cornish semiconductor corporation - Recent changes [en]

Semiconductor history

Cornish semiconductor — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 17:20:52 GMT

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:20, 9 June 2026
(3 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown)
Line 24:		Line 24:
	Neutron were a company that was immensely popular for a few years - apparently following [https://www.radiomuseum.org/dsp_hersteller_detail.cfm?company_id=6631 16 months of R&D] they developed a crystal that "doubled the range" of a radio receiver. Inside the tin we find several galena crystals, all bright and fresh - I've often wondered how long it takes for fresh galena to tarnish, it seems these have lasted well since the 1920s. Apparently the best galena was argentiferous, or silver bearing. Some of the Cornish mines also reported silver sales from galena processing.		Neutron were a company that was immensely popular for a few years - apparently following [https://www.radiomuseum.org/dsp_hersteller_detail.cfm?company_id=6631 16 months of R&D] they developed a crystal that "doubled the range" of a radio receiver. Inside the tin we find several galena crystals, all bright and fresh - I've often wondered how long it takes for fresh galena to tarnish, it seems these have lasted well since the 1920s. Apparently the best galena was argentiferous, or silver bearing. Some of the Cornish mines also reported silver sales from galena processing.

	==Radio sets==		==Radio sets and crystal diodes==

	[[File:Radio.jpg\|500px\|right]]		[[File:Radio.jpg\|500px\|right]]
Line 46:		Line 46:

	This design is really well thought out as the whole thing can be dismantled easily, so the cup containing the crystal can be replaced or the cat's whisker changed. It works so much better than my attempts, as it holds much more securely to the location you pick, and the glass will protect it from dust.		This design is really well thought out as the whole thing can be dismantled easily, so the cup containing the crystal can be replaced or the cat's whisker changed. It works so much better than my attempts, as it holds much more securely to the location you pick, and the glass will protect it from dust.

			I've managed to carefully remove the crystal holder from the radio panel (and kept all the screws and bolts for safe keeping so I can rebuild it) and put it on a wood base, as the enormous variable capacitor (which give a range between 0.7 and 1.3 pF) was making it cumbersome.

			==Testing the crystal diode==

			[[File:Radio-xtal-test.jpg]]

			I then tested to see what curve traces I could get from it - exciting to pass some voltages over this crystal for perhaps the first time in a century. It's not that different from what I've been used to seeing, which in itself is interesting - I had wondered if I was replicating this properly for a while. The curves represent different spots on the crystal, and you see some different behaviours - and a bit of inverse curves which I've seen from galena before.

			The top right is typical of it 'properly' performing as a rectifying diode, the voltage jump in the positive region on the right happens at a very low voltage, and rivals a germanium diode. It is quite leaky though, as it starts conducting (although, with some resistance) at higher negative voltages.

			[[File:Radio-xtal-curves.png\|center]]

			The advantage of the crocodile clips and flying cat's whiskers approach I've been using is that you are much less restricted with the size and constituency of the crystal, it can have large amounts of matrix material with it for example. However, this 1920s design is more stable, as it does stay quite well 'set' once you find a good spot. Having said that, knocking it, or the table still causes jumps and changes in states so the radio must have still be tricky to keep working.

File:Radio-xtal-curves.png

Cornish semiconductor — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 21:46:54 GMT

Cornish semiconductor uploaded File:Radio-xtal-curves.png

New page

File:Radio-xtal-test.jpg

Cornish semiconductor — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 21:46:14 GMT

Cornish semiconductor uploaded File:Radio-xtal-test.jpg

New page

Cardboard Crystal synth

Cornish semiconductor — Sun, 07 Jun 2026 21:02:32 GMT

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:02, 7 June 2026
Line 2:		Line 2:

	[[File:Cardboard-close.jpg\|500px\|right]]		[[File:Cardboard-close.jpg\|500px\|right]]

			[[Category:Todo]]

Crystal Log Synth

Cornish semiconductor — Sun, 07 Jun 2026 21:01:46 GMT

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:01, 7 June 2026
(One intermediate revision by the same user not shown)
Line 9:		Line 9:
	The synth as a whole is wired together via springs like the cardboard boxes, but is built out of wood.		The synth as a whole is wired together via springs like the cardboard boxes, but is built out of wood.

