Circuitbenders Forum
Circuitbenders Forum => Circuitbending discussion => Toys => Topic started by: BazTraD on March 18, 2006, 10:48:18 PM
-
I've aquired myself a speak and math.
I'm sure most of you guys have done one of these before. If so, could you give me some advice where to start.
I powered it up and pressed my thumb across the bottom of the resistors near where the wires are connected from the battery supply. When I do this the pitch goes down and the unit speaks in slow motion.
Can I capture this and manipulate it with a pot or something.
I also started going about the solder points with an open ended wire and found some buzzes from the first IC, but haven't got around to going around the whole board to check what happens.
Any advice would be appreciated.
-
Some people will just remove and replace a resistor from the cluster at the bottom of the board for a pitch control on an S&M but i've always found you get a more usable effect if you connect the centre lug of the pot to the solder point that acts as a body contact, and the other two outer lugs to two pins on the bottom left of the big chip at the top of the board (face down battery compartment towards you). You will have to put some resistors or preset pots in ine with the outer lug connections to stop the thing crashing at either end of the pitch range.
-
ive got the bend above working i was just wondering if anyone knew anymore bends on the speak and math. im quite new to circuit bending and a bit paranoid about probing round the circuit myself in case i fry it, it took me such a long time to find one id be gutted if i killed it.
how stable are the speak and maths? are they easily fried?
if anyone knows any bends or has links to other sites please post.
thanks
-
so long as you keep to the solder points that hold the main chips then I wouldn't worry about frying anything - just keep away from those capacitors. They are very stable and great thing to bend straight away. there is also this schematic (http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p231/iqoruvuc/Speak202620Math20Bending20Schematic.jpg)
-
P.S. also check ghazala's book http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0764588877 for a couple of extra bends too. These are good fun to bend.
-
;D thanks for the schematic im trying these bends and having a bit of a probe myself if i find anything interesting ill put it up.
-
my speak and math seems to have developed a nasty hum, its not so noticable through the built in speaker (although it is still there) but as soon as i output it too anything through the jack out it becomes very loud. ive tried taking of all the bends and its still there .
anyone have any ideas? >:(
-
I experienced this just as I finished my first speak and maths. Sometimes I would turn it off and then turn it on a little later and it would be okay for a few seconds and then it would come back. It turned out just to be low batteries! Hopefully new batteries will sort your problem and my apologies if you have already tried this!
-
this hum is a persistent little bugger ive tired everything i can think of and still its there short of buying another speak and math i think im going to have to live with it >:(
-
Could be that the display is on its way out and is causing electrical noise. Does the display look brighter than usual or do you ever get two horizontal red lines displayed instead of normal numbers? That seems to be a sure sign of a display on its way out.
-
Also see www.casperelectronics.com for mods like this :
(http://www.casperelectronics.com/images/finishedpieces/speak-n-spell/live-sm/livesm_circuits.jpg)
:o
-
I have a feeling that half those mods won't work on an earlier or later circuitboard revision but that circuitboard seems to be the most common.
-
so if i removed the display would it stop it.
i cant really tell if its brighter then ususal i cant remeber how bright it used to be!! never had the red line though.
-
well, its a possibility, bit of a pain in the arse to put the display back on again if thats not the problem though. Still sounds like some kind of grounding problem to me though
You should feel overwhelmingly grateful you've never seen the red lines of death. ;)
-
On that casper electronics S&M layout, what does the (+) stand for?
-
Battery + ?
-
That sounds totally plausible - its just that they've got a body contact attached directly to the (+) - that didn't seem right to me.
and how in hell do you tell the difference between a pot and a res? My elec book say a res is -VVV- while a pot is -VVV- with an arrow pointing from the bottom into the middle of the squiggle. The pitch adjustment looks like it has three pots on it.
-
I guess that is a 100k main pot and two 50k trimpots. The trimpots adjusts how low/high the min/max "frequencies" are on the main pot.
