Saturday, 17 May 2025

Basilisk - wirehead - build notes - part 2

Part 2 of my Wirehead Basilisk build.
This is a bass line synth from Western Australia.
part 1 on my build is here:

I saw a cool video by Mylar the other day on this synth.

back to the build.

I like to align the faceplate with the pcb using the spacers provided.

Audio sockets and power socket next.

This is the rear of the display


align it with the front panel ... I'm keeping the plastic cover n it for now. ... it sits on top of the face plate.

switch & some pots ... just to check the panel alignment


The caps need to sit flat to allow enough room for the LED display.


Almost there.

insert the adruino


final 4 pots
don't insert any IC till after you have tested for shorts ... see the build manual.


Once this is all done plug it in . The synth runs on either USB power or DC 9V 




ACO - Theremin and beyond - Carolina Eyck

 I saw this concert last week and was blown away. 
The Australian Chamber Orchestra is my favourite orchestra



It got me thinking all about the technology which is over100 years old.
It was invented by Léon Theremin (born Lev Sergeyevich Termen), a Russian physicist and inventor in 1920.
It was never meant to be a musical instrument.
Leon was working on proximity sensors for the Soviet government.

The theremin is unique in that it is played without physical contact. It has two metal antennas:
One controls pitch (vertical antenna – right hand).
The other controls volume (horizontal loop – left hand).

The musician moves their hands in the electromagnetic fields surrounding these antennas to control sound.
The human body is acting like a big capacitor sucking energy literally through the air to ground.

It today's world the transmission of energy wirelessly is a obvious application.
You may have wondered how a phone can be charged wirelessly.

Both technologies are based on electromagnetic fields and inductive or capacitive coupling, and both involve the transmission of energy or information without physical contact.


The theremin works by creating electromagnetic fields around its two antennas.
When a player moves their hands near the antennas, it changes the capacitance in the circuit.
This alters the frequency of an oscillator, which is converted into an audible sound.

Wireless charging (like Qi chargers or inductive pads) uses electromagnetic induction to transfer energy between two coils:
A transmitting coil in the charger creates a magnetic field.
A receiving coil in the device picks up that field and converts it into electricity.

Carolina Eyck used a D-Lev theremin at the performance I attended in Wollongong.
She began the performance using a Moog Etherwave Pro theremin but mid way technical issues forced
her to swap to the D-lev.





I had never heard about this model.
It turns out that it's bespoke and the schematics are on the net.


The D-lev was designed by Eric Wallin

Tuesday, 13 May 2025

Cortados/Gibraltar's/Piccolos - Glass and cup sizes

 In the coffee world glass sizes and cups vary alot, esp in different parts of the world.

These are some of the most common:

Piccolo

A piccolo glass typically holds 3-4 ounces (85-114 ml) of liquid. This small size is designed to hold a single shot of espresso with a small amount of steamed and stretched milk, often with a light layer of microfoam on top. It is smaller than other common coffee sizes like lattes or flat whites. 

To the left is a pic of a Duralex Picardie 3oz/90ml Glass.
The wide rim to helps making latte art, but the duralex glass isn't good at holding in heat. Industrial looking ... crystal its not! But I like that.

Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Piccolo Latte: The term "piccolo" itself means "small" in Italian, and a piccolo latte is a small, espresso-based drink. 
Size: The 3-4 ounce (85-114ml) size is standard for piccolos. 
Ingredients: A piccolo latte consists of a single shot of espresso and steamed milk. 
Texture: It has a light layer of microfoam on top, giving it a velvety texture. 

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Cortado

A cortado glass is typically around 4.5 ounces (133ml) in size. 
The example below is Vero cortado glass 4.25oz/125ml

Some variations exist, with some serving it in slightly smaller 4 oz (120ml) glasses, especially for competitions or to highlight the sweetness of the coffee.

The cortado is larger in volume than a macchiato, and smaller than a cappuccino. The VERO glass has exaggerated facets for a modern appearance and comfortable hold.

 The key characteristic is that it's a small glass, designed to hold a 1:1 ratio of espresso to steamed milk. 


This is a Libbey/Onis LB15248 Gibraltar - Rocks.
Its 133ml. 
This company has been around since 1818.
I adore this cup. It looks classy.
Lovely thick base ... great heat retention.