	~~###~~ Circuits		=Circuits=

	## Square wave fm voice		==Square wave fm voice==

	This is directly based on the workshop circuits - osc1 modulates the frequency of osc2 via a transistor, this feeds into osc3's frequency via the crystal used as a transistor. This is fed into a low pass filter to allow us to remove (or enhance) some of the nastier frequencies the natural crystal provides.		This is directly based on the workshop circuits - osc1 modulates the frequency of osc2 via a transistor, this feeds into osc3's frequency via the crystal used as a transistor. This is fed into a low pass filter to allow us to remove (or enhance) some of the nastier frequencies the natural crystal provides.
Line 30:		Line 30:
	* Signal		* Signal

	## Sawtooth fm voice		==Sawtooth fm voice==

	![](https://gitlab.com/then-try-this/organised_atoms/-/raw/main/cornish%20semiconductor%20corp/proto/saw.jpg){width=50%}		![](https://gitlab.com/then-try-this/organised_atoms/-/raw/main/cornish%20semiconductor%20corp/proto/saw.jpg){width=50%}
Line 51:		Line 51:
	* Signal		* Signal

	## Crystal noise generator		==Crystal noise generator==

	This circuit passes a controllable DC current through a crystal and a 1K resistor. The DC is removed by a RC high pass filter and any resulting fluctuations are amplified (X ~100) and passed through a resonant state variable filter. This provides a noise source that is different for different mineral specimens. The voltage passed across the crystal can be controlled, as the noise seems to change based on this and the point contact location.		This circuit passes a controllable DC current through a crystal and a 1K resistor. The DC is removed by a RC high pass filter and any resulting fluctuations are amplified (X ~100) and passed through a resonant state variable filter. This provides a noise source that is different for different mineral specimens. The voltage passed across the crystal can be controlled, as the noise seems to change based on this and the point contact location.
Line 66:		Line 66:
	* Signal		* Signal

	## Shift register/XOR sequencer with 2 vactrols		==Shift register/XOR sequencer with 2 vactrols==

	Takes a clock signal from volca (or an internal oscillator) and provides resistance changes that can be used in any other circuit as modulation/automation.		Takes a clock signal from volca (or an internal oscillator) and provides resistance changes that can be used in any other circuit as modulation/automation.
Line 100:		Line 100:
	* Resistance 2		* Resistance 2

	## Double shift register/XOR/vactrol		==Double shift register/XOR/vactrol==

	~~Unfinished but will provide~~ 2x8 bit or 16 bit sequencing with XOR.		Provides 2x8 bit or 16 bit sequencing with XOR.

	Inputs:		Inputs:
Line 114:		Line 114:
	* 2 vactrol resistances		* 2 vactrol resistances

	## Triple distortion envelope/gate/sequencer		==Triple distortion envelope/gate/sequencer==

	A hacky replacement for the volca modular's low pass gates (which I made heavy use of previously). This circuit does several things in one:		A hacky replacement for the volca modular's low pass gates (which I made heavy use of previously). This circuit does several things in one:
Line 135:		Line 135:
	* 3 gated/attenuated audio signals		* 3 gated/attenuated audio signals

	## Mixer		==Mixer==

	~~Todo~~		Allows four signals to be mixed with level controls for each and a final gain amplifier. In the end these just got set up once and mostly left as the gates level controls were used instead.

			Inputs:

			* 4 audio signals

			Outputs:

			* Output audio signal (can drive headphones on it's own)

	[[Category:Electronics]]		[[Category:Electronics]]

Cat's whisker setups

Cornish semiconductor — Sun, 07 Jun 2026 20:57:23 GMT

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:57, 7 June 2026
(2 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown)
Line 1:		Line 1:
	As in the [[semiconductor history\|early days of semiconductor development]], the mounting of cat's whiskers and semiconducting crystalline material is a difficult and ongoing development.		As in the [[semiconductor history\|early days of semiconductor development]], the mounting of cat's whiskers and semiconducting crystalline material is a difficult and ongoing development.

