Bonkulator


The Bonkulator has been discontinued due to parts issues. Look for its replacement, Thor’s Arsenal, coming soon!

Current owners don’t worry! Bonkulator code will be kept up to date. A new release was posted on 11/27/24.

Eight Channels of Waveforms

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 the output buttons brings up the configuration menu for each output. Pressing and holding the Adjust knob brings up the Settings menu.

In addition to the front panel controls, the Bonkulator provides WiFi, Desktop and Terminal interfaces. The WiFi interface is a REST API and the Terminal interface is ANSI X3.64 via the Arduino micro-USB connector. The desktop interface is similar to WiFi except that it connects via USB. 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.

8 Outputs

  • In general, the output level 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 up to 128 steps.
  • Outputs can be either +/- 5V or 0-10V.
  • Outputs can be programmed to be triggered or clocked by any of the trigger inputs.
  • Outputs can be triggered by multiple triggers.
  • 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.
  • Ext Clk mode triggers 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.
  • Three trigger modes: hold-off, skip and density.
  • An LED indicates when any attached output is active.

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 more…

Get the Manual

Bonkulator-ManualDownload

Download the Latest Runtime Binary (Windows)

Download the Latest Runtime Binary (Mac)

Unzip the downloaded file and open a terminal in the resulting folder. Call the upload program by typing ./uploader.sh

Download the Desktop App (Windows)

Download the Desktop App (Mac)

The app must be de-quarantined. To do this open a Terminal window in the folder where the app was unzipped and type (or paste) this command: xattr -d com.apple.quarantine bonk_cp_app.app

Download the wav to Bonkulator converter App (Windows)

Download the wav to Bonkulator converter App (Mac)

The app must be de-quarantined. To do this open a Terminal window in the dist folder where the app was unzipped and type (or paste) this command: xattr -dr com.apple.quarantine wav2bonk

Get The Design Files

GitHub Repo


Web Interface

/bonkulator-control/

See The Bonkulator on Modular Grid

The Bonkulator

Bonkulator vs. EuroPi Comparison

Circuit Board (Top View)

Circuit Board (Bottom View)

2 Replies to “Bonkulator”

    1. 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!

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