Wiardgroup

Hi Dave,
   "different" is correct. (see? there u go thinking again!)
   the published #3 standard wogglebug is not, strictly, component-for-component, the same circuit as the 300-series dual-wogglebug. I didn't mean to imply that. (beastly sorry old chap!)
    But the #3standard Wbug does contain the core circuit, (the 'heart' if you will) of all the successive revisions. The differences are in the sophistication of the peripheral parts of the circuit. If you build the #3standard Wbug you can leave it as 'bare bones' or as elaborately augmented as you like. I added many peripheral features that Grant didn't elect to include in the 300-series package in the ones I've built. That's the power & beauty of DIY.
    The wogglebug is bigger than both of us, Dave, it will never die!
;'>
 now onward! thru the fog!
-doc



--- In wiardgroup@y..., davevosh@a... wrote:

> In a message dated 12/4/2002 2:20:50 PM Eastern Standard Time, 
> drmabuce@y... writes:
> 
> 
> > Keep in mind that wogglebug schematics are published at 
> > www.musicsynthesizer.com so a DIY wogglebug is possible.
> > 
> 
> 
> doc,
> i thought ( there i go thinking again......i should have learned by now ! ) 
> that the #3 standard wogglebug was different than the (wonderful ! ) 
> "delivered" 300 series module - ?
> best,
> dave

About 2 weeks ago, drmabuse mentioned that he added some "peripheral
features" to his DIY wogglebugs (see below).  I was wandering if the fair
doctor (or anyone else who has done anything similar) would be so kind as to
share some details of some of these features to those of us who plan on
woggling our own bugs in the near future...

-xamboldt

(am I just lonely or does "woggling our own bugs" sound like I'm talking
about something completely different?)

> Hi Dave,
>  "different" is correct. (see? there u go thinking again!)
>  the published #3 standard wogglebug is not, strictly,
> component-for-component, the same circuit as the 300-series dual-wogglebug. I
> didn't mean to imply that. (beastly sorry old chap!)
>   But the #3standard Wbug does contain the core circuit, (the 'heart' if you
> will) of all the successive revisions. The differences are in the
> sophistication of the peripheral parts of the circuit. If you build the
> #3standard Wbug you can leave it as 'bare bones' or as elaborately augmented
> as you like. I added many peripheral features that Grant didn't elect to
> include in the 300-series package in the ones I've built. That's the power &
> beauty of DIY.
>   The wogglebug is bigger than both of us, Dave, it will never die!
> ;'>
> now onward! thru the fog!
> -doc

--- In wiardgroup@yahoogroups.com, xamboldt <xamboldt@e...> wrote:
> About 2 weeks ago, drmabuse mentioned that he added some "peripheral
> features" to his DIY wogglebugs (see below).  I was wandering if the fair
> doctor (or anyone else who has done anything similar) would be so kind as to
> share some details of some of these features to those of us who plan on
> woggling our own bugs in the near future...
>
I would indeed, xamboldt
However the medium of email text limits me to mere descriptions of what I did to the Wbug design. 
Thus I will describe them here. But i fully realize that, in the rough and dusty streets of DIY, descriptions talk the talk, but  schematics walk the walk.
Unfortunately I'm not well set-up to capture images (I'm kinda old fashioned) and my schems are hand-drawn thus requiring a scanner that i don't have. Please see my comments after the list of mutations.

(it will help the reader immensely to have a copy of the #3 standard Wbug handy for reference) 
I listed them in order of my own preference.

1-addition of a switch that switches-in other values for caps C6 & C7 independently.
2-a separate control circuit (CV/Knob whatever) for VC1 (VTL5C3/2 vactrol) 
3-enhanced and independent control of the U5 (555 astable) clock circuit which included it's own "private" S/H-controlled rate that samples the same buffered sawtooth as U1 (LF398) does
4-a built-in frquency divider on the woggled-tone output that 'knocks' a CV-controlled resonant circuit. This produces odd rhythmic patterns that bear a relationship to the Wbug's output. (I called this sidecar circuit... a 'stinkbug')

fair warning: I'm a brazen hacker. So a good portion of these mods defile the elegance of the design. (type-A chefs beware! I'm a hash-slinging short order cook!)