			=Cardboard crystal synth=

	[[File:Close.jpg]]		[[File:Close.jpg]]

	The original setup we used for the [http://thentrythis.org/projects/organised-atoms Organised Atoms workshops], crocodile clips mounted in blocks of balsa wood with long/coiled wire so they could be removed for larger chunks of crystal. The cat's whiskers are mounted on thicker, twisted wire so they can be positioned. All the wiring is inside the cardboard box.		The original setup we used for the [http://thentrythis.org/projects/organised-atoms Organised Atoms workshops], crocodile clips mounted in blocks of balsa wood with long/coiled wire so they could be removed for larger chunks of crystal. The cat's whiskers are mounted on thicker, twisted wire so they can be positioned. All the wiring is inside the cardboard box.

			=PCB mounting=

	[[File:New_xtal_design.jpg]]		[[File:New_xtal_design.jpg]]
Line 10:		Line 14:

	The other issues with this were that the cat's whisker setup uses a lot of space on the PCB and having them permanently fixed together made it harder to experiment with different setups.		The other issues with this were that the cat's whisker setup uses a lot of space on the PCB and having them permanently fixed together made it harder to experiment with different setups.

			=Crystal Log Synth=

	[[File:Title-s.jpg]]		[[File:Title-s.jpg]]

	In the [[~~crystal log synth~~]] the crystals are mounted in crocodile clips raised above the circuits on copper pipe that slotted into holes in the wood. This means they are easily accessible and visible in performances. Little bits of pyrite and galena end up on the circuit boards, which adds to the chaos.		In the [[Crystal Log Synth]] the crystals are mounted in crocodile clips raised above the circuits on copper pipe that slotted into holes in the wood. This means they are easily accessible and visible in performances. Little bits of pyrite and galena end up on the circuit boards, which adds to the chaos.

			=Variscan Coast Synthesis=

	[[File:Granite-setup-s.jpg]]		[[File:Granite-setup-s.jpg]]

			This setup uses a similar approach, more streamlined (no need for the dowel rod) and mounted in granite instead. This is the approach us used in the early [[Variscan Coast Synthesis]] setup.

			[[File:Catswhiskers.jpg]]

			This is the latest design for the [[Variscan Coast Synthesis]] rig, the cat's whisker holders are twisted to add some stiffness as the previous version added too much vibration. The cat's whiskers themselves are no longer soldered but connected via screw terminals to make them easier to change (and reduces the need for multiples). Inspired by the [[semiconductor history\|historical research]] the steel wire has been replaced by silver, which so far does seem more responsive. They are also made larger than previously, to make them more visible during performances.

	[[Category:ACE R&D]]		[[Category:ACE R&D]]

	~~The latest setup using a similar approach, more streamlined (no need for the dowel rod) and mounted in granite instead. This is the approach us used in the [[Variscan Coast Synthesis]] setup.~~

File:Catswhiskers.jpg

Cornish semiconductor — Sun, 07 Jun 2026 20:47:29 GMT

Cornish semiconductor uploaded File:Catswhiskers.jpg

New page

Semiconductor history

Cornish semiconductor — Sun, 07 Jun 2026 14:15:45 GMT

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:15, 7 June 2026
(One intermediate revision by the same user not shown)
Line 35:		Line 35:

	The raised plug at the top is where you plug in a secondary inductor coil which could be bought separately. The panel is probably made from bakelite and the knob and plug block is perhaps ebonite - both early forms of plastic that would have seemed like dazzling and futuristic materials at the time.		The raised plug at the top is where you plug in a secondary inductor coil which could be bought separately. The panel is probably made from bakelite and the knob and plug block is perhaps ebonite - both early forms of plastic that would have seemed like dazzling and futuristic materials at the time.

