preenfm Forum
PreenFM => preenfm2 and preenfm3 => Topic started by: served on January 04, 2019, 03:14:39 PM
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Hello,
I am starting this thread to give more information about the PreenFM Eurorack implementation.
We have now finished the case design.
Beta panel looked like this but had some mounting issues etc. So we had to make a change.
(http://vandaal-electronics.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/20180525_151653min.jpg)
Current and the latest revision.
(http://vandaal-electronics.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/20180829_130557-1024x768min.jpg)
Unit has total of 5 different PCBs. So its a bit complex build but it can be DIY kitted and assembled with good instructions.
(http://vandaal-electronics.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/20180829_131423-1024x794.jpg)
CV1 is routed to GATE and it triggers a note.
Gate input is limited to 3V pulse. So it is only capable to trigger something like Gate but also it can be mapped to the matrix.
CV2 is routed to V/Oct input. It is designed to get 0V to 10V input. 1V is one octave. PreenFM is using only 8 octaves on that input.
CV3 and CV4 are similar -5V to +5V.
All the inputs are buffered and voltage protected. meaning that they can take anything coming from Eurorack system.
CV1-4 inputs can be mapped to matrix parameters.
Options:
None;
Gate;
IM1; IM2; IM3; IM4; IM*
Mix1; Pan1; Mix2; Pan2; Mix3; Pan3; Mix4; Pan4; Mix*; Pan*;
o1Fq; o2Fq; o3Fq; o4Fq; o5Fq; o6Fq; o*Fq; o*Fh
Att1; Att2; Att3; Att4; Att5; Att6; AttC; AttM;
DecC; DecM; RelC; RelM
mx01; mx02; mx03; mx04
l1Fq; l2Fq; l3Fq;
e2si; s1ga; s2ga;
Fltr
PSU section.
Takes a normal Eurorack +/-12V power and +5V. There is an onboard 5V regulator if your eurorack system doesnt have a 5V rail.
You can choose to use that regulator by connecting a jumper to "Reg." position. Or to "Bus" if you have a 5V bus.
(http://vandaal-electronics.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Bus1-1024x527.jpg)
On the Audio outputs there is an option to use a stereo cable by having a jumper installed to RIGHT-LEFT link pins.
Then Stereo output is LEFT channel out.
USB power has 5V supply cut to escape various powering issues.
31HP in width.
Total 400mA current draw, using +5V; +12V; -12V; bus.
V/Octave calibration process:
Menu > Tools > Set > to adjust v/oct (first 3 encoders change the parameter, last 4th encoder changes the value)
You need to adjust CV A(33) (midi note 33) and adjust CV A(81) (midi note 81).
This will scale the V/Oct with out the need to adjust each octave one by one.
Example values are: CV A(33) 256 and CV A(81) 735. Each unit has its own values and depend on your voltage generator settings.
I will post some videos in the near future how it performs.
We will start to produce the modules assembled this month.
They will become available here: http://vandaal-electronics.com/product/preenfm-eurorack-module/
Any feedback is welcome and will help with the developement!
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Very excited about this! Built mine in a panel with the CV inputs, but they're not hooked up to anything yet. I need to learn more about voltage scaling first lol. I will definitely watch the videos and read any docs you have when there available! Keep up the good work!
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Tested the PreenFm with Doepfer A-105 filter and it plays really well.
So Preen audio output should be enough for most of the Eurorack modules.
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On request by Matthis I have made a post into ModularGrid database.
PreenFM Module can be found at www.modulargrid.net/e/other-unknown-preenfm
This is just a demo-post to test how it acts. I will fill in the correct information in near future!
Measured Current Draw on each rail.
-12VDC 10mA
+12VDC 20mA
+5VDC 250mA
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First video uploaded.
https://youtu.be/Lq88y8aF-hE
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Yesssss. :D:D:D
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First video uploaded.
https://youtu.be/Lq88y8aF-hE
Cool!!! :D When will it be available for order?
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First video uploaded.
https://youtu.be/Lq88y8aF-hE
Cool!!! :D When will it be available for order?
Few weeks to go! I will post when they are in stock.
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Time schedule:
1) Stock of Assembled Eurorack modules: End of January/Beginning of February
2) Eurorack DIY Full kit and assembly instructions: Around April.