I have considered asking Mike Fisher about the possibility of adding a sub-topic discussion page for folks willing to rip their Wiard warranties into little pieces (like i did) and modify Wiard circuits.  A sort of 'Mutant Wiard DIY' group but as there are very august and well-developed synth DIY groups out there, it might be narrowcasting a bit too much. but i'm delayed in bringing it up because my real-life circumstances are in frog-in-a-blender-mode right now and i don't have time to instigate or contribute.
But-
If there is any generous soul with time to spare and a scanner that can handle 11"x14" pages I'll be happy to snail-mail some schematics related to the above mods for posting on this site.
(provided the designer promises not to sue me)
;'>

happy holidays,
-doc

Doc et. al.,

I for one am very intrigued by these mods and eager to get a clearer picture
seeing the schematics. That being said, I hereby volunteer my services to
scan in the schematics. If going ahead with this is cool with Grant, feel
free to contact me off-list for a mailing address.

I took another look at a circuit I was thinking of building that also stars
the 4046, the "PLL Frequency Multiplier" designed by Scott Gravenhorst
(http://home1.gte.net/res0658s/FatMan/4046pll.html), and to my barely
electronically competent mind, it seems that this circuit is ripe for
cross-contamination with the Wogglebug, creating some sort of unseemly
monstrosity that I can hardly bring myself to imagine.

From what I can tell, the possible combinations are these:

The most obvious (and the one to add the most panel acreage) would be to add
the divide-by-12 section and the accompanying circuitry to make octave-up
and 5th-up harmonics for the Tone and Woggletone outputs. And perhaps make
some of the different harmonics generated by one of the 4046s patchable to
the signal input of the other? (I can't really conceive of how radically
this would effect the woggling, and thus if it would be worth it)

Or adding a switch to choose between the 2 phase comparator outputs on each
4046?

Adding the Damping section the Freq Multiplier to U3 of the Wbug (this may
be more or less equivalent to what the Woggle Time pot already does). Also
adding a CV input to this same bit of U3 (kind of like your mod #2, doc - I
think).

Or lastly, adding/combining the PLO F Min and Max pots to the
(dis)functionality of the Woggle Range control and/or R13 (not sure what
this control is actually called on the #3 Wbug - "Smooth Range"???).

The main caveat to all of this is that I have never played with a Wogglebug
and have only theorized about what the normal controls would do, let alone
any of the mods. These all may be mostly ineffectual or completely useless.

Comments?

Sorry if this DIY-related subject is OT for the list, let me know if it is
and I can cease and desist.

I am even sorrier that that last line came out in verse.

-xamboldt 

On 12/18/02 7:08 PM, "drmabuce <drmabuce@yahoo.com>" <drmabuce@yahoo.com>
wrote:

