Analog DIY

ATOM · Joined: Sep 20, 2004 Posts: 48 Location: Norway

-> Hi
I'm trying to learn the art of electronics. Confusing stuff.
I want to build some modules, to interact with my analog modular (Synthesizers.com).
My first project is a joystick controller, will be posting a picture in the future.
Any DIY'ers in this forum? Post some pictures of your stuff.

Here are some infospiration:

The Modern Implement Company:
http://www.musicsynthesizer.com/MIC/mic.html
If you are a G2 user this site is filled with great ideas.

Grant Richters synth-DIY page:
http://www.musicsynthesizer.com/DIY/Grant/grant_richters_synthdiy.htm

Jürgen Haible:
http://home.debitel.net/user/jhaible/hj.html

Steiner VCF:
http://www.aleph.co.jp/%7Etakeda/radio/steinerVcfE.html

Passive Ring Modulator:
http://www.synthfool.com/ringmod.html

ATOM <-

elektro80 · Posted: Sat Oct 09, 2004 9:17 am Post subject:

I used to build stuff way back. It was fun, but I guess I haven´t used the soldering iron much lately. Last time was probably in 1984. There were many great projects in the hobbyist electronics mags.

the Formant was great fun:

http://www.synthmuseum.com/elektor/eleform01.html

http://www.ftg.co.uk/studio/forsale/formant/
http://www.physicsenterprises.andrews.edu/diy_archive/schematics/synths/formant/
http://www.synthmuseum.com/elektor/eleform01.html

The Maplin synths were great too, but these weren´t modular of course.

mosc · Posted: Sat Oct 09, 2004 1:51 pm Post subject:

A joystick controller is a good project.

I used to be very into building circuits. Back in the early seventies there wasn't nearly as much stuff to buy, so I learned how to build stuff. I started with simple circuits, like mixers, and then ring modulators, phase shifters, and analog step sequencers. I found I had a knack for electronics and became an electrical engineer. That was the end of my homemade circuits.

When programmable devices, micro and DSP, the need to build circuits seemed to go away.

If I was go get back into this, it would be to design custom MIDI controllers for personal use. The circuit design would be minimal because you can buy excellent kits for this from Doepfer and others. The physical design would be what would be the challenge, and the payoff.

DrJustice · Posted: Sat Oct 09, 2004 2:51 pm Post subject:

Hi ATOM,

good to see you around!

I swear I will get around to ramp up the analogue tinkering myself one of these days. Computers and DSPs are just so convenient for a lazy programmer type like me Rolling Eyes

Got almost everything I need, a pile of components, tools - time however, is in short supply, or so it seems... (what a pathetic exuse Very Happy

)

DJ
--

ATOM · Joined: Sep 20, 2004 Posts: 48 Location: Norway

Posted Image, might have been reduced in size. Click Image to view fullscreen.

This was one of my first DIY projects. The CoffeeClipper.
Passive high-pass filter with a diode clipping one side of the signal.
Great for messing up audio and CV.
Parts: 1 resistor , 1 capacitor, 1 diode.

ATOM

elektro80 · Posted: Sun Oct 10, 2004 5:54 am Post subject:

I love that high tech cabinet! Very Happy

jkn · Joined: Mar 14, 2004 Posts: 469 Location: La Porte, IN, USA

Hey Atom - ironically I just saw your post on the dotcomformat list and looked at your photos. Love the CoffeeClipper!

blue hell · Posted: Sun Oct 10, 2004 10:22 am Post subject:

I've been doing electronics as well, mainly simple stuff like a few synth module like things and other audio processing. Never had money for the big things like comlete synths. At the time micro processors became affordable I started building some computers and develpment systems for them, mainly using Forth as the programming language.

It has always been fun to do but nowadays my eyes are not good enough anymore, after making a just few solder joints everything gets blurred and indistinguishable - maybe too much time spent on staring to monitors.

Anyways it's all programming nowadays (mostly for embedded systems, still using Forth) although I do catch an occasional error every now and then in the schematics of my hardware collegue.

Jan.