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Extending the soundscape of a hexaphonic guitar pickup
sorveltaja:
Today I've been mostly scratching my head, about how to draw a 'bus board' for the blocks:
Idea for that came from the Elector vocoder. I'll draw 3d-model of all the boards(blocks), as they are built.
Usually on more complex projects like this, it's the best way for me to make sense, by 'simulating' the objects, that have actual physical dimensions.
sorveltaja:
Boards are almost ready for transfers:
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First is one of the eight band pass filters, and second is one of the four companders. I did some double-checking, and it's worth the effort, as there were some obvious errors.
Now they should have been sorted out.
When taking a break of the drawing/checking, I got seriously distracted, when looking at some other vocoder schematics. They have some nice extra features, such as separate level adjustments, inputs/outputs for each BPF/channel, which could then be cross-linked in any order, using patch cables, to make it behave like ministry of silly walks.
But back to reality. At this stage, that kind of options would make the process a lot more complex. After all, the idea is to first build a bare bone -version(as I have already cropped all the extras out of the layout/schematic) of the vocoder, to get a grasp of how this specific breed(Paia) works.
I haven't yet found a way to draw the 'bus board', or 'motherboard', where all the blocks could then be inserted using headers. It's probably because at the moment I don't have too much of circuit board to spend.
I have a bad habit of drawing the layouts basing of what I currently have on the shelf. Yes, it's unnecessary subconscious limiting factor.
When going back to the hex pickup -project, there were numerous versions of different layouts/schematics/stages, to get closer to the desired results.
So I think, that part of the learning is about remembering, and revisiting the ideas, that once worked. For me, at least, it requires some deep digging, to access that mindset again.
But enough of that jabbering. I'm going to place an order for the components/stuff, that might be needed in the project, plus some more. This time the circuit boards will be 0,8mm ones, as they are easier to cut, than previous 1,6mm ones.
In the end, off-topic, as always. The new guitar, that I ordered, should arrive next monday. Can't wait to get my hands on it. If it's as good as expected(no broken neck due to transport, or other major defects), then it's time to restore the hex pickup-hassle back to the old guitar.
It was very easy to disassemble, but takes plenty of testings(and cigarettes) to get it back in working order. But the sound, that it gives, should make it worth the efforts.
sorveltaja:
Bus boarding in process:
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Really good concentrating exercise, I must say. I started by adding power connection traces, but soon noted, that It's better to leave them last. That way the signal paths have traces with less jumper wires.
Whole layout is about 260mm long, so it is too big for me to make it in one piece. Once the drawing is done, I'll divide it to 3 or 4 parts, which could then be connected together using pins and headers.
sorveltaja:
Drawing of the bus boards first version is almost finished:
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At this stage, I think I'll probably use angled female headers for bus board connections. At least it should make testing of the separate boards easier, by using the same wires as on the breadboarding.
If testing goes ok, they could then be connected together by adding male pin headers between them. For that, I'm going to order longer ones, as the ones I have in shelf, are too short.
But first things first. Next I'm going to build one of the band pass filter boards, to verify that the layout works. Then same for one of the compander boards.
The rest of those 'blocks' use same layouts, but the component values differ.
As the essence of the vocoder forms, lo-fi audio samples are on their way.
sorveltaja:
Today some cross-checkings:
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First are the band pass filter sections, and then the compander ones. It is important to connect them in certain order as 'pairs'.
Bus boards were also checked, but building them comes later, once the numerous 'sub-blocks' are built, and tested.
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Few words about current side project. Monday I got the ordered guitar, and oh boy, it needed plenty of adjustments to make its playability better. Not only that, but one part needs no other than machining.
I dont even remember, when was the last time, that I milled a tough-ass steel part. Luckily I have some carbide bits for that.
But yeah, that guitar, as it arrived, wasn't really user friendly, although it's on the mid price range. I have a feeling, that there lurks a quite decent instrument, once it has the loving care it needs.
I'm aware, that there are some strict rules, concidering the warranty. But meh, it's mine. Once it entered my apartment, it sure ain't leaving any time soon.
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