Sneak Preview – Preliminary Spec

The Bonkulator is a Eurorack module that fits into a 3U x 14HP slot. It features 8 programmable outputs and 6 programmable inputs. The front-panel user controls consist of a 128×64 pixel 2-color OLED display, a rotary encoder for adjusting parameters and a button for each trigger and output.
Pressing and holding the trigger buttons toggle the trigger enable/disable. Pressing the output buttons brings up the configuration menu for each output.
In addition to the front panel controls, the Bonkulator provides WiFi and Terminal interfaces. The WiFi interface is a REST API and the Terminal interface is ANSI X3.64 via the Arduino micro-USB connector. These interfaces greatly extend the usefulness and capabilities of the Bonkulator. Scripting, patch management, dedicated GUIs and even Internet-connected IoT apps are now possible. And using a remote interface means that you no longer have to adjust tiny dials amid a forest of patch cords. This benefit cannot be fully appreciated until it is experienced directly.
Note: this is a preliminary spec and is subject to change.
8 Outputs
- In general, the output value follows a selected shape.
- Shapes can be from the factory list or user defined.
- Factory shapes include ramp-up, ramp-down, sine, haystack and others.
- Shapes can contain from 1 to 128 steps.
- Outputs can be programmed to be one of the following.
- Envelope
- +/- 5V analog signal
- Output value follows the selected shape
- Pulses
- Pulse width follows shape
- #-of-pulses can be set from 1 to 999
- High and low values can be set from +/-5V
- Toggle
- Toggles at end of period of selected output
- High and low values can be set from +/-5V
- Envelope
- Outputs can be programmed to be triggered or clocked by any of the trigger inputs.
- Outputs can be triggered by multiple triggers.
- Initial delay after trigger is programmable from 0 to 99999 ms.
- Blanking period after trigger is programmable from 0 to 99999 ms.
- Outputs can be scaled by UI setting or by CV input.
- Outputs can be offset by UI setting or by CV input.
- Output period can be set via UI or by CV input.
- Output repetitions can be set from 1 to 65,535.
- Output quantization can be enabled or disabled.
- Output can be randomized from 0-99%.
- Outputs have LED level indicators
4 Trigger/Clock Inputs
- Triggers activate output functions.
- When Output is set to Ext Clk mode, trigger inputs increment the shape step.
- The trigger inputs respond to a positive-going signal or a button press.
- Each trigger can be independently enabled or disabled.
- An LED indicates when any attached output is active. This LED will also flash in a distinctive pattern to indicate when the trigger is disabled.
2 CV Inputs
- +/-5V input range.
- CV inputs can control many of the output parameters.
- LED level indicators.
Applications
- Envelope generator
- Rhythm generator
- Pulse stretcher/multiplier
- Sample and Hold
- LFO
- Sequencer
- Quantizer
- Randomizer
- and moreā¦
Will this be a kit, or pcb plus panel?
What will it cost?
I plan to do this in stages. At first it will be totally DIY with all the files needed to build on Github. Next would be to offer board/panel on a site like Tindie. Possibly a full kit option. And maybe someday we can offer fully assembled and tested units.
Currently JLCPCB is making 2 boards with all components on the bottom side (except 3 SMT ICs) installed. I bought the missing ICs from Digi-key. The total looks to be around $225 US for the two.
It will be a while before the Bonkulator is available. I haven’t started on the code yet. But, you should check out the Spankulator. It is available now and has many of the same features. Plus it has a fully-developed Web interface.
Thanks for checking in!