Racks filled for testing..

This is set for testing out some of the modules for forthcoming BugModular systems. While it wouldn't be a very suitable actual system (because it focuses on only a few module designs) the process of testing each module is great fun and very immersive.

13 LPGs, 12 DC Mixers, 9 VCOs, 8 Audio Mixers, 7 RingMods, 6 LFOs, 5 PTDelays, 2 envelopes and 1 SV Filter (yes, there are a few new bits within there).

Bug Cake

BEST THING EVER!
(Carrot cake - received 14th Feb, naturally)

Things that slip through the net...

I am constantly coming across things (tracks / designs / projects) that never really got documented or showcased properly (and, yes, I'm aware that I still haven't completed the transfer docs from my old site to the new one!). So here's a couple of things:

Interview with Tom Bugs in TapeOpBonuses - we did this interview early in 2008 and its amazing how much things have changed even since then.

3 short films for BBC Real Life Stories with music by Tom Bugs and directed by Esther May Campbell - On Ice // For Mum // In the Dark

I also helped with Esther's latest short film September which recently won a BAFTA for Best Short Film. Check this great little YouTube chop-up too. [If you're about in Bristol, there's a free celebratory party at the Cube on Weds night - 18th Feb - free! Inc. screening of the film]

System Configurations

(click to enlarge images)
System Configuration Ideas
Here are some ideas on how BugModular systems may be put together - there's plenty of scope..
For more discussion, visit the new BugForum (hosted by MuffWiggler)

1. Single Rack Bug1
   CTL1 // ENV1 // 2 x SYN2A // PRC2 // DD2 //DD1 // PRC1 // UTL2
   
2. Single Rack RQuirk1
   CTL1 // ENV1 // SYN2A // SYN1 // DD2 // DD1 //PRC1 // UTL2
   
3. Two Rack Bug Jan09
   Top Row: ENV1 // DD2 // SYN1 // 3 x SYN2A // PRC2 // DD2 // DD1 // UTL1
   Bottom Row: 2 x CTL1 // ENV1 // DD1 // 2 x PRC1 // UTL2
   
4. Drone Machine
   Input //[Blank]// 3 x VCO //[Blank]// SV Filter // Invert // RingMod // Delay // Out Mix
   
5. D/A/A/D setup
   CTL1 // 2 x ENV1 // DD2 // 2 x SYN2A // DD1 // PRC1 // UTL2
   

New Website / New Modular / New Weevil

Time for some big shifts!

I've been hinting at behind-the-scenes work for the last few months and can finally reveal all.
There's been a complete website overhaul: www.bugbrand.co.uk
I have announced the new BugBrand Modular system
& the BoardWeevil is now creeping into production

***
Website - big thanks go to Both Design for a really excellent service! Nick Burning Origami has taken the open-source ZenCart system and customised it in a wonderful way.
This is a great step on from the old website (which I made myself) - much more integration and power! There's still quite a lot of info to port across from the old site, so keep checking over the coming weeks (and let me know if there's anything in particular that you'd like to see returned)
***
BugBrand Modular - this is, no word of a lie, super-damn-exciting!
Something like 6 months in development (which is actually pretty quick) to reach a good starting point covering full systems and a nice range of modules (there WILL be more soon too).
I'm not going to be making many systems at this early stage, but several modules will be coming out in 1/8" Frac format (compared with my standard 4mm banana Fracs)
I wouldn't have been able to do this without the help my small team of testers provided - I extend great thanks to them all!
Top bananas were: Mike MuffWiggler, Richard Quirk and Girilal Baars
1/8" testers were: E.Hurlburt and H.Munz
I've just put up some new YouTube demos and there's a section of audio files on the web too.
****
Board Weevil - the 1st batch is now out at a reduced price (limited quantities) just to use up my initial stash of PCBs. Within the next couple of weeks I'll be releasing the proper production version with changes to the screen-print (made lighter) and a few minor layout tweaks (more space around the dials). I hope to keep these in regular stock through the year!
****
Enjoy 2009!

PSU

Alongside the new rack is a custom designed Power Supply Unit (PSU) for modular systems.

This is a stable +/-15v supply (using LM317/337) capable of max. 500mA per side and pre-configurable for 220-240v or 110-120v operation. Housed within a strong steel enclosure with standard fused & switched IEC mains inlet, two 3-pin locking power outputs (to modular racks), LED indicators and 4mm common ground link.

The design is finished off with a 0.125" steel top including ventilation and integrated rubber feet.

More details of system usage coming soon!

Empty Rack Case

A tease?

Further details added 3rd Jan 09:::

This is a new FrackRack case that I have designed and had fabricated locally in Bristol.

The design has several strengths including:

• space for eleven frac-widths -> little space wasted in rack-ears
• modules fixed with M3 bolts + integrated captive nuts for strength yet easy removal
  
• detachable rack-ears leaving a 16.6" wide 'box' which can easily be grouped into larger systems
• integrated power bus bar with 12 x 0.1" power headers and 10 x 0.156"
• sturdy 3-pin locking power entry on rear-panel
• only 4" deep! Very compact (though unsuitable for many deeper frac modules...)
• extremely rugged -> made of 0.05" black painted steel + 0.125" for rack-ears
• overall dimensions without rack ears -> 16.6" wide, 5.25" tall (3-u), 4" deep

These further pictures show some close-ups without the rack ears attached.
More details as to (my) usage and availability coming soon!