> --- In wiardgroup@yahoogroups.com, xamboldt <xamboldt@e...> wrote:
>> About 2 weeks ago, drmabuse mentioned that he added some "peripheral
>> features" to his DIY wogglebugs (see below).  I was wandering if the fair
>> doctor (or anyone else who has done anything similar) would be so kind as to
>> share some details of some of these features to those of us who plan on
>> woggling our own bugs in the near future...
>> 
> I would indeed, xamboldt
> However the medium of email text limits me to mere descriptions of what I did
> to the Wbug design.
> Thus I will describe them here. But i fully realize that, in the rough and
> dusty streets of DIY, descriptions talk the talk, but  schematics walk the
> walk.
> Unfortunately I'm not well set-up to capture images (I'm kinda old fashioned)
> and my schems are hand-drawn thus requiring a scanner that i don't have.
> Please see my comments after the list of mutations.
> 
> (it will help the reader immensely to have a copy of the #3 standard Wbug
> handy for reference)
> I listed them in order of my own preference.
> 
> 1-addition of a switch that switches-in other values for caps C6 & C7
> independently.
> 2-a separate control circuit (CV/Knob whatever) for VC1 (VTL5C3/2 vactrol)
> 3-enhanced and independent control of the U5 (555 astable) clock circuit which
> included it's own "private" S/H-controlled rate that samples the same buffered
> sawtooth as U1 (LF398) does
> 4-a built-in frquency divider on the woggled-tone output that 'knocks' a
> CV-controlled resonant circuit. This produces odd rhythmic patterns that bear
> a relationship to the Wbug's output. (I called this sidecar circuit... a
> 'stinkbug')
> 
> fair warning: I'm a brazen hacker. So a good portion of these mods defile the
> elegance of the design. (type-A chefs beware! I'm a hash-slinging short order
> cook!)
> 
> I have considered asking Mike Fisher about the possibility of adding a
> sub-topic discussion page for folks willing to rip their Wiard warranties into
> little pieces (like i did) and modify Wiard circuits.  A sort of 'Mutant Wiard
> DIY' group but as there are very august and well-developed synth DIY groups
> out there, it might be narrowcasting a bit too much. but i'm delayed in
> bringing it up because my real-life circumstances are in
> frog-in-a-blender-mode right now and i don't have time to instigate or
> contribute.
> But-
> If there is any generous soul with time to spare and a scanner that can handle
> 11"x14" pages I'll be happy to snail-mail some schematics related to the above
> mods for posting on this site.
> (provided the designer promises not to sue me)
> ;'>
> 
> happy holidays,
> -doc
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> wiardgroup-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
> 
> 
> 
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service
> <http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/> .

> I have considered asking Mike Fisher about the possibility of 
adding a sub-topic discussion page for folks willing to rip their 
Wiard warranties into little pieces (like i did) and modify Wiard 
circuits.  A sort of 'Mutant Wiard DIY' group but as there are very 
august and well-developed synth DIY groups out there, it might be 
narrowcasting a bit too much. but i'm delayed in bringing it up 
because my real-life circumstances are in frog-in-a-blender-mode 
right now and i don't have time to instigate or contribute.
> 

i've been battling with the decision to modify all week.  not just 
the bleedthrough problem that i posted about, but i'm on the frac-rac 
plan, and the curcuit board enclosures for the 300 series are just 
too deep to fit.  everything else fits just right, and i'm 
envisioning something like mabuse's Small Nuclear Orchestra, but in a 
suitcase.  

then i start opening everything up and notice the little stabilizing 
daubs of caulk around the pots; the way the ribbon cables are the 
perfect length; the build quality is so well done, it seems a crime 
to tear it up.  

enh, i don't plan to gid rid of this stuff ever, might as well take 
off my jacket and stay awhile.  :)

alex

Wiardos:

If you check the Files section you'll now find a 150dpi jpeg featuring
schematics for Dr. Mabuce's Wogglebug #3 mods. These schematics cover the
first 3 mods he mentioned in a discussion a little while back. To refresh
your memories, here's what they do:

1-addition of a switch that switches-in other values for caps C6 & C7
independently.
2-a separate control circuit (CV/Knob whatever) for VC1 (VTL5C3/2 vactrol)
3-enhanced and independent control of the U5 (555 astable) clock circuit
which included it's own "private" S/H-controlled rate that samples the same
buffered sawtooth as U1 (LF398) does

Many thanks to the kind doctor for taking the time to jot these down and
mail them to me so I could scan 'em.

Enjoy!

-xamboldt

The Wiard Classic VCO and Waveform City modules contain 
circuits with knobs labeled Attack and Release. In the case 
where the Gate input is fed a clean 0 to 10 volt gate signal, the 
output of the circuit will look like an Attack and Release envelope.

This is not and actual envelope generator, but a bi-directional 
slew rate limiter. Labeling it like an envelope has caused some 
confusion.

An actual envelope generator would have an input comparator 
that forces the envelope ouput to 10 volts, no matter what the 
input Gate voltage. The installed circuit does NOT have this 
comparator.

