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Post by pt3r on May 22, 2022 10:23:16 GMT
For all my fellow synthesists who got the brAEdboard module or who have a breadboard they can connect to their AE modular (hint, there are GND and +5V connections available on the MASTER I/O module) here is an article on opamps you must try out, you can look up more information on pin layout of the opamp in the buffered multiple DIY project of NightMachines .
Why don't I post a picture of my brAEboard schematic (yet)? because I would like you to try to figure out how to translate the information in the article into a breadboard setup. The satisfaction of figuring it out for yourself is quite nice and it is really not hard, and most of all you will learn a thing or two on the way.
If you don't have a brAEdboard module make sure to put a 1K resistor on every output of your circuit, just in case you accidentally were to connect it straight to ground.
The eagle-eyed will notice that an MCP602 (the opamp chip that is shipped with eh brAEdboard) contains 2 opamps, so you can build 2 comparators out of one chip. I like to build one comparator and one inverted comparator, again all this information is provided in the article, linked together using one chip so I have one output providing me with a gate signal when signal A is higher than signal B and the other inverted comparator will give me a gate signal when signal A is lower than signal B.
Why would I like to build a comparator?
Here's one reason; If you ever want to be able to patch a MATHS clone on your AE modular then you will need to build/use comparators both normal and inverted.
Add a bunch of potmeter attenuators on the inputs and outputs (or patch in a couple of 2 ATT/CV modules) and you can patch your own 2 step (now you see where keurslagerkurt 's 5 step module comes from) sequencer setup.
If you want to give this a try and you run into questions then of course you will be helped out here.
If you don't care then that's fine as well, as said before I'm not your dad.
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Post by keurslagerkurt on May 23, 2022 10:02:27 GMT
Nice one! Indeed, the main block of the Five Steps is the 'Voltage Level Detector' suggested here. And it takes a bit of practice, but once you learn to convert a circuit schematic to a breadboard setup, a whole world opens!  |
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Post by pt3r on May 23, 2022 10:10:51 GMT
I am a big fan of simple utility modules that can be combined to produce complex results. I have been building so many interesting patches using comparators that I'm really surprised that this was not implemented as a dedicated module, yet. But so be it. This could be a nice little project for my first pcb.
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Post by keurslagerkurt on May 23, 2022 10:25:35 GMT
I am a big fan of simple utility modules that can be combined to produce complex results. I have been building so many interesting patches using comparators that I'm really surprised that this was not implemented a a dedicated module yet. But so be it. This could be a nice little project for my first pcb. You are right, I haven't thought of it, but a 4COMP module would make a lot of sense in AE world. Four pots to manually set the comparator threshold, and maybe switches to switch to CV input for the thresholds. Outputs are a simple 0 or 5V depending on whether the threshold is crossed. Should be doable with an MCP6004, 4 pots, some input & output resistors and thats it. It would probably fit on a THT PCB! |
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Post by pt3r on May 26, 2022 8:53:48 GMT
This is an example of what you can do with comparators, this wave form is a combination of two lfo's, just imagine what you can do with two oscillators. I have only been able to create this kind of waves on my AE thanks to comparators.
Anyway this is my last post on the comparator subject, I was hoping that these kind of posts would create more discussion information exchange on beginner DIY projects that IMHO can make a big difference on what you can squeeze out of your modular systems without the need to immediately try to build a full-fledged CV controllable oscillator. Apparently the forum is not the place to share discuss this kind of information.
I'll go back to try to become popular by making the sounds of rumbling radiators and leaking hydraulics, and you can dream about new modules that will solve a modular problem that you have not discovered yet.
So long and thanks for the fish.
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Post by maydonpoliris on May 26, 2022 11:54:36 GMT
Pretty cool. Showing that gated comparators could be quite a powerful tool triggering at those turning points. If I understand them correctly.
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Post by pt3r on May 26, 2022 12:34:05 GMT
You could of course send this waveform through the slew/edge module and indeed create some interesting triggers but the point is that the waveform shown here is made by combining 2 LFOs via comparators. If you have a meter module or a scope then try for yourself to combine LFOs in your AE modular and see if you can replicate the waveform shown here. So far I was only able to do this via the use of comparators.
