[ORDERING] An all new QLFO (Quad [Syncable] LFO): JME b101

[Jack Gull]

ONLY 3 UNITS LEFT FROM FIRST BATCH!!!!

Hello wigglers!
I am very proud to present my first digital module: the JME b101 Quad Locked Funtion Generators.
Basically, this module consists in FOUR digital LFOs that can create a quite extensive range of modulation sources on its own AND can be expanded to add some more.
LFO features:
-Sync/reset input that, depending on its mode will reset the LFO or sync it a rate wich is a factor of the incomping pulse frequency and of course a button to switch the operating mode
-Potentiometers allow to set frequency/division and waveform
-Continuosly variable waveform from sine to 99% pulse
SINE -> TRI -> RAMP -> SAWTOOTH -> VARIABLE PULSE WIDTH
then it select form Sample and Hold, noise or quadrature waveform (Locked at LFO A Phase/Frequency)

There are three expanders for this module
JME b101-2 Control Voltage, which adds CV inputs for both frequency and waveform modulation
JME b101-3 Phasing Controls, which add phase position and modulation controls
JME b101-4 Digital Controls, which add a "freeze" function (it stops the LFO in its position) and another reset pulse.



Other useful infos:
- LFO frequency range is from .03 Hz to 205 Hz
- LFO Amplitude is +/-5V
- Gate output is high for the first half of the waveform, 0/5V
- CVs voltage range is +/-5V
- Digital inputs expect 5V for an active level. However, they can work with voltages from 3V3 to 15V

Dimensions:
b101: 14HP
b101-2:4 HP
b101-3:6 HP
b101-4:4 HP

Power consumption:
+12V: 140 mA
-12V: 20 mA
with all expanders
+12V: 150 mA
-12V: 30 mA

I will of course provide fully built modules or PCBs/Panels/Programmed micros or a combination of the three.
All modules are 99% SMD, but i used 1206 and soic so still very easy to solder.
the MCU is a dspic30F4013

Prototype in Action
[video][/video]

PROJECT STATUS AT 09 Oct '15
3 units left
Prototypes of main module and cv expander are fully working.
However main module needs some improvements/corrections on both pcbs.
CV Expander is 100% working.
The other two expanders circuits are tested and working but pcbs weren't made

For the first batch panels with be: Black anodized aluminum with white finish.

Price List:
B101 QLFO
- Built: 250€ + shipping
- PCB set + Panel + Programmed PIC: 52€ + shipping
- PCB set (mainboard and panel controls): 30€ + shipping
- Panel: 15€ + shipping
- Programmed PIC: 9€ + shipping
B101-2 CV
- Built: 50€ + shipping
- PCB + Panel: 20€ + shipping
- PCB: 10€ + shipping
- Panel: 10€ + shipping
B101-3 Phase controls
- Built: 50€ + shipping
- PCB + Panel: 22€ + shipping
- PCB: 10€ + shipping
- Panel: 12€ + shipping
B101-4 Digitals
- Built: 50€ + shipping
- PCB + Panel: 20€ + shipping
- PCB: 10€ + shipping
- Panel: 10€ + shipping

First Batch Orders:
Zaibach: B101 FS, B101-2 FS, B101-3 FS, B101-4 FS
sammy123: B101 FS, B101-2 FS, B101-3 FS, B101-4 FS
adnauseam: B101 FS, B101-2 FS, B101-3 FS, B101-4 FS
falafelbiels: B101 PCBs + IC, B101-2 PCB
paulstone: B101 PCBs + IC, B101-2 PCB, B101-3 PCB, B101-4 PCB
Eloc: B101 FS x2, B101-2 FS x2, B101-3 FS, B101-4 FS
vtl5c3: B101 PCBs + IC, B101-2 PCB, B101-3 PCB, B101-4 PCB
synaptec: B101 FS, B101-2 FS, B101-3 FS, B101-4 FS
euromorcego: B101 FS
mecanikill: B101 built, B101-2 built, B101-3 built, B101-4 built
cane creek: B101 FS

FS = Full Set (PCB + Panel + Pic)

[Egor]

is there a phase shift option? if you could shift each lfo to be 90 degrees out of phase with the last, then I would be very interested... this is great for quadraphonic panning etc... and I've been looking for a diy option for this....