This has casued problems when interfacing to MIDI to CV 
converters that output a 0 to 5 volt gate signal. The output 
envelope amplitude is then only 5 volts and the VCA has only a 
30 dB range rather than a 60 dB range.

Also, the exponential decay of the envelope produces a long tail 
which keeps the VCA open and appears as VCA bleedthru. The 
VCA is working properly, the envelope voltage is not going to zero  
rapidly enough to completely close the VCA.

There are a couple of work-arounds for 5 volt gate MIDI to CV 
units:

1. Use a different envelope generator with 5 volt gate units. (The 
Envelator has an input comparator set to 1.5 volts for use with 5 
volt TTL level gates/triggers such as Roland Drum Machines and 
Kenton MIDI to CV converters. The Roland MPU-101 MIDI to CV 
converter generates a correct 10 volt gate and was used for 
circuit testing, along with an ARP 2600 keyboard. The use of a 5 
volt gate directly into the AR module was not anticipated)

2. Process the 5 volt gate signal with a gain offset module (such 
as the excellent Blacet Mixer Processor) so that the gate signal 
is compatible with the slew rate limiter input. Summing a 5 volt 
signal twice, doubles it's amplitude to 10 volts allowing 60 dB 
range. And the gate signal can be offset negative to "clip" the 
exponential tails and make the envelope more percussive, and 
assure complete shut off of the VCA between notes.

Hello Grant,

Personally I see lag processors as a requirement as much as 
envelopes, especially if the two slope times can be set independently!

Now for a different subject of the same module: I recall reading that 
either the VCA's response or the lag's slopes could be changed 
between linear and exponential attenuation behaviour by a jumper; is 
that correct, and which one is it really?

Best regards, I hope you had a good start into the new year.

Sebastian Kuehnl

Since I already brought it up by addressing the email wrongly, I'll 
finish it just so it's in the group archives... It's the lag 
processor that's jumper set for linear or exponential slopes, and I 
read it straight on the VCO's own webpage. (Been a while)

--- In wiardgroup@yahoogroups.com, "skuehnl <skuehnl@y...>" 
<skuehnl@y...> wrote:
> Hello Grant,
> 
> Personally I see lag processors as a requirement as much as 
> envelopes, especially if the two slope times can be set 
independently!
> 
> Now for a different subject of the same module: I recall reading 
that 
> either the VCA's response or the lag's slopes could be changed 
> between linear and exponential attenuation behaviour by a jumper; 
is 

> that correct, and which one is it really?
> 
> Best regards, I hope you had a good start into the new year.
> 
> Sebastian Kuehnl

Hey everyone,

Dr. Mabuce strikes again! I have been given the privilege of uploading
another Standard Wogglebug #3 mod by the kind doctor. Here's his description
from a while back:

"a built-in frequency divider on the woggled-tone output that 'knocks' a
CV-controlled resonant circuit. This produces odd rhythmic patterns that
bear a relationship to the Wbug's output. (I called this sidecar circuit...
a 'stinkbug')"

Once again I'd like to than Dr. Mabuce for not only taking the time to draw
out the schematics, but also for sharing his twisted imagination with the
rest of us.

Enjoy!

-xamboldt

I'd like to thank Xamboldt publicly for the time & effort that went into compensating for my refusal move into the 21st century and get a scanner! Thanks Xamboldt!
(and a tip of the hat to Romeo Fahl too, for graciously volunteering to do the work as well!)
 Of course I make no warranty on the safety or performance of any of the published circuits. Build them at your own risk. In fact, I will guarantee that building them will DOWNgrade your security rating and effectively scuttle any chance you may have for a future appointment to the supreme court.
 (the pay is so-so anyway, and you can't listen to your walkman at work!)

  Having made these sensible disclaimers I invite any brave soul foolhardy enough to actually do these mods to ask any questions they like and i invite any like-minded DIYers out there to share any improvements or mods that they have!

May the woggled tone of the mysterious pin 2 be with you all,
-dr Alphonse Caspar Mabuse p.p.L.O.W. 1st class Mississippi Valley Chapter