I'm going to keep giving updates so you guys can be informed on where we are at with the upcoming pre-order/mega projects.
The Freekout is completely done. Some of you might know that the Frequency Analyzer used a 40vDC power supply, but we will only need 18vDC. I really love this effect...it's a very musical sounding ring mod.
The Rustbucket is still giving me a bit of a headache. While the circuit itself works properly there are a couple issues I have still yet to resolve, namely that I don't like the way the sensitivity control is behaving (just not very smooth in how it attacks and releases). The second issue is that powering it with the same method as the Freekout seems to introduce some "ringy/harmonic" noise that is not present when I use the first method I tried (18vAC split into +/-15v rails). So, that's something else to be solved. I don't think it is a current supply issue since voltages are rock solid no matter which way I power it.
The Dirtbag is getting its final comparison build to test out the differences between the BL3208 and MN3008. Both versions run at higher voltages but break them down differently depending on the chips used. Finally, I have four of the new, supposedly lower noise v3205 which I will at least try. I don't foresee officially support the v3205 on the DB3 but it's worth knowing if they are viable. I built something into the circuit design to test these out, too.
The Lowrider will be that last thing to sort out. My prototype had a couple of mistakes on it, but I know what they are so if that's the only issue then I expect it to fall right into place.
Anyway, that's what's on my plate before the pre-order goes live, so there you have it.
thanks for the heads up! It's good to be kept in the loop of what's going on. :)
Quote from: madbean on April 20, 2015, 09:13:10 AM
The Rustbucket is still giving me a bit of a headache.
Brian, I have your solution!
(http://www.crc.co.nz/imagesdb/product/c9191ece-5b1c-407f-a014-ec15019dc3dd.jpg)
Dirtbag!!!!!
The board not you 😂
Thanks for letting us know! I think this kind of post is exactly what people were looking for when we mentioned wanting more transparency at the end of last year; even if the news is "it's not ready yet", it's actually very reassuring to know that the work is being done and to hear about where you're at in the process.
Also, the anticipation only keeps building!
Thanks for letting us know Brian, I have been checking for the preorders several times a day and it is certainly appreciated being kept in the loop.
The Freekout and Zero point DLX are the ones I am very keen for and its good to know the Freekout is all good. When do you think we might see the BOM for these? I have been holding off a Small Bear order till I know what I need for these projects.
Thanks again
Jules
Quote from: Jules on April 20, 2015, 10:15:18 PM
Thanks for letting us know Brian, I have been checking for the preorders several times a day and it is certainly appreciated being kept in the loop.
The Freekout and Zero point DLX are the ones I am very keen for and its good to know the Freekout is all good. When do you think we might see the BOM for these? I have been holding off a Small Bear order till I know what I need for these projects.
Thanks again
Jules
Same here! Just for the Lowrider ;-)
Quote from: Jules on April 20, 2015, 10:15:18 PMWhen do you think we might see the BOM for these? I have been holding off a Small Bear order till I know what I need for these projects.
it's the same here. I'm super-curious about the Freekout's BOM. It's also good to know how Brian's planning the power supply part, I was sure it won't be a 9V project.
Thanks for the update!
Still working. My DB3 BL3208 build had some bugs (bad regulator, bad IC) so it's taking time. Everything is working just fine now...I'm at the tweaking stage to see how much I can improve certain aspects. Definitely a big step above the v3205 version we did a few years ago but I wanna get the extra 10% to make it special.
Quote from: madbean on May 07, 2015, 03:06:28 PM
Still working. My DB3 BL3208 build had some bugs (bad regulator, bad IC) so it's taking time. Everything is working just fine now...I'm at the tweaking stage to see how much I can improve certain aspects. Definitely a big step above the v3205 version we did a few years ago but I wanna get the extra 10% to make it special.
You hear that... the sound of thousands of members tears hitting the ground at once. LOL
This is going to be an epic project Brian.
Cody
I hope so. Running the BL3208 version at 15v like the MN3005 version does seem to help a lot. However, there are tweaks that have to be done to optimize it even with just a BBD change. My plan is to do a side by side for everyone. Maybe even a blind test if I can get them close.
Would 4x 3005 work in this application? I'm dying to know if you've tried that out yet.
Quote from: madbean on May 07, 2015, 03:47:38 PM
My plan is to do a side by side for everyone. Maybe even a blind test if I can get them close.
Heh I like that idea of a blind test.
Quote from: Lubdar on May 07, 2015, 08:21:21 PM
Quote from: madbean on May 07, 2015, 03:47:38 PM
My plan is to do a side by side for everyone. Maybe even a blind test if I can get them close.
Heh I like that idea of a blind test.
+1 :D
Quote from: ggarms on May 07, 2015, 07:49:47 PM
Would 4x 3005 work in this application? I'm dying to know if you've tried that out yet.
Thing is, BL3208's are in current production, and MN3005's are not. Germanium transistors are one thing (no danger of them running out soon), but low volume BBDs are another...
Brian, I thought the 3208 was a 9V part?
Quote from: alanp on May 07, 2015, 10:15:10 PM
Quote from: ggarms on May 07, 2015, 07:49:47 PM
Would 4x 3005 work in this application? I'm dying to know if you've tried that out yet.
