Newb Questions - One lead outputs from schematics?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding how to interpret electrical schematics, particularly in the context of connecting audio jacks to outputs in circuits like voltage controlled oscillators. Participants explore the conventions of output leads and grounding in various schematics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about connecting audio jacks to outputs in schematics that appear to have only one lead for output.
  • Another participant clarifies that the output typically consists of the marked "Output" lead and the negative lead of the power source, often referred to as "0V."
  • A question is raised about whether the presence of a single output lead always indicates that the other lead is ground, and if this applies to input leads as well.
  • It is suggested that this convention usually holds true, with an example provided regarding microphones and their connection to ground in amplifiers.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the convention that a single output lead often indicates that the other lead is ground, but there is no explicit consensus on all possible exceptions or variations in different schematics.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention that while the convention of using ground is common, there may be exceptions not discussed in detail. The discussion does not resolve the nuances of input leads with single connections.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in electrical engineering, particularly beginners working with schematics and audio circuit design, may find this discussion helpful.

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Newb Questions -- One lead outputs from schematics?

Hey there PF, I just recently got into electrical engineering and created a voltage controlled oscillator and control voltage keyboard to go with it(the goal is a modular synthesizer). I've visited quite a few sites and learned a lot so far, but there are also a few questions that can only be answered by someone who knows what they're doing. For example, when I created my voltage controlled oscillator, it was a modified version of this schematic, http://ecelab.com/circuit-vco-555.htm.

I wanted an 1/4" audio jack for the control voltage and another audio jack to replace the speaker as well. This was simple in this schematic because it was clear where to connect the audio jack leads since there were clear "in"(+) and "out"(ground) points.

However, a great deal of schematics I come across like these ones, http://www.kpsec.freeuk.com/555timer.htm#monostable, have only one lead for outputs. How am I supposed to connect an 1/4" audio jack for this output? The trigger and reset have both leads, why not the output?

Anyway, it would be great if someone could help me. I'm very confused. Thanks a lot in advance! And please forgive my newbiness, I'm trying very hard to get past it.
 
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The output does consist of two leads.

The one marked "Output" and the negative lead of the power source marked "0V" on the diagram.
 


So then anytime a schematic seems to only have one output lead, the other lead is ground? Is that always the case? What about with input leads, I've seen a few schematics with only one input lead.
 


Yes, it usually applies. I can't think of any common exceptions.

Microphones will usually be connected with a shielded cable and the shield will always be connected to a
"ground" point in an amplifier, which might be the metal case the circuit is in, or it might just be a common area on the printed circuit board which is also used as one side of the output voltage.

Mostly, it is also the negative side of the power supply.
 


Thanks a lot for the help!
 

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