3) DIY kit to build your PreenFM into Eurorack version: Later around April.
4) Semimodular tabletop PreenFM: Around summer period.
Lets hope it all goes faster actually. But thouse times are reachable.
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Started a besic video tutorial series for PreenFM
No audio. Just a task in the topic and deomstration.
As it turns out some people dont know how to load patches and do other stuff.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jc-VuiMIuLI&list=PL238wWrYx5q7TxD_buGOsudcFCfYaRdaE (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jc-VuiMIuLI&list=PL238wWrYx5q7TxD_buGOsudcFCfYaRdaE)
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The Third version will introduce fully functional CV1 CV2 CV3 CV4 with +/-5V CV input.
Switchable CV1 CV2 to 0-10V CV signals.
Digitally Adjustable gate level. Firmware update made by Xavier.
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Will there be an adapter kit for those of us with an already built PFM2? I would love to add this functionality to my PFM2. Is it possible for it to work unracked? Thanks for all of this work btw. Its amazing!
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We are working on this. Its still unclear how it will exatly look like. But electronically such solution has been tested and it works with no issues.
Case design and how to mount it is the next part now.
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Amazing! I can’t wait!! I’ll definitely be grabbing a kit when its ready :) thank you
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We have finished building the Pre-production patch of Eurorack modules.
All the units come with Blue OLED screen.
Also a Black front panel has been introduced and will be an option.
A conflict with fat Eurorack aluminium rails has been discovered.
It involves only some racks that have thicker aluminium rails.
Doepfer and Gie-Tec type rails are fitting nicely.
We will work on to make the unit fit. It introduces some adjustments on the PCB sizes.
It only affects customers with odd rack rails.
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A guide for the jumper arrangement and Power connector.
(http://vandaal-electronics.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/CV_converter_v08.jpg)
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We have realeased a DIY kit to build your existing PreenFM into Eurorack module.
Its a full kit. You will have all the parts you need to do it.
Due to differences in some version some extra steps and parts might be needed to complete the mod.
(http://vandaal-electronics.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/PreenFMDIYEURO.jpg)
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We have realeased a DIY kit to build your existing PreenFM into Eurorack module.
Its a full kit. You will have all the parts you need to do it.
This is awesome news !!! 8)
Thanks Ardi for your work on that, I'll announce that tonight on facebook after i update github with the schema and the official CV firmware.
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Hello
I received a preenfm2 eurorack retrofit diy kit
Do you have a diagram of the electronic board?
For example, i do not know the position of the diodes
Thank you
Best regards
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Pictures from Van Daal web
Thanks to Ardi Mäesalu
Excellent!!
(https://vandaal-electronics.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/CV_converter_v08.jpg)
(https://vandaal-electronics.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MIDI_USB_B.jpg)
D10-D13 are 1N4XXXX
The rest 8 are Schotkey.
So 4 diodes in the PSU section or Upper section of the board are 1N4XXX.
L1 can be replaced with wire. It might need an inductor if you have very noisy 5V supply in your eurorack.
But its not mandatory.
USB + and - should be wired to the PReenFM main board. There is a connector labeled USB 2- 3+.
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Also. Dont forget to do the V/OCt callibration procedure.
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Hello,
I have now also bought the conversion kit and am still very disappointed.
I have the following questions:
Which software version is needed and where can I get it?
Is there a reasonable construction manual for the modification?
What about the IC3 7805? Do I have to solder it in?
Where is the circuit diagram?
I'm really in doubt whether I'm going to do the modification.
The information is nevertheless very daring.
Has a user of the Preem already done the modification?
Greetings Klaus
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What is your disapointment about?
You need to poulate the boards and wire it together and your are ready to go.
I will answer all your questions by email.
Firmware is available on PreenFM Github.
https://github.com/Ixox/preenfm2/releases
Get this file: pfm2_Eurorack_2.09a.zip
The modification has been done by many users.
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Another step on the way.
A dedicated PCB for Semimodular/Eurorack design.
The depth of this module is 3cm. Which makes it Skiff ready.
A special Skiff is in developement. That will allow to use USB to power the system.
(https://vandaal-electronics.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/20190403_115612.jpg)
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What is your disapointment about?
