Vacoloco Ramblings

well, I’ve had a few people ask, so I’ve ordered another 10 PCBs (two have gone already) they’re due around the 14th of August 2010.
These will be just the board and preprogrammed CPU at 15GBP plus postage, I won’t be doing complete kits for these.
Let me know if you want one of these kits.
Update 18th [...]

Well, work has me busy, but I’ve not been completely idol in the little spare time I have.
I’ve been tinkering with the code on Zira (TSKAPW - The Synth Formally Known As PicoWave), I just have the boot loader/MIDI Sysex update code to modify and test before Synth DIY. I’ll try and get around to [...]

It’s been a while since I’ve posted. I’ve been busy with work and also with QiX (and getting to grips with Linux), but I’ve also been tinkering with a new project.
Originally called “picowave” it’s now called “Zira” in keeping with my naming convention of classic 80’s arcade games.
I’ll say in advance, this won’t be made [...]

I am sorry to say the last GorF PCB has been sold. I’m also sorry to say that I won’t be making further PCBs or Kits, but the Eagle files required to make the PCB are available on the GorF web pages, under the downloads section.
I’m taking a short break and when I return I plan [...]

Well, I’ve put together 10 more kits, of the people who contacted me and gave me their email address five have bought kits.
This leaves 5 4 3 2 1 no more of “kit 6″ to be sold, sorry. These were the last full kits I will make and will leave me only 4 or 5 [...]

Is there anyone in the UK that would be willing to work with me making a case for Defender?
My previous efforts (below) at wooden cases sort of suck. What I really want is an angled front panel with the keys in the bottom, a bit like a minimoog with it’s panel angled, but not adjustable, [...]

No, don’t panic, the panel layout is staying the same. What is changing is the backend for the panel, I had numerous problems with the first revision of the panel control board, mostly with it talking to the main CPU board and then the voice.
So, I’ve shrunk things, the panel board now controls the voices, [...]

Well, I know it’s been a while since I mentioned QiX, and we’ve gone through a lot of changes.
We’ve settled on an ARM 9 based CPU (i.MX233) and a DSP56720 (dual core 400MIPS) as starting points. Both of these are available in QFP formats, so the cost of prototyping is low (which is always a [...]

I have the parts arriving for 10 more kits.
I’ll call these “kit 6″, and they will contain:

1 x PCB
1 x Micro (pre programmed)
12  x Switches
12  x Switch Caps
4 x 7 Segment Displays
1 x 16Mhz Oscillator
1 x 5V Regulator
8 x Potentiometers
1 x I2C EEPROM
2 x MIDI Sockets

All you’ll need is a few resistors, 8 x step [...]

Well, it’s a new year (for those who missed it, SURPRISE!!) and GorF is done, so what next?
Well, I’m going to be focusing on two projects this year, and only two. in no particular order;
Defender:-

It seems a shame to have that lovely panel sitting there dead, and a voice card that works doing nothing, so [...]