			[[File:Radio-close.jpg]]

			[[File:Radio-micro.jpg\|500px\|right]]


			I was so happy to get such a good example of this kind of crystal setup - a precursor to all diodes to come! The cat's whiskers match the ones in the 'mighty atom' tin, and the pressure on the crystal is quite a lot more than I thought it would be. The handle end has a ball bearing so you can move it around to find a working spot. I think the cat's whiskers are made from silver, which apparently works best with galena. The crystal itself seems too dark for galena, but on close inspection it shows cubic formations and the hardness is a match so I presume this is tarnish. The top surface is scratched into rounded masses, but there was an area on the side that had been protected showing these original crystals.

			[[File:Dismantled.jpg\|500px\|right]]

			This design is really well thought out as the whole thing can be dismantled easily, so the cup containing the crystal can be replaced or the cat's whisker changed. It works so much better than my attempts, as it holds much more securely to the location you pick, and the glass will protect it from dust.

File:Dismantled.jpg

Cornish semiconductor — Sun, 07 Jun 2026 14:03:49 GMT

Cornish semiconductor uploaded File:Dismantled.jpg

New page

File:Radio-micro.jpg

Cornish semiconductor — Sun, 07 Jun 2026 13:56:42 GMT

Cornish semiconductor uploaded File:Radio-micro.jpg

New page

File:Radio-close.jpg

Cornish semiconductor — Sun, 07 Jun 2026 13:39:40 GMT

Cornish semiconductor uploaded File:Radio-close.jpg

New page

Semiconductor history

Cornish semiconductor — Sun, 07 Jun 2026 10:13:10 GMT

@@ Line 5: / Line 5: @@
 I've started collecting remnants from the era of crystal radio (1900-1930) - partly to use to explain what I'm doing in performances but mostly to learn some of the lost history of this technology. There is plenty of information out there, but a lot of the practical details are missing. This is interesting to me [[cat's whisker setups|after doing this DIY for so long]], seeing how it worked when these techniques were widespread.
 [[File:Whiskers.jpg|700px|center]]
@@ Line 21: / Line 23: @@
 Neutron were a company that was immensely popular for a few years - apparently following [https://www.radiomuseum.org/dsp_hersteller_detail.cfm?company_id=6631 16 months of R&D] they developed a crystal that "doubled the range" of a radio receiver. Inside the tin we find several galena crystals, all bright and fresh - I've often wondered how long it takes for fresh galena to tarnish, it seems these have lasted well since the 1920s. Apparently the best galena was argentiferous, or silver bearing. Some of the Cornish mines also reported silver sales from galena processing.

File:Radio.jpg

Cornish semiconductor — Sun, 07 Jun 2026 09:53:30 GMT

Cornish semiconductor uploaded File:Radio.jpg

New page

Semiconductor history

Cornish semiconductor — Sun, 07 Jun 2026 09:52:29 GMT

The use of natural semiconductors

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:52, 7 June 2026
(2 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown)
Line 3:		Line 3:
	[[Category:ACE R&D]]		[[Category:ACE R&D]]

	I've started collecting remnants from the era of crystal radio (1900-1930) - partly to use to explain what I'm doing in performances but mostly to learn some of the lost history of this technology. There is plenty of information out there, but a lot of the practical details are missing. This is interesting to me after doing this DIY for so long, seeing how it worked when these techniques were widespread.		I've started collecting remnants from the era of crystal radio (1900-1930) - partly to use to explain what I'm doing in performances but mostly to learn some of the lost history of this technology. There is plenty of information out there, but a lot of the practical details are missing. This is interesting to me [[cat's whisker setups\|after doing this DIY for so long]], seeing how it worked when these techniques were widespread.

	[[File:Whiskers.jpg\|700px\|center]]		[[File:Whiskers.jpg\|700px\|center]]

	It was common for crystals and cats whiskers to be sold in these tiny tins (and at this time the semiconductor industry was thriving in Britain). I think there are two types of springs here, the ones on the left were used for tensioning the screw and the ones on the right are actually the cat's whiskers that touched the crystal surface. The pressure is critical in making a good point contact junction, so they would have been specially made to provide the correct resistance. I'm not sure but I think the little plastic pill containers were not contemporary as in the ~~1920's~~ when these tins were made, plastic was confined to bakelite and ebonite.		It was common for crystals and cats whiskers to be sold in these tiny tins (and at this time the semiconductor industry was thriving in Britain). I think there are two types of springs here, the ones on the left were used for tensioning the screw and the ones on the right are actually the cat's whiskers that touched the crystal surface. The pressure is critical in making a good point contact junction, so they would have been specially made to provide the correct resistance. I'm not sure but I think the little plastic pill containers were not contemporary as in the 1920s when these tins were made, plastic was confined to bakelite and ebonite.

