Introducing the Klee Sequencer

I've been asked to beta-test this amazing new analogue sequencer DIY project. Its called the Klee (pronounced clay) Sequencer and is designed by the great Scott Stites.

Its a very large undertaking! But a good chance to try out some new techniques, especially in the making of the frontpanel. Here are initial pics of the panel layout and the panel under construction. The slider slits were the main worry but have turned out well - these were CNC'd, milling off 0.25mm from the 3mm thick panel with every pass. A good few hours of intricate work, but that's a splash in the ocean for this project!

There's still a lot of work to do (plenty of wiring!) and I'll update pics as things progress.
The project began on the electro-music.com Synth DIY forum and there are several threads running which have further details about it:
Original thread - details of the evolution of the in
Thread two - more about the finalised KleeSeq project and the PCB project
There's also a page on Scott's site (here) which gives some details about the features / operation.

Two new BugBrand devices

Two updated box-lines have just been released.

PostcardWeevil07 - adding in a further oscillator, a second ringmod stage and a mini-jack output... Tri-Osc Ring-Mod Porta-Synth!
Details and sounds on the main BugBrand site
Note - the initial batch of 8 sold out very quickly - I'm working to re-stock the shop later this week...

BabyBugCrusher9volt - desk & stomp versions
Building a batch of 15 is quite a mission! Most of these have been taken now..
Again, more details and sounds on the BugSite

Solar Weevils - prototyping

Here're some initial details of my new Solar Weevil project which is kindly supported by Middlesex University Teaching Resources (MUTR) - they're a really interesting shop selling lots of different materials / components - mainly focused on supplying education establishments, but also with some great bits for DIY tinkerers. They're supplying me with the solar panels (4.5v 100mA) and super capacitors (10F, 2.5v). Super capacitors are really interesting and I'll discuss their uses in more detail at a later date - here they're being used as little rechargeable batteries.

This is the other thread of solar work along with the modular stuff. What I've tried to do is make a system that stores energy during the day and then, using simple light sensors and transistor switches, switches a little Weevil synth circuit on when dusk arrives. As the light fails and the stored power is drained, the Weevil sounds move through different territories until starved of power.

These will be built in multiples and then hung from bushes at the Offload Festival - when dusk comes the swarms will burst into an evening chorus!

More details over the next few months!

Solar Power Modular

I've been building up to this for a while -- the modular has been running off battery power for a few months and now the final pieces are complete for the full solar powered portable system (well, the frame at least -- the modules will always be changing!)

This new frame (built to size to fit within Easyjet's musical instrument carry-on luggage sizes!) holds a whopping 52 frac-module widths and houses two large (12v 1amp) solar panels in its lid. These hook up to rechargeable SLA batteries (via auto-charge controllers) and then power the modular frame.

Debut performance -> Goldmund Festival - late night, by a lake, extended techno wobble set!

New BabyBugCrusher 9vol

Announcing the new version BabyBugCrusher - now running off 9v power and with improved features.

The BugCrush circuitry has undergone a complete redesign over the last month. Out has gone the old synth-style bipolar supply (complex) to be replaced by simple 9v battery / DC plug power. And in the process I've added clean/dirty input boosting and a tone control that goes from mud to ripping.

This prototype is the new desktop version (though the final layout may change a little) and there will also be a stomp box version.

Production should begin mid August...
(but I can't say for sure!)

Bug Badges

Thanks to Made By Milla for doing a new batch of smart-assed Bug Badges.

Now available with other orders from the BugShop

Dazed Bugs / Confused Bugs

There's a full page bug interview feature in this month's Dazed & Confused mag. Go visit your local news-stand.

No plans to replace my currently a-bit-too-hippy hair with an asymmetric style cut, though..

The pics come from Arun Productions as blogged a while back