--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gibraltar
A Gibraltar glass, specifically a Libbey Gibraltar Rocks Glass, is typically around 8-10 ounces (237-296ml). 
The one I like the most is mid-way in size ... the Libbey Onis Gibraltar Tall rocks LB15231. 
Its 266ml


These glasses are designed with a short, wide shape, making them suitable for serving spirits neat or on the rocks, as well as classic cocktails.  Great thermal properties. thick base.

Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Capacity:
The most common size is 8 ounces (237ml), but they can also be found in 7 ounces (207ml) and 10 ounces (296ml). 
Dimensions:
While the exact dimensions can vary slightly between manufacturers, they are generally around 9cm (3.5 inches) in height and 8.6cm (3.4 inches) in diameter. 
Shape:
They are characterized by their short, wide shape, resembling a tumbler. 

---------------------------------

Some of my other glasses :
A standard 60ml/2oz espresso cup. 
lovely mouth feel. Thick porcelain.
Excellent heat retention.

Too small for latte art.








Almost 90ml/3oz
Piccolo size.

The hardest one for latte art.







This is 145ml.. just shy of 5oz
Slightly larger than Cortado size 
Narrow rim , so its harder to pour latte art.









235ml... just shy of 8oz
Gibraltar size... almost.











This is a Decent Espresso Tipsy ceramic cup.
I love their asymmetry. 
Designed so you can smell your coffee while you taste.
They come in 3 sizes:
Little Tipsy: 90ml/3oz
Tipsy Latte : 180ml/6oz
More Tipsy Latte : 250ml/8.5oz

The last two cups are aimed at milk based drinks. Makes latte art easier and the thin walls (walls are heat sinks) allow you to get away with using cooler (and sweeter) milk .


This is a Sensory Asymmetry Cup from Origami
The cup's rim thickness changes the way you feel the flavor depending on where you sip the coffee. 

Flavor and acidity are more easily felt at the thin rim, while body and texture come through more clearly when you drink from the thicker rim.





This is another version of a cup with an asymmetrical lip.
Suzhi Cerc.  its 75ml (piccolo size)













---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coffee index. Click here :



Saturday, 10 May 2025

Basilisk - wirehead - build notes

These are my build notes for the Basilisk baseline synthesizer.
Wirehead come from Western Australia.
Here is the official website:

Links


It's described as analog hybrid. It has dual digital oscillators with a 12dB MS20 style filter (with overdrive).
There is a built in 1-16 step generative synthesizer. 



I purchased the kit from Tindie


A basilisk is a legendary reptile, often depicted as a serpent or serpent-like creature, 
known for its deadly gaze or venom. In European folklore, the basilisk is a fearsome beast, 
sometimes described as a "serpent king" or a "little king". 
It's also associated with the ability to kill or petrify with a glance. The name "basilisk" comes from 
the Greek word for "little king". 








The kit can with all components ... looks like a easy build.




IC sockets first



resistors & diodes, caps



Next .. the resistor array
Some info about arrays:

470ohms & 100k resistor array 

These have polarity. look for the white dot.


A 471J resistor has a resistance value of 470 ohms with a tolerance of ±5%. The letter "J" in the designation indicates a 5% tolerance. This means the actual resistance can vary from 470 ohms by up to 5%, resulting in a range of 446.5 ohms to 493.5 ohms. 

lm336 voltage regulator


to be continued....


Tuesday, 6 May 2025

80C dark roast espresso profile - 80s profile

An 80-degree espresso profile refers to a brewing technique where
the espresso machine's water temperature is set to 80°C (176°F) or lower. 
This method, sometimes called the "80s profile," is particularly useful for 
reducing harshness and bitterness in darker roasts.

This is primarily a lever profile. 
This is especially suited for old Italian lever machines like my 1990's spring driven Elektra micro casa.
The group on this beast has such a large thermal mass that
 it rarely gets to over 85C.
It loves dark roasted beans but they must be very fresh.

Lower temperatures help minimize the bitter, burnt, and acrid flavors often associated with dark roasts.
By staying below certain temperature thresholds, certain unpleasant acids are not extracted, leading to a less acidic and more mellow flavor profile.
Lower temperatures can reduce the perception of bitterness in the final espresso.





Recipe 1:
18g in 36g out (on a "standard 58mm" puck machine)
25 secs
Fine grind.
The finer grind helps reduce the flow rate. ... this helps to give more thickness and body to
the final cup.

Recipe 2:
The Elektra I have has a small basket that only comfortably holds 14g, 
so I aim to get 28g out in about 20 secs.
The other characteristic of the Elektra is the narrow basket. It's 49mm.
This I think, reduces the flow rate giving a thicker tasting espresso when compared to my other machines.