[sammy123]

If you do decide to do a pcb/panel/chip I would definately take a set. It looks like a really great project.

[FingerTappin]

So, would the waveforms (specifically sine, tri, ramp, saw, pwm) be selectable and stay at the waveform, or are they always morphing?

Looks like a great project, and actually, pretty much what I have been looking for recently. That said, I would probably take a pcb, panel and programmed chip depending on when this rolls out.

[Jack Gull]

>modulate lfo phase
how could not think about it?
actually, i don't want this module to be too big. I've already ran out of IOs (though i might remove the "calibrate/servicing/other stuff" button then have another analog IO) but it would definetly add cost and size. a rough estimate (not far from the thruth, especially for you one time builder) would be add 1-1.50€ per input.

I didn't even want to add CVs at first, to keep costs down and small size... maybe add them as a submodule.

yeah.. i might do that. A cv expander for phases. tomorrow i'll breadboard that to see if it's possible/sound ok.

or, if you refer at 90° phase shift, the last mode on the waveform selector is labelled "quadrature".
when put in quadrature mode,
- OSC A is sinewave at OSC A frequency, relative phase 0°
- OSC B is sinewave at OSC A frequency, relative phase 90°
- OSC C is sinewave at OSC A frequency, relative phase 180°
- OSC D is sinewave at OSC A frequency, relative phase 270°
so it's limited to a sinewave. i've seen that the xaoc has a pushbutton instead
(i think my way is more flexible, though limited to a sinewave. you are able to use only the (let's say) 0 and 180 or 0 and 90 etc outputs... and still have two other independent lfos.

>waveform selection.
if you don't modulate it, it's fixed it's just that you don't have the basic waveforms, you can smootly change from one to another. useful? might be. you say it..

>pretty much what i have been looking for
i know, right?
yes, there is the quad pingable lfo but i don't like the fact that you can't use it without pinging. i also like to use lfos as fixed frequency oscillators for drones and sound sources so the QPLFO was not for me that is basically the reason for this module

[Egor]

>

yeah.. i might do that. A cv expander for phases. tomorrow i'll breadboard that to see if it's possible/sound ok.

or, if you refer at 90° phase shift, the last mode on the waveform selector is labelled "quadrature".
when put in quadrature mode,
- OSC A is sinewave at OSC A frequency, relative phase 0°
- OSC B is sinewave at OSC A frequency, relative phase 90°
- OSC C is sinewave at OSC A frequency, relative phase 180°
- OSC D is sinewave at OSC A frequency, relative phase 270°
so it's limited to a sinewave. i've seen that the xaoc has a pushbutton instead
(i think my way is more flexible, though limited to a sinewave. you are able to use only the (let's say) 0 and 180 or 0 and 90 etc outputs... and still have two other independent lfos.

This would be perfect as an expander.... and if you added one more feature.... a switch that flips osc B and D i.e B becomes 270 and D 90, you can reverse the phasing.... the yusynth one has this feature, and seems pretty cool.... just a suggestion, sorry to complicate things.... but this would be my dream LFO if that where the case.... super trippy phasing drones.....

[fuzzbass]

If you go to production, I'll take five. Of course I don't need 20 syncable LFOs. Well - maybe I do. This is a lot of modulation in a small space.

[Jack Gull]

It will definetly go into production as i need it for myself
now i'm wondering if i should predispose the module with an expansion header for one of these two variants.
Option A: Phase modulation/invertion, fixed AND cv only (6-8 HP)
Option B: Phase modulation and all the CVs (10-12 HP) and keep the main module with only the pots and the external clock (main module would become 10-12 HP instead of 14-16HP)

what do you think?
A or B? More functionality out of the box or Smaller size for the main module?

[scottmoon]

This looks cool. Looks more useful to me than the Batumi.

[sammy123]

I say more functionality out of the box.