-
ok ive come back to my speak and math after doing a few other projects and i really really want to get rid of this hum.
one of you says it might be an earthing problem how is this solved? ive done a speak and spell and have a crappy dj mixer and sampler i want to mix between the two of them but the hum is making it impossible to use.
any ideas would be greatly received, forgive my ignorance i know very little about electronics
-
hi,
the (+) is the + connector of battery, confirmed by a friend, maybe a mistake ...
so if i understand, the pitch base is connected from a resistor of the s'n's circuit to the center connector of the 100k pot,
two 50k trim pots are connected on each side of the 100k pot,
one of these trim pot is connected to an other bend point in the power supply area
and the other is connected to the + connector of battery
i hope i'm right and clear in explanations :P
but ...
what is the "disk" named "base" witch is connected in line to the same wire as the 100k pot ???
do you think it's a bodycontact ?
i would try this bend but i'm afraid of results by bending the battery so i hope you can give me precisions
-
i've just finished this pitch bend and it sounds damn good !
i made that on a s'n'spell not a math, the circuit is a bit different in the power supply area but it easy to find the point with comparison (i can add some pictures if necessary)
i haven't put the "mysterious disk" i asked for but it works at all !
the best is in trim pot, you can adjust the resistor at the maximum/minimum pitch until s'n'* craches
the ultimate pitch down is so freaky :) (i can add sounds too)
so ... you can try it and enjoy this bend ... hum thanks casper
i haven't test with some others bends at the same time, i'll let you know as soon as possible
-
just for information,
the "mysterious disks" are body contacts, you can see it by compare the board scan from casper posted by Pehr and the picture of the finished piece
http://www.casperelectronics.com/images/finishedpieces/speak-n-spell/live-sm/livesm_diagram.jpg
so the pitch base is connected in line with the same as the other pitch adjustement
pitch down on the + connector of battery
up is connected to a point on the power supply area after a 6k resistor
-
hum ... does someone can explain what's the loop randomizer in the board scan above ?
is it a loop generator who can randomize too
or is it just a tool who used with a looper can randomize it ?
-
oh damn ! ... i'm so noob
i killed this topic
-
Here's my Speak and Math I just finished. My switches were too big so I had to mount them on a wooden box. I'm pretty happy with the result. Is nausea a common side effect of listening to glitches too long? I think my alphas and betas my have gotten blended in the process.
http://www.cline-company.com/blog/?p=31
-
hey guys, im diggin the casper mods that someone posted earlier on this topic, but the circuit board in my S&M is quite different from the casper one. I've posted the circuit board thats in mine below, (altho actually copied it from R. Ghazala's book:-) I'm interested in whacking on a power drain mod, and maybe some kind of dtortion, but not really sure where to go, so if anyone can point out any mods on this board (apart from the standard Ghazala onwa), that wud be grand!!!
(http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h187/yourwheelssuck/SMBoardSmall.jpg)
-
Schematics are UNCOOL.
I roll my own.
I think that is what makes circuit bending fun, finding stuff to work with then making all the mods. Schematics spoil it IMO.
-
Schematics are UNCOOL.
I roll my own.
I think that is what makes circuit bending fun, finding stuff to work with then making all the mods. Schematics spoil it IMO.
I'd like to politely disagree.
Of course finding a brand new bend is one of the most exciting things in the world. Really, the happy surprise of connecting points A and B to make a previously unheard sound is fan-fucking-tastic, and the work that I'm most proud of has bends that I believe hadn't been found before.
However, there's no reason to reinvent the wheel. If you're just starting out, and particularly if you're worried about breaking whatever piece of equipment that you're working on, schematics are an excellent tool. While it is possible that someone will crack open a Speak & whatever and find a 100% new bend, it is highly unlikely. These toys are pretty well-worn territory, and the bulk of what is likely to be found probably already has. Particularly with giants like Pete Edwards (Casper Electronics) in the field.
