Readiness: Backyard Brains SpikerBox — Open-Source Neuroscience Bioamplifier
Verdict: Ready with caveats · 2026-07-19 · est. parts cost $63–$110
The SpikerBox remains implementable, particularly for through-hole versions v1 and v2, which utilize standard DIP-8 components. This cold check establishes the baseline but identifies that the v3 design is at risk due to the total obsolescence of the specified thumbwheel potentiometer and a housing mismatch for the status LED. Sourcing for several through-hole mechanical parts (RCA jack, resistors) must shift to secondary distributors like Mouser as DigiKey stock has depleted.
Action required
| Part |
Problem |
Recommended action |
| R1-R5 (Axial) |
Specified Panasonic series is largely discontinued. |
Substitute with generic 1/4W 1% metal film axial resistor kits. |
| RCJ-014 |
Zero stock at DigiKey. |
Source from Mouser Electronics. |
| SSF-LXH104GD |
Zero stock at DigiKey; housing is 5mm (mismatch). |
Use substitute SSF-LXH103GD (3mm). |
| EVU-TW7B45C14 |
Obsolete; zero stock globally. |
Use 3352T-1-103LF; requires v3 PCB footprint modification. |
Parts
Integrated Circuits
| Part |
Spec/Package |
Status |
Stock |
Price |
Source |
| U1 (AD623ANZ) |
DIP-8 |
Active |
2,409 |
$9.04 |
DigiKey |
| U2 (LM386N-3/NOPB) |
DIP-8 |
Active |
1,869 |
$1.18 |
DigiKey |
| U3 (TLC2272CP) |
DIP-8 |
Active |
176 |
$6.18 |
DigiKey |
| U4 (LM567CN/NOPB) |
DIP-8 |
Active |
874 |
$3.18 |
DigiKey |
| U5 (TLC2274CN) |
DIP-14 |
Active |
9,285 |
$3.48 |
DigiKey |
Passive Components (Resistors)
| Part |
Spec/Package |
Status |
Stock |
Price |
Source |
| R1 (Gain Resistor) |
10 kΩ Axial |
Discontinued |
— |
$0.10 |
DigiKey (SMT alternative) |
| R2 |
1 kΩ Axial |
Discontinued |
— |
— |
— |
| R3 |
100 kΩ Axial |
Discontinued |
— |
— |
— |
| R4 |
68 kΩ Axial |
Discontinued |
— |
— |
— |
| R5 |
220 kΩ Axial |
Discontinued |
— |
— |
— |
Passive Components (Capacitors)
| Part |
Spec/Package |
Status |
Stock |
Price |
Source |
| C1 (ECA-1EM221) |
220 µF Radial |
Active |
5,534 |
$0.45 |
DigiKey |
| C2 (ECE-A1EN100U) |
10 µF Radial |
Active |
6,497 |
$0.42 |
DigiKey |
| C3 |
0.47 µF Ceramic |
Active |
Ready |
$0.50 |
SparkFun |
| C4 |
0.1 µF Ceramic |
Active |
Ready |
$0.10 |
DigiKey |
| C5 |
0.22 µF Ceramic |
Active |
Ready |
$0.53 |
DigiKey |
| C6 |
0.047 µF Ceramic |
Active |
Ready |
$0.10 |
Jameco |
| C7 |
560 pF Ceramic |
Active |
Ready |
$0.11 |
DigiKey |
Electromechanical and Connectors
| Part |
Spec/Package |
Status |
Stock |
Price |
Source |
| BATT (BH9V-PC) |
9V PCB Mount |
Active |
1,435 |
$2.33 |
DigiKey |
| J1 (SJ1-3524NG) |
3.5mm Stereo |
Active |
14,493 |
$1.20 |
DigiKey |
| J2 (RCJ-014) |
RCA RA PCB |
Active |
500 |
$1.06 |
Mouser |
| LED1 (SSF-LXH104GD) |
3mm/5mm RA |
Out of stock |
0 |
— |
DigiKey |
| SW1 |
SPDT RA PCB |
Active |
722 |
$6.58 |
DigiKey |
| EVU-TW7B45C14 |
Thumbwheel Pot |
Obsolete |
0 |
— |
— |
Support Hardware
| Part |
Spec/Package |
Status |
Stock |
Price |
Source |
| Electrodes |
Stainless Needle |
Active |
Ready |
$4.62 |
Acubest |
| Enclosure |
Plastic Box |
Active |
Ready |
$2.50 |
RS America |
Substitutes
| For part |
Substitute |
Differences |
Judgment |
| R1-R5 |
1/4W 1% Metal Film Axial |
Generic axial kit; matches specs. |
Acceptable. |
| SSF-LXH104GD |
SSF-LXH103GD |
3mm housing vs 5mm housing; matches snapshot 3mm requirement. |
Better match. |
| EVU-TW7B45C14 |
3352T-1-103LF |
9mm top-adjust vs 14mm thumbwheel. |
Hard stop: Requires PCB modification. |
Verify any substitute against its datasheet before ordering.
Other dependencies
- PCB Fabrication: Legacy Eagle binary files must be converted to modern XML/Gerber formats before fabrication. Status: not checked.
- Software: Backyard Brains Spike Recorder available as a free download for iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac. Status: Available.
- Cables: 3.5mm male-to-male audio cable required. Status: Available ($1.45).
- Biological Component: Live crickets or cockroaches required. Status: Available ($13.99).
Watch list
- v3 Thumbwheel Potentiometer: This part is completely obsolete. Future v3 builds require a board redesign to accommodate standard 9mm pots.
- TLC2272CP (U3): Stock is currently low (176 units) at the primary distributor.
- PCB File Integrity: Legacy binary Eagle files are increasingly difficult to open without conversion; integrity of conversion should be verified before ordering boards.