	[[File:Tin.jpg\|1000px\|center]]		[[File:Tin.jpg\|1000px\|center]]
Line 17:		Line 17:

	The 'perfect' crystal - interesting though that they used silver wire for the cat's whisker. Image from the excellent [https://www.radiomuseum.org radiomuseum.org]		The 'perfect' crystal - interesting though that they used silver wire for the cat's whisker. Image from the excellent [https://www.radiomuseum.org radiomuseum.org]

			[[File:Tin3.jpg]]

			Neutron were a company that was immensely popular for a few years - apparently following [https://www.radiomuseum.org/dsp_hersteller_detail.cfm?company_id=6631 16 months of R&D] they developed a crystal that "doubled the range" of a radio receiver. Inside the tin we find several galena crystals, all bright and fresh - I've often wondered how long it takes for fresh galena to tarnish, it seems these have lasted well since the 1920s. Apparently the best galena was argentiferous, or silver bearing. Some of the Cornish mines also reported silver sales from galena processing.

File:Tin3.jpg

Cornish semiconductor — Sun, 07 Jun 2026 07:37:48 GMT

Cornish semiconductor uploaded File:Tin3.jpg

New page

Inspiration

Cornish semiconductor — Sat, 06 Jun 2026 11:20:32 GMT

Created page with "Inspiration, references, attribution and friends working with similar material - in no particular order: * [https://www.radiomuseum.org/r/general_el_the_unit.html 1920's crystal radio tech] * [https://www.discogs.com/artist/361941-Jessica-Rylan Jessica Rylan] * [https://permacomputing.net Permacomputing] * [https://mindat.org mindat.org] * [https://www.1010.co.uk/org/ Martin Howse] * [https://www.libitasibungu.com/about Libita Sibungu] * [https://www.ioanavrememoser.com..."

New page

Inspiration, references, attribution and friends working with similar material - in no particular order:

* [https://www.radiomuseum.org/r/general_el_the_unit.html 1920's crystal radio tech]
* [https://www.discogs.com/artist/361941-Jessica-Rylan Jessica Rylan]
* [https://permacomputing.net Permacomputing]
* [https://mindat.org mindat.org]
* [https://www.1010.co.uk/org/ Martin Howse]
* [https://www.libitasibungu.com/about Libita Sibungu]
* [https://www.ioanavrememoser.com Ioana Vreme Moser]
* [https://rosannamartin.com/About Rosanna Martin]
* [https://www.noisebridge.net/wiki/Lunetta_Synthesis Luntta synthesis]
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neptune_Frost Neptune Frost film] (thanks Libita)
* [https://boulderdashzine.bandcamp.com Stones Drones Noise Club & Boulderdash] by [https://yiskahsounds.bandcamp.com/music Jessica Beechey]
* [https://fuckoffaimusic.com the fuck off ai music movement]

Cornish semiconductor corporation

Cornish semiconductor — Sat, 06 Jun 2026 10:53:04 GMT

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:53, 6 June 2026
Line 5:		Line 5:
	In an age of harmful technological myths detached from the earth - these sounds are an attempt to reconnect with the dirt.		In an age of harmful technological myths detached from the earth - these sounds are an attempt to reconnect with the dirt.