You need to poulate the boards and wire it together and your are ready to go.
I will answer all your questions by email.
Firmware is available on PreenFM Github.
https://github.com/Ixox/preenfm2/releases
Get this file: pfm2_Eurorack_2.09a.zip
The modification has been done by many users.
ok, thanks for your information. I will try to do it.
Klaus
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What is your disapointment about?
You need to poulate the boards and wire it together and your are ready to go.
I will answer all your questions by email.
Firmware is available on PreenFM Github.
https://github.com/Ixox/preenfm2/releases
Get this file: pfm2_Eurorack_2.09a.zip
The modification has been done by many users.
Ok,
have build it.
The firmware version P2_209AO.BIN cannot be used with the rebuild,
the modification is not implemented.
Version P2_209A.BIN has this implementation. So you can't use the overclocked version.
Otherwise the rebuild worked and it would be nice if the version P2_209AO.BIN is supplemented with the CV.
Hope that I'm right.
Greetings
Klaus
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The firmware version P2_209AO.BIN cannot be used with the rebuild,
the modification is not implemented.
Version P2_209A.BIN has this implementation.
Really ? ???
I cannot check this week as i'm far from home.
Can be a mistake when building the zip file.
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The firmware version P2_209AO.BIN cannot be used with the rebuild,
the modification is not implemented.
Version P2_209A.BIN has this implementation.
Really ? ???
I cannot check this week as i'm far from home.
Can be a mistake when building the zip file.
Really(I think so).
My be after Eastern you can fix it.
Klaus
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The firmware version P2_209AO.BIN cannot be used with the rebuild,
the modification is not implemented.
Version P2_209A.BIN has this implementation.
Really ? ???
I cannot check this week as i'm far from home.
Can be a mistake when building the zip file.
Really(I think so).
My be after Eastern you can fix it.
Klaus
I can confirm that they both work and are fully functional with CV ins.
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Very odd.
I just downloaded the file again and installed it: and behold, everything is fine. Somebody should understand that.
Now all I have to do is figure out how to get a preset of a sound by turning it on.
Greetings Klaus
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I am unclear on the polarity of diodes D10 and D11. There is no clear indicator on the PCB or elsewhere online.
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Hello CometBoogers,
I had the same problem. Ardi Mäesalu from Van Daal Electronics had sent me this picture. The circle is the ring on the diode.
Greetings Klaus
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Hello,
The same picture is on the DIY kit shop page.
I will update it next following days with the classical Aroow marking.
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We are now preping for a PreenFM Eurorack DIY kit with the dedicated skiff for standalone use.
(https://vandaal-electronics.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/58382680_2119135028182987_58762024556953600_o-1024x768.jpg)
(https://vandaal-electronics.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/57232095_2119135038182986_2633496675427024896_o-1024x768.jpg)
It will be available beginning of June with instruction manual.
Retrofit kit will also be back in stock in June with instruction manual.
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Xavier, this looks awesome. I’ve been contemplating a Preen for a bit and would love one to be able to interface with my modular. However I waited so long I’m mow a bit short on space!
Will the standalones be sold assembled individually? Or only as a DIY?
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Xavier, this looks awesome. I’ve been contemplating a Preen for a bit and would love one to be able to interface with my modular. However I waited so long I’m mow a bit short on space!
Will the standalones be sold assembled individually? Or only as a DIY?
Thanks but I have nothing to do with this hardware variant. This is the work of Ardi from Van Daal Electronics (https://vandaal-electronics.com/shop) (aka 'served') ;)
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I have the @served Eurorack version, very happy with the build quality. Now I'm trying to interface with other modules...
As I the preen has four CVinputs, I figured I should be able to do 3 note chords
to put it very simple:
matrix
instr 1-2-3: CV1 > gate
instr 1 CV2 > freq*
instr 2 CV3 > freq*
instr 3 CV4 > freq*
but whatever I try:
CV1 (gate) always triggers instrument 4, even if the intrument 4 matrix has no CV mappings at all...
any pointers?
Thanks
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Hi Kaosbeat,
The gate in the modulation matrix is an effect gate. Not a CV gate.
The instrument that the CV1 should trigger is defined in the Menu>Tools>Set>CV inst.
