Friday 13 September 2019

1/n - NLC Build pics

Some build pics as I put together this module.
The 1/n by NonlinearCircuits is a eurorack format module.
It's a clock divider.
Andrew says this circuit is straight out of the Lunetta playbook.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1V9qerry_PsXTZqt_UDx7C-wcuMe_6_gyy6M_MyAgQoA/edit


These pics aren't official ... just my personal notes to help with troubleshooting.
The official build notes are here:
+ Official build notes
Andrew's old blog documents this here:

+ NLC blog

It's wafer thin :-)


 
One of my favourite Monty Python movies

 sOME  pre soldering pics

The 1/n is similar to the divide & conquer module
The main difference, is that you can program your own clock divisions.
You do this by patching.


The NLC 1/n is simply a CMOS 4018 with buffers on all of its inputs and outputs, along with a 4081 to enable further divisions.
The CD4018 is a presettable divide by n counter.
 J1 to J5 on the module refer to JAM 1 to 5 on the IC
CLOCK, RESET, DATA and PRESET are your inputs that enable you to program divisions.
The CD 4018 allows you to divide by 10, 8, 6, 4, or 2..... this is done by feeding Q5, Q4, Q3, Q2, Q1 back into the DATA input.

For interest sake, a CD 4011 should also be able to enable further divisions
Andrew has added a CD4081 to enable further divisions.

A high signal on the RESET will clear the counter to an all zero condition.
A high signal on the PRESET ENABLE input causes the JAM inputs to preset the counter.


i LIKE to put the ICs in first.










jACKS in first.
Line up everything.



tHE shrink wrap is to prevent shorts between the LEDs and jacks.






Nice !

How to use this
The module can be patched to supply a division of the clock signal. 

To do simple clock divisions
 1. patch a gate into CLK (eg a LFO) and select a desired division from the right side column.
    (numbers 4 to 10)... these can be used to trigger external modules ... EGs or drums etc.

To do more complex clock divisions:
1. patch a gate into CLK and select a desired division from the right side column.
    (numbers 4 to 10)
2. patch this into IN. The /4 is pre-patched to the IN jack via internal switching.
3. The 1/n jack is your programmed clock output (the divided clock signal)

Using the JAM & PRE-SET inputs
The J1-J5 (jam) and the PRE EN (preset enable) inputs, enable greater variation in your clock divisions.
1. Patch various signals to J1-J5 (jam)
2. Patch a signal to send PRE EN (preset enable) high.
    This will rest the count to whatever jam inputs are high at the time.
    Something like a Pico RND (erica Synths) or the NLC 2xLFO is good for this.
3. Patch signals into the RESET & IN for even more  interesting patterns

    "This is a good way to develop complex gate patterns but is also very interesting at audio rates too.
     When used at audio rates, the 8 output signals from the right column will all be related
     to each other but different. It is possible to get many interesting effects using this
     module as an audio processor." (NLC build notes)



Links:
+ NLC blog
+ Official build notes
+ CGS 36 - Ken Stone's Pulse divider


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