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Post by maydonpoliris on May 27, 2022 11:38:39 GMT
i accept this challenge! will see what i can create.
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Post by pt3r on May 27, 2022 13:09:05 GMT
i accept this challenge! will see what i can create. Woohoo i smell a new patch challenge no sound just pretty images. |
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Post by turbotodd2k on May 27, 2022 15:47:03 GMT
I just ordered a BrAEdboard from Noisebug, wish me luck as I have no idea what I'm doing with this stuff. That waveform though, I couldn't resist! Any suggestions on a website with good starter information?
The end goal is to build a sequencer that steps like a self triggering envelope and takes note duration from cv. That way you could have a musical sequence and have the duration coming from a LFO!  |
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Post by pt3r on May 27, 2022 16:48:12 GMT
You can patch this with two seq8 that run in sync one defines notes the other does the note length. Or run a sequencer and whenever the sequencer plays a note let it also trigger S/H in which you feed an LFO to generate note length voltages.
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Post by turbotodd2k on May 27, 2022 19:16:53 GMT
Would you be using an ADSR in that case as your envelope? If so yet another thing goes on the shopping list.
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Post by maydonpoliris on May 27, 2022 21:01:29 GMT
i accept this challenge! will see what i can create. Woohoo i smell a new patch challenge  no sound just pretty images. maybe this will start whole racks filled with meter modules just to make a full image |
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Post by maydonpoliris on May 27, 2022 21:08:07 GMT
I just ordered a BrAEdboard from Noisebug, wish me luck as I have no idea what I'm doing with this stuff. That waveform though, I couldn't resist! Any suggestions on a website with good starter information?
The end goal is to build a sequencer that steps like a self triggering envelope and takes note duration from cv. That way you could have a musical sequence and have the duration coming from a LFO!  try these out for starters wiki.aemodular.com/pmwiki.php/AeDiy/EasyProjectsForTheBRAEDBOARDModuleThis is as far as I got which are easy but are still cool. my sensors are tingling again after the latest patch challenge to try some more |
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Post by pt3r on May 27, 2022 21:29:34 GMT
Would you be using an ADSR in that case as your envelope? If so yet another thing goes on the shopping list. You could use ADSR but an ENV module is at least as usable usable. |
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Post by pt3r on May 30, 2022 17:10:50 GMT
So I drew up a schematic but how on earth do I convert this thing into a pcb. when I try to convert to pcb I just get a bunch of net errors. It's probably no rocket science but it ain't a walk in the park either.  |
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Post by keurslagerkurt on May 30, 2022 20:03:44 GMT
So I drew up a schematic but how on earth do I convert this thing into a pcb. when I try to convert to pcb I just get a bunch of net errors. It's probably no rocket science but it ain't a walk in the park either.  Best to watch a couple youtube videos on the topic. The net errors are probably because every point has to be connected in your schematic. If you have 'empty' points (like bus signals you don't use, or patch points of patch sockets), you have to put a 'X' on there, a special symbol which you can find in the small menu that also has GND, 5V,.. |
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Post by pt3r on Jun 5, 2022 10:58:22 GMT
Well hurray I have something that looks like a PCB with traces that reflect my schematics so we're one step closer to a real module. Since i don't have the correct serial numbers of the required components it still looks very much like a mock-up and the pot meters don't show up. If somebody has the correct part numbers please shoot. I would love to hear what checks I need to make to get to a real working module. Not sure my spacing is correct and how to ensure that my faceplate cut-outs line up perfectly.
I probably made a whole bunch of mistakes but we're getting there.
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Post by maydonpoliris on Jun 6, 2022 3:10:46 GMT
Wow, interesting to follow your progress. Will be cool to see it for real.
I started reading through the opamp link and the info in the nightmachines docs and realise there is a lot I do not understand about electronics/braedboard and diy so heading back to the beginning again.
