Showing posts with label Phantastron. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Phantastron. Show all posts
Wednesday, 16 September 2009
Phantastron video
A teaser of the completed Phantastron FX pedal in action. Here we are using the CV input on the Phantastron unit controlled by a 9v battery running along the ribbon controller. The pitch tuning works wonders and the wave form selector switch works best at certain frequencies. This is a brilliant kit to learn a lot (particularly using the turret board) and a good introduction to tube effects. Overall a very unique synth.
www.electricwestern.com
Monday, 14 September 2009
Fantastic-tron
That's right, I have completed the Phantastron, the one and only tube synthesiser by Electric Western. This little gem of an art-invention works wonders when triggered using the ribbon controller supplied by said designer. Oooh! I can't wait until Leigh returns with the video to post... tbc.
Thursday, 12 February 2009
Foundation: intro
The course in HAM radio the foundation stage began last night. To clarify HAM radio is non-commercial communication between other members and stations. At the foundation stage we are limited to 10w which on fine days in sun spots can transmit and receive signals world wide. At this stage we can only build accessories and receivers not transmitting equipment due to the wattage restrictions. The course is kindly delivered voluntarily where I attend and the only cost will be £20 for the exam. Once passed I can apply to Ofcom for her license and call-sign.
In the UK call-signs (which is like a number plate which every HAM user has to identify themselves) begin with either the letters G or M. Those that pass the foundation stage have a call-sign beginning with either M3 or now as they have all gone, M6. Full license holders begin with the letters G, M1 or M0. Oi! forgets now about intermediate...
At Foundation stage you can only transmit in the country you are studying. However if you are to go in the UK for example, from England to Wales you have to enter something which is called a regional identifier, in the case as above you would enter the letter 'W' into your call sign. So MW6... There are different letters for Scotland (M), Isle of Man (D) etc.
The next thing we need to know is the phonetic alphabet. There are different versions such as countries, Mexico for the letter M. But we are using the NATO phonetic alphabet, Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta etc. Apparently a good way of learning this is when strolling out and about to observe number plates and recite the letters in the form of the phonetic alphabet.
And after all this fun and laughter, I took along the Phantastron which certainly whet the appetite of some of the boys, from memories back in the days when...
In the UK call-signs (which is like a number plate which every HAM user has to identify themselves) begin with either the letters G or M. Those that pass the foundation stage have a call-sign beginning with either M3 or now as they have all gone, M6. Full license holders begin with the letters G, M1 or M0. Oi! forgets now about intermediate...
At Foundation stage you can only transmit in the country you are studying. However if you are to go in the UK for example, from England to Wales you have to enter something which is called a regional identifier, in the case as above you would enter the letter 'W' into your call sign. So MW6... There are different letters for Scotland (M), Isle of Man (D) etc.
The next thing we need to know is the phonetic alphabet. There are different versions such as countries, Mexico for the letter M. But we are using the NATO phonetic alphabet, Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta etc. Apparently a good way of learning this is when strolling out and about to observe number plates and recite the letters in the form of the phonetic alphabet.
And after all this fun and laughter, I took along the Phantastron which certainly whet the appetite of some of the boys, from memories back in the days when...
Sunday, 8 February 2009
Phantastron
Today I was found huddled over her table-top twiddling with wires, smelling of solder with a contorted face working through the Phantastron kit (by Electric Western), a noise box based on a pentode circuit developed for radar. This is what it looked like this morning...
After many lovely mugs of tea made by Leigh and his love and support, things started coming together as contacts were made whilst carefully following the schematics. The kit uses a turret board for attaching components including two amazing tube valves which stick out the top. There are five switches on the front for control and pitch variation. Plugs are in the rear of the unit for in/output and inside the box is the additional power supply to run the circuit and tubes.
As the sky turned a darker shade of grey and the house lights started coming on all parts were in place. Leigh had a test run as I beamingly looked on. It works, just some tweeking needed to stop the hummm! This is the final, beautiful, result...
After many lovely mugs of tea made by Leigh and his love and support, things started coming together as contacts were made whilst carefully following the schematics. The kit uses a turret board for attaching components including two amazing tube valves which stick out the top. There are five switches on the front for control and pitch variation. Plugs are in the rear of the unit for in/output and inside the box is the additional power supply to run the circuit and tubes.
As the sky turned a darker shade of grey and the house lights started coming on all parts were in place. Leigh had a test run as I beamingly looked on. It works, just some tweeking needed to stop the hummm! This is the final, beautiful, result...
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