Thing is, BL3208's are in current production, and MN3005's are not. Germanium transistors are one thing (no danger of them running out soon), but low volume BBDs are another...
Brian, I thought the 3208 was a 9V part?
The 3208 is 10v max. The way I have this set up is that the audio/filters run at 15v and the BBD section runs at 10v. The compander section is modified slightly so that the output is matched to the Vb supply of the audio section which helps keep the signal clean. It's a similar setup to the Echoczar (although the actual circuits are nothing alike).
Quote from: alanp on May 07, 2015, 10:15:10 PM
Thing is, BL3208's are in current production
I think you might be mistaken on this one Alan.
I was just on the phone with Belling last week for work. When I was done with business, I asked the rep about their BBD line and if they were planning to re-make any 4096-based chips (like the 3205s)
I was told that they are only producing 3207 chips and have no plans to produce new stock of 3208s or 3205s :-\
Yes, that seems to be the case. They are still available for the time being though through some vendors but the supply will dwindle. I will see about getting some links together for the build doc.
I do have some of the supposed new and improved v3205's so I will try those out too. Not holding my breath, though.
Sounds epic, this might have to be the time I build my first analog delay.
You know, all it is going to take is an EOL on the PT2399 and the v series of chips and we are all shit out of luck on building delays down the road. I seriously hope someone will come along an do a new production run of something equivalent to the MN3005 with the higher voltage tolerance.
Quote from: madbean on May 08, 2015, 06:21:20 AM
You know, all it is going to take is an EOL on the PT2399 and the v series of chips and we are all shit out of luck on building delays down the road. I seriously hope someone will come along an do a new production run of something equivalent to the MN3005 with the higher voltage tolerance.
Do you think that people will eventually just switch to a DSP system? the fv-1 delays I've heard sound pretty good.
Quote from: madbean on May 08, 2015, 06:21:20 AM
You know, all it is going to take is an EOL on the PT2399 and the v series of chips and we are all shit out of luck on building delays down the road. I seriously hope someone will come along an do a new production run of something equivalent to the MN3005 with the higher voltage tolerance.
My new business plan:
1: buy up ALL TEH PT2399
2:????
3:Profit! 8)
sounds like a long-term action-plan involving a huge amount of greens :D
Quote from: gylsmrk on May 08, 2015, 06:41:13 AM
sounds like a long-term action-plan involving a huge amount of greens :D
It's my retirement plan ;D
@Luke51411 Underpants!
So how are the other circuits doing? Any word on the Rustbucket?
Also, since you had previously mentioned lack of funds as one reason these PCBs were taking a while: if the Freekout is done, have you thought about releasing that one sooner? Could help bankroll some of the other projects, especially if you're still planning a preorder for them.
Quote from: lincolnic on May 08, 2015, 09:10:35 PM
So how are the other circuits doing? Any word on the Rustbucket?
Also, since you had previously mentioned lack of funds as one reason these PCBs were taking a while: if the Freekout is done, have you thought about releasing that one sooner? Could help bankroll some of the other projects, especially if you're still planning a preorder for them.
and by the way I would immediately pay for a Freekout PCB, even for pre-order
Me for a lowrider ...
Me 3
Freekout
Lowrider
ZPDLX
I Can barely wait much longer! Very, very keen to build these.
Madbean PCBs are always so well done, great build docs etc.
I imagine it must take a lot of time and work to get it right.
Until then I will keep exercising my patience.....
Ah, is this only new production bbd compatible? I thought this could handle 4x 3008, so I was just wondering if he happened to plop 4x 3005 in for giggles.
It will work with mn3008. I have not tried four 3005 yet but I will.
being that MN3005's are gone, could we replicate their function with several thousand capacitors on a daughter board? that sounds like a good plan. we should do that
^ that's a great idea. We can use SMDs to save space...
Moog ran out of BBD's
http://www.moogmusic.com/news/mf-104m-analog-delay-production-suspended
Some of the build docs will be going up. I expect the Lowrider will be up tonight and Freekout tomorrow. Getting very close to done on everything.
First good thing to hear all day long. After everything I did over the last 2 weeks went to shit today, my boss found it appropriate to give me a paper to correct till tmr 12am and ask about another one I'm supposed to write within the next 2 weeks. Of course while I still have to redo all the stuff from the last 2 weeks and do the stuff I planed to do.
Sorry for the hijack, I'm just completely frustrated atm. Back to reading it is...
Quote from: m-Kresol on May 20, 2015, 11:44:50 AM
First good thing to hear all day long. After everything I did over the last 2 weeks went to shit today, my boss found it appropriate to give me a paper to correct till tmr 12am and ask about another one I'm supposed to write within the next 2 weeks. Of course while I still have to redo all the stuff from the last 2 weeks and do the stuff I planed to do.
Sorry for the hijack, I'm just completely frustrated atm. Back to reading it is...
Don't worry about it. We've all been there. :) At the very least we got some exciting new projects to look forward to. My wallet is about to get a whole lot lighter!
Quote from: madbean on May 20, 2015, 09:29:37 AM
Some of the build docs will be going up. I expect the Lowrider will be up tonight and Freekout tomorrow. Getting very close to done on everything.
Great news!