Also, following the work of the best and brightest is an excellent way to learn. I can't say that I understand all of the amazing stuff that Graham Meredith is doing with his Casio SK's, but I've been motivated to increase my understanding of how those devices function by trying to copy his unbelievable work.
Like I said, I understand your sentiment, and I certainly mean no disrespect to you personally, but I feel like you are making a punk-rock oversimplification.
-
I feel like you are making a punk-rock oversimplification.
Thats one of the best quotes i've ever seen,
i'll certainly be using that one in conversation in the future ;D
'excuse me good sir, if i may intrude for a moment but i feel one is making a punk-rock oversimplification!' ;D
-
Yeah, I do agree with some of the points you make there.
Anyway, talking about S&*, has anyone tried any data line cutting + push to break?
I tried that with one of my VTech things, and while it is completely different, it may be cool to try it on the speak and spell.
AWESOME IDEA: Disconnect lines which send speech niblets from synth! And also try disconnect the line which asks the synth if it is still speaking..
More info here about the circuit lines: http://members.tripod.com/werdav/speakell.html
-
lots of super links!
i'm waiting for my speak & maths to come in the post (christmas slowww post) so when it arrives i'm going to have a bash at bending it (my first) can't wait.
-
lots of super links!
i'm waiting for my speak & maths to come in the post (christmas slowww post) so when it arrives i'm going to have a bash at bending it (my first) can't wait.
Please try my circuit board line cut idea
-
Just done one of these following Reed Ghazhala's schematics. Only my fourth project, and it seemed a bit of a cheat to not explore it myself but at least it works.
Went a bit dyslexic with the switches though - managed to put them all in the wrong way up! - probably due to the fact that the circuit board dig in the book was upside down too...?!
-and now I've got this far going to add some of the extras from this thread that look cool - especially the tone bend generator...
Thanks to all for the info - much help to a newbie...
-
ive got the bend above working i was just wondering if anyone knew anymore bends on the speak and math. im quite new to circuit bending and a bit paranoid about probing round the circuit myself in case i fry it, it took me such a long time to find one id be gutted if i killed it.
how stable are the speak and maths? are they easily fried?
if anyone knows any bends or has links to other sites please post.
thanks
ok i feel the same way. i found a good picture, here it is:
(http://experimentalistsanonymous.com/diy/Schematics/Circuit%20Bending%20and%20Modifications/TI%20Speak%20and%20Math.jpg)
-
wow guys. thanks for this thread. ive started work on the s&m schematic and all i can say is mwahhah yes sir! the pitch bend is definitely one of my favourites. i have some very nice aesthetic ideas that i will implement and will post pics once i'm finished. the volume led is yet another nice feature. can you use more than one led, like say 3 or four?
-
can you use more than one led, like say 3 or four?
I think i used about 6 LED's around the inside of the handle on one speak&maths so yes you can, just wire them in parallel.
-
Schematics are UNCOOL.
I roll my own.
I think that is what makes circuit bending fun, finding stuff to work with then making all the mods. Schematics spoil it IMO.
That is also the way we do things here, it is always good to know that the sounds that the machine make once finished are the ones that you wanted to keep and not the ones that you are told are good. There are many bends in a machine and the one that you do not keep are sometimes the ones that others like. It is always a matter of taste.
Arron
-
cheers circuit benders (great site btw)! we'll see. i found an interesting led calculator online if anyone is interested: http://led.linear1.org/led.wiz
very cool.
what is the 'source voltage' on a speak and math? noob ? i know
-
If memory serves correctly theres a voltage source of just above 4 volts that turns on and off with the machine that can be found on pin 10 or 11 of the expansion slot connector if you just want an on/off LED. I can't remember for sure though, this is where you need a multimeter.
Theres also a couple of connections where you can add LED's that glow with the output level but i can't really describe where they are without a diagram with some kind of chip & pin labelling
-
You can find those connections pretty readily just poking around with an LED, as I recall.
