TLN-863 Max Min Generator

Description

The TLN-863 Max Min Generator is a MUUB implementation of a Linear Or/And Gate from Jung's Op-Amp Cookbook. This circuit is very similar to Ken Stone's Analog Logic circuit and Dave Brown's Analogic circuit. With the MODE switch set to the MAX position, the output will be the maximum of inputs 1-3 (Linear Or). With the MODE switch set to the MIN position, the output will be the minimum of inputs 1-3 (Linear And). The THRESHOLD pot sets a voltage that is normalled to the input jacks when no signal is plugged into the jacks. This turns the circuit into a "Clipper" when the MODE switch is set to MIN (output voltage will not go below the THRESHOLD), and a "Clamper" when the MODE switch is set to MAX (output voltage will not exceed the THRESHOLD).

• THRESHOLD A/B: sets the voltage threshold for the Clipper/Clamper feature.
• MODE A/B: sets the operational mode to Min/And/Clipper or Max/Or/Clamper.

Note that the panel layout for this module (and the rest of my MUUB utility modules) uses the smaller type of knob found on Encore Electronic's UEG and Frequency Shifter. Most people will probably hate this, but I wanted to get the most functionality in the least amount of space while still maintaining some semblance to the MOTM standard. To this end, all of my MUUB utility modules use a new layout grid that allows up to 6 pots with 4 jacks, or 4 pots with 8 jacks, on a 1U wide module.

The TLN-863 Max Min Generator can be built using MUUB daughterboards. The first version I built (Rev 1) used two MUUB-4 boards and two MUUB-2 boards with the MUUB-2 boards stacked on top of each other. That version was a bit cumbersome to put together. I then realized I could simplify things considerably by using two MUUB-3 boards (Rev 2). Also, (for Rev 2) I noticed that there was no need to use small knobs since there is sufficient room for big knobs using the standard MOTM grid.

Contact me if you wish to purchase PCBs.

Total current draw for TLN-863 is 17 mA @+15V and 17 mA @-15V.

Downloads

The User Guide does not contain detailed explanations on how to install parts or which kinds of solder to use. The intended audience is the experienced kit builder who is quite comfortable building a circuit from a description, a parts list, and a schematic. Calibration routines are included.

Note that the User Guide describes building a Max Min Generator using two MUUB-4 boards and two MUUB-2 boards (Rev 1). I don't recommend building it this way; you are better off building it using two MUUB-3 boards (Rev 2). See the Rev 2 construction photos and notes for more info.

View the TLN-863 User Guide rev 1.1 (pdf)

Graze over the TLN-863 Schematics rev 1.0 (pdf)

Detailed panel cutout diagram (pdf) with notes for those who want to build their own panel (with the small knob layout).

I copied an FPD file from Dave Brown and modified it for the TLN-863. I then printed out a screenshot of the FPD file using an inkjet printer and pasted it onto my plastic panel. It doesn't look too bad, especially in a dark room.

Click here to download the FPD file.

Pictures

Rev 1 Prototype with Plexiglass Panel and Small Knobs	FPD Panel	Rev 2 Version with Paper on Plexiglass Panel and Big Knobs

Rev 1 construction photos. I don't recommend building it this way.

Rev 2 construction photos and notes. This is a more compact way to build a Max Min Generator.

Sound Samples

These samples demonstrate some uses of the TLN-863.

• Animated Sawtooth (Stereo)
  • MOTM-300 sawtooth into TLN-863 IN 1 (both channels)
  • MOTM-300 pulse into mixer, mixer output into TLN-863 IN 2 (both channels)
  • MOTM-300 pulse into mixer, mixer output into TLN-863 IN 3 (both channels)
  • MODE A set to MAX
  • MODE B set to MIN
  • TLN-863 OUT A to LEFT speaker
  • TLN-863 OUT B to RIGHT speaker

  No filters, no effects, all oscillators in audio range. Mixer levels set to zero at start. Mixer levels are gradually turned up to get maximum stereo animation effect. A JLH-822 is then used to change octaves on the oscillators. Finally, the mixer levels are reduced to remove the animation effect.

• Animated Triangle (Stereo)
  • MOTM-300 triangle into TLN-863 IN 1 (both channels)
  • MOTM-320 sine into mixer, mixer output into TLN-863 IN 2 (both channels)
  • MOTM-101 vibrato into mixer, mixer output into TLN-863 IN 3 (both channels)
  • MODE A set to MAX
  • MODE B set to MIN
  • TLN-863 OUT A to LEFT speaker
  • TLN-863 OUT B to RIGHT speaker

  No filters, no effects. Mixer levels set to zero at start. Mixer levels are gradually turned up to get maximum stereo animation effect. A JLH-822 is then used to change octaves on the MOTM-320. Finally, the mixer levels are reduced to remove the animation effect.

• Clipped Sample and Hold
  • MOTM-300 triangle to LEFT and RIGHT speakers
  • MOTM-101 S/H output to TLN-863 IN 1A
  • MODE A set to MAX
  • THRESH A set to 6.5
  • TLN-863 OUT A to FM1 input on MOTM-300

  No filters, no effects. The Sample and Hold signal sent to the FM input on the oscillator is clipped so that only values above 1.5V will affect the frequency. The unclipped version sounds like this.

• Note Follow
  CV outputs from MOTM-650 (MIDI to CV converter) into A and B channels of TLN-863. Channel A set to MIN to follow lowest note played on MIDI controller. Channel B set to MAX to follow highest note played on MIDI controller. TLN-863 OUT A controlling pitch of sawtooth wave in LEFT speaker (always the lowest note played). TLN-863 OUT B controlling pitch of triangle wave in RIGHT speaker (always the highest note played). MIDI controller is also sending note info to an Oberheim Xpander (heard in both speakers).