I bought this module kit from Mammouth Boutique before the shop closed. So it's been a while.
I finally put some time into it at the end of 2022 to start building it.
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| Finished Avalanche |
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| The kit |
Avalanche is a rather imposing module with 42 HP (21 cm long). It consists of 8 oscillators with a filter, an envelope generator, an internal clock, a sample&hold and an effect processor. The latter is based on an FV-1 SMD chip and is pre-soldered onto the board.
It's semi-modular, so you don't need any cable to produce a sound. But you can take advantage of the random generator or the envelope to play with the pitch or the cut-off frequency of the filter.
The kit is flawless like the previous ones from Mammouth Boutique.
There is a single PCB with the electronics on one side and the numerous controls on the other. The black front panel is very classy although a little cryptic.
Since I assembled it after closing the shop and the website, I had no way to download the assembly manual. I had recourse to the designer who kindly answered me. Considering the complexity of the kit, I couldn't see myself starting the assembly without the electrical diagram in case of a problem. The future will show that I did the right thing.
The construction is done without any particular problem.
As usual, slowly, methodically, in small sessions. The parts are well distributed in the various bags. The sorting of resistors, capacitors and transistors required a little attention because of the quantity, but nothing too important.
Fortunately I had the manual. Details like cutting a tab off the 2N4401 or the direction of the switches would have gone over my head. The exact nomenclature of the capacitors was also welcome.
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| A side |
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| B side |
At the first power up, the oscillator LEDs light up correctly. But no sound comes out. From the demo video, I knew that the clock should work. But it doesn't.
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| Crude 5V converter |
So I decided to make the easiest and least efficient voltage converter possible. With the components I had in my drawers and a piece of board, I made a circuit based on the LM7805 voltage regulator. Super inefficient: more than half of the power will be transformed into heat; but ready in less than 30 minutes. Given the low power requirement, I doubt it will heat up enough. The radiator is only there for the principle and the decoration. If you are looking for a serious solution, I suggest this innovative solution from Klavis: NoDrain.
Once this is in place at the bottom of the case, the module lights up cleanly and works the first time. Happy.
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| Alive |
