you can raise by increasing the value of R2.
The amplified signal coming off pin 6 is rectified and filtered via C3, D1/D2, and R3 to
an acceptable DC level. D1 and D2 can be any signal diode like 1N914, 1N4148, or the
NTE519.
Q1, the 2N2222 or 2N3904, is a general purpose NPN transistor and is not critical. The
NTE123A will work too.
Potentiometer R4 is used to set the audio level to a desired sensitivity value to activate
the relay via transistor Q1.
R5 is a 'minimum' bias protector when the potmeter is adjusted to '0' ohms and protects
the transistor.
Diode D3 is mounted over the relay coil to absorb sparks when the relay opens. Cathode
goes to '+'.