Speaking of the clapper circuit, I have found one on the net that I am currently doing right now.
https://www.electronicsforu.com/EFYLinux/circuit/may2003/ci4-clap.pdf
There's one error in that schematic that I fixed in my breadboard: Pin 13 of decade counter must be connected to ground (it is the ENABLE of the 4017).
The circuit works fine, but I am not contented with it's operation. I need to be, like, 4 inches close to the mic for the circuit to recognize my claps. How do I increase the gain significantly? I am new to audio engineering, so here are the options that I am seriously considering (pls comment about it):
1. Compute for the proper biasing of the microphone to provide a higher gain. Then connect a high pass filter after the collector output for the clapper to recognize the clap alone, and no other low hums or something.
2. Ask for your help regarding a low cost mic pre-amp circuit and put the same filter OR if there are any frequency selecting techniques in your circuit, I'm willing to learn it.
Of course #2 will be a big bonus, but I can mix up 1 and 2, e.g. a good pre-amp circuit and I'll be the one to decide what to do next.
The circuit will be placed on a very small room only. As much as possible, I like the circuit to run between 9V-12V. I tried 5V, but the mic loses sensitivity.
Thanks in advance!