[Egor]

I vote option A.... have all the regular cv's on the main module, and an expander for if you want phase modulation.... cool

[bezier]

just what i wanted in DIY.
I'd definitely take a PCB. Also, i would probably expand it fully anyway so i don't really mind the options, though A looks like a more consistent design on first glance.

The only downside i see here is that you can't skew the triangle wave like for example on a 4ms PEG, is that correct?

[Jack Gull]

as for now, you are correct.
this short video demonstrate how you vary the waveform
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zit7HXt9ZwY
depending on the sawtooth phase you can have a second style of transition (like right leg going up) but i found this to be more interesting...
or i might add a routine to variate the skew, if i'll have some code space...

EDIT: how do i use the youtube tag???

[Jack Gull]

.. laying out the pcb ..
As i'm very kind to you, potential builder, everything is SMD except for mcu, trimmers and crystal
(MCU would be a tqfp 44.. i don't really have an advantage in using SMD as it wouldn't reduce board size, SMD crystal is a real PITA to find instead of through hole ones. same for the trimmers)

[paulstone]

i will take some pcb when is ready

[Jack Gull]

UPDATE.
I'm finishing the mainboard PCB layout tonight..
This afternoon i also did a panel's sketch with the actual positions of all things. You can see the sketch below..
MAIN MODULE
Choices had to be made. The aim of this module is to have CLOCK/TEMPO SYNCED LFOs, so the main module will have four row of controls, one for each LFO.
From left to right, CLOCK/RESET in. BPM SYNC button. FREQ pot. WAVE pot
two rows in the bottom are for CV/GATE (waveform and led'd 0-5V square wave.. or led'd cv, haven't decided)
final width will be 14 HP. smaller is impossible due to knob / legend. could increase to 16 if panels readability require it.


EXPANSION(s)
the two expansions discussed earlier will definetly be made.
Expansion 1: CV ins for frequency/waveform modulation. I should be able to do it as a 4 HP, 6 HP max unit.
Expansion 2: Phase modulation (pot and cv) with (or without= button/gated phase inversion... (XOR between button and gate could be interesting.. or not.) i foresee 10 HP with phase inversion, 6HP without phase inversion.
or of course
Expansion 3: the two together, another 12-16 HP module.

Making two expansions seems the best option to me.
Of course, i still keep my ears open, i've appreciated the feedback so far

I confirm my previous timetable: by end of may i'll have the pcb and (hopefully) the first prototypes will be ready by the first half of june.

and... oh yeah, tomorrow morning i'm going to wroclaw for a week so you won't probably have much news from me until next wednesday

[Egor]

i'd probably go for both expanders, so either together or seperate doesnt bother me. Definatly would like a phase inversion button though....

[bezier]

As i said, i will fully expand it anyway. One thing though, i don't know if you can/want to change it, but it would be handy if the pots would all be turned by 90° and face the same direction. As i can tell right now the layout is not exactly d-shaft friendly... Would be even better

[Jack Gull]

Hi guys
it's been a veeeery full month.. I've designed a total of 8 modules between mine and eurorack adaptation of other's circuits...
Anyway today i've received confirmation from the fab that the gerbers i sent are all okay, so the first batch of pcbs should be at my desk in 10 working days.


In this first small batch of prototypes there will be the main module and only the frequency/waveform CV modulation expander.. the other two will come later, probably by half july.



As you can see in the pic, i've rearranged the pots to be d-shaft friendly, even though ALL my builds are made with metal shaft, 9mm alpha pots.

[mecanikill]

I'm down for a set looks great!

[sammy123]

Hi Jack. I would be interested in a panel/pcb/chip set if you make those available.

[Jack Gull]

will do everything when the time comes ( = after the first two prototypes will be completely functional)

[bezier]

What are the bpm sync buttons for again? Just for activating/deactivating sync?

[Jack Gull]

exactly! in bpm mode reset becomes the external clock input (which also resets the waveform)

[Eloc]

I'm super interested in one of these.

(If your prototype works will you have any of the first batch of pcbs you've ordered spare? We could call it 'beta testing'... others may call it impatience...)