-
5-6 led's would be ideal yes. i would be going for, from what i think you guys call it, an led envelope (lights and dims with the s&m's output) with green led's mcd @ 10000. still don't know the difference between 'series' wiring and 'parallel'. *shrugs* also trying to discover my own diy bends, as scat called it 'rolling your own'. :D thanks all for your help
-
HYey I heve question is coleco talking teacher ant good for circuit bend? just needing to know as if not then i am sell it to scrap shop
-
Can you please try posting in the right threads? I have asked you to stop making off topic posts before.
This thread is about the Speak&maths, its really not the right place to ask if the talking teacher is good for bending. Do a search on google or even on this forum and if you still can't find anything then start a new thread. If you had actually tried searching before posting here you would have found loads of information on the talking teacher.
-
i have found that using a diagram to get a gist of what is there helps you find what you are looking for, as for S-CAT he does great work that rings in cash on eBay. and i agrees with rolling your own!
on the speak series you have little room to mount all the controls for the multiple body contacts, loops, and glitches. Ive come up with a great idea that adds some real estate...
use plexi-glass to cover up the hole in the handle, mount it snug and now you have a panel for all your switches and pots, this was you can keep it together without stressing about space on the sides..
thought a few people would like this idea//
also i use old studs i pull out of belts for body contacts. bend the points on the back and solder your lead to this, then hot glue it to your project..
hope this adds some food for thought when your bending the MATH or anything else in the SPEAK series
feel free to email me or add me on facebook!!!
scabbed_eyewa@hotmail.com
-
or like this:
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rScBRKlTdoE/TE23oQ75AzI/AAAAAAABUNk/3up8b-Qg5iI/s400/%21Byzp2ZgCGk~%24%28KGrHqV,%21jMEw49Y4ppkBMTOno52kw~~_12.JPG)
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rScBRKlTdoE/TF96tQOrBSI/AAAAAAABX6c/_1rgwvp4zRc/s400/4873017944_dd2a423ac6_z.jpg)
Any reason why you have a yellow bit there or is something going odd with the forum code?
-
yeah i saw that on a few speaks after i did the plexi mod.. basically all you have to do is cut the plexi and then use screw bolts to secure it. this one shown is pretty sweet, but looks like a lot of work and more expensive, yet the project box keeps it all enclosed and adds a bit more space..
i was going to play with the text colors. then thought that was lame, everything is working good :)
-
Hey folks - I've noticed in a bunch of photos of peoples speak n ___ that they've put knobs, etc along the bottom where the 'C' batteries are. Has anyone here done this? I understand the concept, but I'm at a loss for figuring out a really decent layout to get some more real estate in there. Can I use 4 'AA' batteries?? Is that a dumb question? Photos appreciated! (hmmm.. I was just thinking that maybe they just use the DC power source instead of batteries, but maybe I'm wrong)
It definitely makes replacing batteries a bigger hassle to do all this but I don't have any breakout boxes on hand and I really want to finish this up so I can get to playing around with it!
adam.
-
Use a power supply if you want, it'll be fine and probably a bit more stable. The only reason i never use the battery space to mount controls it because i'm invariably modding these for other people and some people prefer to use batteries. If you'll only ever be using a power supply then it doesn't matter.
-
so no one is re-configuring the battery space inside then?
-
If you mean adapting the S&S to take a different sized battery to free up space but still use batteries, I've not seen it done (I don't think). Most of the mods that use the battery compartment for components seem to be powered by external power supplies and if you look at some of the vids on Youtube you can often see the power cable plugged in. Having said that, there is this one of Casper's and I don't know what that blue thing is to the right of the 555 chip? Anyone? Have I just totally contradicted myself? ::)
(http://dl.dropbox.com/u/4928941/grillo_04.jpg)
-
Although one reason to leave the battery compartments alone on Spell's and Read's of course is so you can use the vocabulary expansion modules that slot in via the battery compartment. The ET one for the Spell is pretty cool. :)