	This site documents research with [[natural semiconductors]], new [[synths\|synth designs]] and sounds. The technology used (tickling the surface of crystals with thin 'cat's whisker' wires to create point contacts) comes from the [[semiconductor history\|early days of radio]], when the newly discovered (and not really understood) properties of certain minerals to have a asymmetric response to electricity (now known as semiconductors) was used to convert radio signals into sound.		This site documents research with [[natural semiconductors]], new [[synths\|synth designs]] and sounds. The technology used (tickling the surface of crystals with thin 'cat's whisker' wires to create point contacts) comes from the [[semiconductor history\|early days of radio]], when the newly discovered (and not really understood) properties of certain minerals to have a asymmetric response to electricity (now known as semiconductors) was used to convert radio signals into sound. Read more about [[inspiration\|inspirations, references and linked work]].

	----		----

Variscan Coast Synthesis

Cornish semiconductor — Sat, 06 Jun 2026 10:52:17 GMT

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:52, 6 June 2026
(2 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown)
Line 1:		Line 1:
	A new modular approach, using Cornish granite ~~and~~ CNC cut circuit boards.		A new modular approach, using Cornish granite, CNC cut circuit boards and a lot of magnets.

	= Modules =		= Modules =

	* [[noisegen]]		* [[noisegen]]
	* [[noisegen amp]]
	* [[squarewave]]		* [[squarewave]]
	* [[diode ladder filter]]		* [[diode ladder filter]]
	* [[4 way low pass gate]]		* [[4 way low pass gate]]
			* [[general purpose amp]]
			* [[noisegen amp]]
	* [[shift sequencer]]		* [[shift sequencer]]
	* [[counter]]		* [[counter]]
Line 13:		Line 14:

	[[Category:Electronics]]		[[Category:Electronics]]
			[[Category:ACE R&D]]
			[[Category:Variscan]]

Category:Variscan

Cornish semiconductor — Sat, 06 Jun 2026 07:22:55 GMT

Created page with "Pages concerning the variscan coast synthesis rig."

New page

Pages concerning the variscan coast synthesis rig.

Noisegen

Cornish semiconductor — Sat, 06 Jun 2026 07:22:04 GMT

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-[[File:NoisegenPic.jpg:right:500px]]
+[[File:NoisegenPic.jpg|right|500px]]
 [[File:NoisegenSchematic.png]]
 [[File:NoisegenPcb.png]]

Noisegen

Cornish semiconductor — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 07:35:02 GMT

Created page with "File:NoisegenPic.jpg:right:500px File:NoisegenSchematic.png File:NoisegenPcb.png"

New page

[[File:NoisegenPic.jpg:right:500px]]

[[File:NoisegenSchematic.png]]
[[File:NoisegenPcb.png]]

Variscan Coast Synthesis

Cornish semiconductor — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 07:32:18 GMT

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:32, 2 June 2026
Line 3:		Line 3:
	= Modules =		= Modules =

	* [[~~Noise module~~]]		* [[noisegen]]
	* [[~~SVF~~ filter ~~module~~]]		* [[noisegen amp]]
	* [[~~Amp module~~]]		* [[squarewave]]
			* [[diode ladder filter]]
			* [[4 way low pass gate]]
			* [[shift sequencer]]
			* [[counter]]


	[[Category:Electronics]]		[[Category:Electronics]]

File:NoisegenSchematic.png

Cornish semiconductor — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 07:29:03 GMT

Cornish semiconductor uploaded File:NoisegenSchematic.png

New page

File:NoisegenPcb.png

Cornish semiconductor — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 07:28:30 GMT

Cornish semiconductor uploaded File:NoisegenPcb.png

New page

File:NoisegenPic.jpg

Cornish semiconductor — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 07:28:02 GMT

Cornish semiconductor uploaded File:NoisegenPic.jpg

New page

ACE R&D project

Cornish semiconductor — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 07:13:33 GMT

01/06/26

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:13, 2 June 2026
(One intermediate revision by the same user not shown)
Line 1:		Line 1:
	==01/06/26==		==01/06/26==

	Project announcement and added/working on [[semiconductor history]] and [[~~cats~~ whisker setups]] after questions on mastodon.		Project announcement and added/working on [[semiconductor history]] and [[cat's whisker setups]] after questions on mastodon. A sizable proportion of the materials budget might be going on ebay purchases of crystal radio parts!

	==30/05/26==		==30/05/26==