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Post by pt3r on Jun 6, 2022 9:51:38 GMT
So far I managed, thanks to namke 's hints, to ensure that the DRC checks are all passed so technically this pcb design can be fabricated. Now I only need the correct part numbers for switches, potentiometers, and headers to make sure that I have to correct physical footprints so the components on pcb and all the holes in faceplate line up correctly. I'm not to worried about the smd components since you can apparently order the pcbs with those components already soldered on. |
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Post by pt3r on Jun 7, 2022 7:29:16 GMT
Does anybody have some tips on how to make sure that the switch, potentiometer, header holes in the front panel line up with the switches on the pcb? The header holes should be straightforward those have not moved, the potmeters and switches on the other hand...
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Post by keurslagerkurt on Jun 7, 2022 11:08:24 GMT
Does anybody have some tips on how to make sure that the switch, potentiometer, header holes in the front panel line up with the switches on the pcb? The header holes should be straightforward those have not moved, the potmeters and switches on the other hand... My 'tactic' (and i'm sure its a convoluted, nooby way of doing it), is starting with the PCB with pots and switches on as 'start' for the frontplate. Then I visually align the holes in the frontplate and delete the original pots & switches etc.. But maybe namke has a better method?  |
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namke
wonkystuff
electronics and sound, what's not to like?!
Posts: 686
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Post by namke on Jun 7, 2022 12:47:40 GMT
Does anybody have some tips on how to make sure that the switch, potentiometer, header holes in the front panel line up with the switches on the pcb? The header holes should be straightforward those have not moved, the potmeters and switches on the other hand... Rather boring, but I look at the engineering drawing of the pot or switch to find the offset between the PCB pins and the pot shaft (or switch lever). For the Pots, the shaft is aligned vertically with the centre pin, with an offset of 7mm to the centre of the shaft... I usually do this in EasyEDA by making a 'measurement object' in the doc layer which is 7mm long and aligning it appropriately. The EasyEDA template already has a 7mm 'measurement object' defined??? easyeda.com/editor#id=73b0bb30bee64da1bf63020f6eb511ad |
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Post by pt3r on Jun 8, 2022 6:24:53 GMT
We have a frontpanel, this thing is becoming more an more real. Now I'll have to look in get it fabricated and sourcing components, not sure what I should do with the smd components, does it pay of to learn to solder this myself or should I just go for an all-in solution? Which manufacturer can you recommend? I'm basically not trying to break the bank here.  |
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namke
wonkystuff
electronics and sound, what's not to like?!
Posts: 686
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Post by namke on Jun 8, 2022 8:50:06 GMT
We have a frontpanel, this thing is becoming more an more real. Now I'll have to look in get it fabricated and sourcing components, not sure what I should do with the smd components, does it pay of to learn to solder this myself or should I just go for an all-in solution? Which manufacturer can you recommend? I'm basically not trying to break the bank here. <button disabled="" class="c-attachment-insert--linked o-btn--sm">Attachment Deleted</button> For my part, I get the SMD assembly done by JLCPCB... I did a few boards by hand (various techniques: hot air, soldering iron etc.), but that got tired very quickly! In EasyEDA, when a component is selected in the schematic you can choose (on the right hand side) whether the component is in the BOM (Bill Of Materials). What I usually do is make sure that the pots and connectors are not in the BOM (so resistors, capacitors, op-amps etc. remain), then when you make an order of the PCB you can choose SMD assembly and the BOM is automatically uploaded. They *can* do through-hole components, but those incur an extra charge. One thing that I do is to make sure that the components in the BOM are 'Basic' (rather than 'Extended'), since the 'Extended' parts also incur an extra charge. The EasyEDA 'component selection' dialogue is not always the best (the search seems to not always turn up parts), so I use the JLCPCB search from here: jlcpcb.com/parts In here you can search for '10k 0603' and you will get a list of suitable parts; at this point it is also possible to filter on 'basic parts'. From here you can get a part number (e.g. C25804) which can then be entered into the EasyEDA component search box. It's a bit convoluted, but after a while you get into the flow of switching between search windows Hope that makes some kind of sense?! (perhaps I should make a video, or maybe one exists already??) |
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no sound just pretty images.