The shot starts at 80 degrees C and decreases in temp as the shot progresses.


There is no preinfusion
It rises gradually to I think 7.5 bar in the first 5 secs, then drops slowly to about 2bar.
It stays at 2 bar till the end of the shot.

A variation I like to try is a 1:1 ratio .. and under 20 secs .... a lot like espresso is drunk in Italy.

Characteristics:
Textured and Round: The resulting espresso tends to have a smoother, rounder mouthfeel.
Lower Acidity: The lower temperature extraction leads to a less acidic cup.
Reduced Intensity: Expect less crema and a less intense flavor compared to higher temperature brewing.
Potential for Dullness: While the reduced acidity can be desirable, some may find the flavor profile to be less vibrant or even dull 


Monday, 5 May 2025

1Zpresso ZP6 grinder

 The 1Zpresso ZP6 Special is a manual hand grinder designed specifically for filter coffee, 
particularly pour-over methods.
 

It features a unique 48mm six-sided stainless steel burr set that minimizes fines and produces clean, consistent, and flavour-rich cups by focusing on larger particle distribution. 

It boasts 90 precise external grind settings for accurate adjustments, a collapsing handle for portability, a screw-on catch cup, and a simple tool-free design for easy cleaning.






Key Features

Burr Design:
The grinder uses a 48mm six-sided stainless steel burr set with a unique design that significantly reduces the number of fine particles, resulting in cleaner, more balanced brews with higher flavor clarity and less bitterness. 














Grind Adjustments:

It features an external adjustment dial with 90 distinct clicks, allowing for precise and repeatable grind size settings, which is beneficial for dialing in pour-over recipes. 

Focus on Filter Coffee:
The ZP6 is engineered for filter coffee and is not ideal for espresso, due to its burr design. 






This is what the grind looks like on a 5.5 setting

















User-Friendly Design:
It incorporates user-friendly features like a collapsible handle, a screw-on catch cup, and a design that allows for tool-free disassembly for cleaning. 

Materials:
Constructed with a combination of aluminum, stainless steel, and a wooden knob, the grinder offers durability and a quality feel. 


Portability:
The folding handle makes it easy to pack and transport, a convenient feature for coffee enthusiasts on the go. 
Performance
High Clarity:
The ZP6 Special is known for producing exceptionally clean and crisp coffee with high clarity, allowing for a more distinct separation of flavors. 

Consistency:
The specialized burrs and stable three-bearing system contribute to a more uniform grind, leading to consistent results with each brew. 

Improved Extraction:
It helps to achieve higher extractions with a faster drawdown time while maintaining cup quality. 

Considerations

Not for Espresso:
While it can grind fine enough for some immersion brew methods like Aeropress, the ZP6 is not designed or recommended for espresso. 

Taste Profile:
The emphasis on clarity means the resulting coffee will have less body and a more distinct flavor profile, which may not be preferred by everyone



These are what the ZP6 burrs look like

very large prebreakers








-----------------------


My grind setting chart

700 - 1200 microns for pour-over









1zPresso suggest 410-930 microns.
It comes down to your taste preference.















The Lazy persons pour-over recipe


V60 Recipe: 
20g of coffee to 320g water at 92C.
This is the standard 1:16 ratio.
Grind size 1ZPRESSO ZP6 at 5.5 (rough estimate - K-ultra 9.2, K-max 8.5, Comandante 29)
0:00 - add 60g of water ---   60
0:30 - add 60g of water ----- 120
1:00 - add 200g of water (320g total) ------ 320
Total brew time around 2:20 min





I like metal filters ... all that paper is bad for the environment.

Quick and easy method
If I'm in a hurry I use a single pour method. 
I use this at work a lot.
Stick with the 1:16 ratio 
This works with just 10g to make a single average cup size.
(10g in =160g out, 92C)



1. Just wet the grounds till it blooms.
    (Use just a little water ... 15 to 20g usually)
2. wait 30 to 45 secs
3. Pour the rest of the water till you
    reach your target.
    This last pour needs to be slow and continuous.

If the pour takes a lot less time than usual, adjust your grind setting.
You can also give the V60 a swirl ... this aggregates the fines so they collect at the bottom to slow down the draw time. The metal filter mesh has never so far let any fines through. I like it a lot.

-----------------
aeropress method  (lance H)