Unfortunately you cannot select multiple instrument now.
But that's a good idea and i keep that in mind.
It should not be too hard to implement.
Xavier
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Ah makes sense!
great if you could keep it in mind :D
--K
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PreenFM DIY kit now shipping.
With instructions!
https://vandaal-electronics.com/product/preenfm-eurorack-module-diy-kit/
(https://vandaal-electronics.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/20190527_112912-1024x711.jpg)
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Ah makes sense!
great if you could keep it in mind :D
In the attached firmare you can chose 12, 123 and 1234 as the "CV instruments" in the settings menu.
MENU > Tools > Set > "CV inst."
Any one to test it ?
Thanks :)
[attachment deleted by admin]
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Hi, I got a ready built preenFM2 Eurorack Module. It works great with MIDI however I cannot trigger a sound with the CV/Gate CV inputs. As described above I am choosing the instrument in the settings. I am on Firmware 2.09. Can anyone point in the right direction?
Thanks, Alexander
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Hi,
It's hard to reply without knowing more what you're doing.
Have you tried turning down the CV Gate in "MENU>Tools>Set>CV GATE %" ?
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This value is at 50%. I did not try to change it. What does 0% or 100% mean? Does it change the way the voltage is read from the CV input?
Otherwise I did not do anything particular. I loaded different sounds from the USB stick which was included. They load fine. With MIDI I can play a sequence with the loaded instrument. If I connect CV and Gate from the same sequencer nothing happens at all. These voltages work on other VCO‘s and EG‘s so no Problem on that side.
I have tried changing in the settings menu CV instrument from 1 to the other three choices, no difference.
Anything else I can try!
Thanks for your help.
Alexander
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"CV gate" is the threshold that triggers a new sound.
The lower it is the more sensitive it is.
If the Gate the preenfm receives is lower than this threshold then no sound is triggered.
Try to turn it down while you send some CV Gates.
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Hello,
Please also see what are the Jumper positions on the back of the unit.
Also make sure you are feeding the correct Gate signals to it.
I will try to make a video how to get things going in the beginning.
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Hi both,
I reduced the threshold and that worked. Now at 20% I get all the notes. Thanks for leading me in the right direction.
What about the jumpers, what do they do that I should consider additionally?
Thanks,
Alexander
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If you look at the back of the unit. You will see 3 jumpers.
2 of them will change the GATE and V/oct levels.
You should change the jumper positions according to your system.
GATE jumper alters the levels 0to +10V or -5V to +5V.
Choose the position according to your GATE signal.
Same with the CV2 which is used as Volt per octave control.
You can also choose 0 to 10V or -5 to +5 region.
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is there a way to make this euro rack level instead of line level?
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Erica synths pico Input module for example.
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Is there a way to boost the signal in software or via firmware?
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FWIW, I pinged Xavier and he kindly sent new the following in response to this:
All the voltage conversion is done by the hardware.
The firmware reads input at the MCU level (0 -> 3.3v).
The output comes from the DAC (0 -> 5v converted to -2.5v -> 2.5v)
As eurorack delivers -12v and 12v, i think it should be easy to amplify the audio output with a op amp in amplifier mode.
I have no plan at all to do that.
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Ofcorse it can be done by boosting the signal by adding a boosting stage to PreenFM eurorack format.
But it can also be done with an extra module like Erica Synth Pico Input.
I will try to work out a solution to add an extra gainstage to it. But in current design its not implemented.
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No more runs of euro-version? I want a second one.. I'll gladly sell off some other voices for an additional preenfm2.
Also if anyone have one and is interested in a trade you can PM me ;)
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No more runs of euro-version? I want a second one.. I'll gladly sell off some other voices for an additional preenfm2.
Also if anyone have one and is interested in a trade you can PM me ;)
I know for sure "Van Daal Electronics" are preparing a new run ;)
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No more runs of euro-version? I want a second one.. I'll gladly sell off some other voices for an additional preenfm2.
Also if anyone have one and is interested in a trade you can PM me ;)
I know for sure "Van Daal Electronics" are preparing a new run ;)
Great to hear :) Thanks!
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Joining this forum today because I am interested in knowing when the VDE eurorack kits become available again.