Usually computers use numerical methods to generate random numbers. These are called pseudo-random number generators and, as the name implies, are not truly randomly generator. True random number generators can use physical phenomena, virtually impossible to predict, to generate random numbers. Some of these use methods based on optical properties, radiation, raindrops, or even lava-lamps! This project uses the detection of ionizing radiation coming from radioactive sources, such as cosmic rays as the source for randomness for dice rolls.

During the past month I’ve been slowly gathering information and designing the VCO’s architecture based on the specifications stated on my last post. Here’s a reminder: Inputs CV 1V/octave FM in Gate in PWM in Output Dual configurable audio outputs. Other features Display LEDs for each audio input/output for visual feedback and for menu selection with the encoder. With the basic features defined, I made a basic block diagram of the system:

Introduction It has been a while since I had the idea in my head of building and eurorack modular synthesizer. But since is so expensive, I’ve been thinking of building some modules by myself. And some weeks ago I was contacted by Digitspace with the intent of making a sponsored project using parts from their website. Digitspace is an online store aimed for makers and electonics enthusiasts that offers a wide range of products from devboards like Raspberry PI’s, Arduinos, ESP’s and other Iot devices, electronics components, prototyping tools and more.

It was been a while since the last update. I’ve been improving the software drivers for the LED matrix IC. I was waiting until I finished that to publish the follow-up to the last blog post. But in the meantime, I was contacted by PCBWAY’s marketing department about the project. PCBWAY found my project on Github and was impressed by the project and offered a partnership for this project.

Last night I decided to have a go at soldering one of the new led matrix PCBs using the stencil. Although I’d already soldered some boards with solderpaste and stencil, these were always done on a proper stencil machine. I took the solder paste out of the freezer and while it was warming up to room temperature I cleaned the stencil and the boards. Using some old (and new) boards and some tape, I hacked together the stencil and the board.