Andromeda MK-1

Mk-1 assembly guide v2 (green board)

Mk-1 assembly guide v3 (blue board)

 parts identification guide

paper enclosure

Description

This was designed as an experiment of making the most minimal drum machine possible using analog circuitry.  Beyond that goal, the design also includes a new feature, IR Sync, which allows a group of these units to all synchronize together and play at the same tempo automatically.  Although the sound of one Andromeda Mk machine alone is simple, a group of them together can play more complex rhythms.  The complexity of the patterns is multiplied with each additional unit that is added to the network.  A maximum of 12 units can be connected in a chain.

The Andromeda Mk-1 analog drum machine has a minimal sequencer with sixteen preset patterns, selectable by the red switch block.  The pushbutton restarts the patterns.  This feature allows you to shift the timing of the rhythm when synchronized with other Andromeda Space Rockers instruments.

The sound of the Mk-1 is from a pair of damped sine wave oscillators, which are triggered simultaneously.  The oscillators are reffered to as “X” and “Y”.  Their pitch is controlled by the photocells AND the capacitors labeled X1,X2 and Y1,Y2.  The capacitors control the overall range of pitches that it can play.  Larger value capacitors here make lower pitches.

The square grid of holes is called the Personality Center.  You can use it to add additonal circuitry to your Mk-1 to change its character.  I will publish the Personality Center mods as soon as I get a chance.

Compatibile with:

• Andromeda Mk-2 filtered noise burst
  
• Andromeda Mk-3 synth pulse (to be released soon)
• Andromeda Mk-4 resonant bass drum
• The 4MS Pedals Autonomous Bassline Generator
• MIDI-IR sync converter by Wooster Audio.  This kit lets you synchronize your Andromeda Space Rockers with a computer sequencer software, or a hardware sequencer.  It has two sync outputs that can be set to different rhythm intervals, and a “burst” button that plays interesting fills, swing patterns, and syncopations.

Important Notes for V2 kits (green circuit board)

There is one 1N914 diode the kit.  An 1N914 diode looks like a small red glass cylinder with a black stripe on one end.  This photo shows the location of the diode on the board.  Make sure the striped end of the diode matches the printed stripe on the board.

The assembly guide doesn’t mention this - there is an important jumper you have to add for the unit to work.    Look at this photo to see where it goes.  It goes across two of the spots where the jack is attached.  You can use any small piece of uninsulated wire.  I use one of the legs of the components that were trimmed off during assembly.   You can add this jumper as the last step.  The purpose of this jumper is to connect the battery to the jack; thats because the “v2″ PCB was designed for slightly different jacks than are included in the kit.