Yet another reason why Japan is awesome…
September 14th, 2008This just in, the Japanese magazine 大人の科学 (Otona no Kagaku, meaning Science for Adults) attached to the magazine, not just a PCB, but a complete synthesizer kit, including a front panel. The synth, Gakken Analog Synthesizer SX-150, is a simple stylophone-like thing with a resonant filter (With only an on/off resonance setting 
) an envelope and and an LFO.
Sometimes magazines will give you a PCB. A couple of years ago, for example, the Swedish computer magazine Datormagazin attached a PCB where you would solder 8 or 16 LEDs onto in an arc shape, resembling a speed meter. The whole thing would be controlled with a PIC chip via the serial port. The electronic magazine Elektor frequently attach a PCB’s for simple projects too.
But here we have a somewhat complete DIY synthesizer kit, that just begs to be modded. The reason why Otona no Kagaku is doing this in the first place is because they are doing a synthesizer chronicle special issue. This is issue is a it more expensive than a usual magazine, priced at 3360 Yen (Abut US$30) It may be ordered online from their homepage but sadly enough only inside Japan.
Below is a video made by MakeZine. I’m noticing two things:
1) It sounds really durty and groovy.
2) The guy who made the video is called Collin Cunningham. I wonder if he’s related to Chris Cunningham. You know, the guy who directed the videos for all time classics like Come to Daddy and Windowlicker.
SX-150 button mod from Collin Cunningham on Vimeo.
Through Trash_Audio and MakeZine.
Another reason why Japan is awesome: The Automatic Mario Music Video!
RGBDS development taken up by Lai
September 4th, 2008The development of RGBDS, Redneck GameBoy Development System has been taken up by someone called Lai. In his version he has added the features that are available in the latest official RGBDS version (For which there’s no source code available) It’s also possible to add aligned sections and use a sort of sections called “contained” sections. The documentation has been updated to reflect his changes.
He’s also willing to implement new features, so if you have a suggestion, don’t hesitate to leave a comment.
Download: Source Code
I might make a binary distribution available when I come backfrom my vacation. (In about one week)
Two new blogs
September 4th, 2008
Here are two new blogs I’d like to recommend.
1) Veqtor’s blog. This is the blog of Veqtor, founder of his and my common project OXO Unlimited. It’s a blog about IDM and his quest to build a modular synthesizer. I’m making an appearance in the second post where I’m helping him build a Steiner filter and a passive ring modulator. 
2) Boorch’s DIY & Circuit Bending Garbage. (Also see his Youtube channel) Based in Istanbul, Burç Tuncer is one of the few Turkish people into lo-fi culture. (Or maybe I’ve just looked in the wrong places?) I’ve been watching him for a while, he’s been involved in a number of band projects, and I think he’s has a bright future awaiting him.
Oh, and a shout out to GammaGoblin. Thanks for the comment. Moar posts will hopefully come soon.
