Synths - Revision history

Cornish semiconductor at 08:54, 7 August 2026

2026-08-07T08:54:00Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:54, 7 August 2026
Line 1:		Line 1:
			[[File:Variscan.jpg]]

	== General technology ==		== General technology ==

Cornish semiconductor at 12:47, 12 July 2026

2026-07-12T12:47:39Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:47, 12 July 2026
Line 10:		Line 10:

	This is a synth designed from the successful circuits of the [[Crystal Log Synth\|log synth]] (see below), but with increased stability from using blocks of (Cornish) granite to make it easier to tweak cat's whiskers on the synths. This synth is modular - so e.g. different filters can be swapped in and out. Circuit boards are created using CNC milling on single sided copper boards and surface mount components are used. The use of raw copper and granite are chosen to match with the crystal material, coming from metal ores formed due to the presence of the granite.		This is a synth designed from the successful circuits of the [[Crystal Log Synth\|log synth]] (see below), but with increased stability from using blocks of (Cornish) granite to make it easier to tweak cat's whiskers on the synths. This synth is modular - so e.g. different filters can be swapped in and out. Circuit boards are created using CNC milling on single sided copper boards and surface mount components are used. The use of raw copper and granite are chosen to match with the crystal material, coming from metal ores formed due to the presence of the granite.

	~~== Older versions ==~~

	~~There have been various iterations of synths built that work with natural semiconductors.~~

	== [[Crystal Log Synth]] ==		== [[Crystal Log Synth]] ==

Cornish semiconductor at 12:47, 12 July 2026

2026-07-12T12:47:00Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:47, 12 July 2026
Line 7:		Line 7:
	* [[Perikon diode]]		* [[Perikon diode]]

	~~There have been various iterations~~ of synths ~~built that work~~ with ~~natural semiconductors~~.		== [[Variscan Synthesis]] ==

			This is a synth designed from the successful circuits of the [[Crystal Log Synth\|log synth]] (see below), but with increased stability from using blocks of (Cornish) granite to make it easier to tweak cat's whiskers on the synths. This synth is modular - so e.g. different filters can be swapped in and out. Circuit boards are created using CNC milling on single sided copper boards and surface mount components are used. The use of raw copper and granite are chosen to match with the crystal material, coming from metal ores formed due to the presence of the granite.

	== ~~Version 1: [[Cardboard synth\|Cornish Cardboard Crystal Synth]]~~ ==		== Older versions ==

	This one is built from cardboard boxes using springs and wires to build different circuits. Designed to be used in workshops with families and a wide range of ages of children, it comes with a booklet with example circuits, ranging from lighting the LED to test the battery, making a simple sound to more complex sounds and integrating crystals (collected as part of ~~the workshop) with the~~ built ~~in holder and cat's whisker. It comes~~ with ~~it's own amplifier and speaker, and the can get pretty loud (especially when ten of them are in use at once)~~.		There have been various iterations of synths built that work with natural semiconductors.

	== ~~Version 2:~~ [[Crystal Log Synth]] ==		== [[Crystal Log Synth]] ==

	[[File: log.jpg\|thumb\|The log synth sitting on mine waste dump at Ale & Cakes mine]]		[[File: log.jpg\|thumb\|The log synth sitting on mine waste dump at Ale & Cakes mine]]
Line 19:		Line 21:
	This version was designed as a simpler way to get sounds working in the workshops during 2025. You can add three crystals that are used in three different voice circuits, a noise generator, a triangle/sawtooth oscillator (includes frequency modulation) and a square wave frequency modulation voice. Each of these voices are filtered so you can tune into more interesting aspects of the sounds, and remove the harsh aspects - predominant in the cardboard version. These signals can also be gated and modulated via simple sequencers that can be clocked to external hardware. It was then possible to create more beat based techno music.		This version was designed as a simpler way to get sounds working in the workshops during 2025. You can add three crystals that are used in three different voice circuits, a noise generator, a triangle/sawtooth oscillator (includes frequency modulation) and a square wave frequency modulation voice. Each of these voices are filtered so you can tune into more interesting aspects of the sounds, and remove the harsh aspects - predominant in the cardboard version. These signals can also be gated and modulated via simple sequencers that can be clocked to external hardware. It was then possible to create more beat based techno music.

	== ~~Version 3:~~ [[~~Variscan Synthesis~~]] ==		== [[Cardboard synth\|Cornish Cardboard Crystal Synth]] ==

	This ~~version~~ is ~~designed~~ from ~~the successful~~ circuits of ~~the log synth~~, ~~but~~ with ~~increased stability~~ from ~~using blocks~~ of ~~(Cornish~~) ~~granite to make it easier to tweak~~ cat's ~~whiskers on the synths~~. ~~This synth is modular - so e.g. different filters can be swapped in~~ and ~~out. Circuit boards are created using CNC milling on single sided copper boards~~ and ~~surface mount components~~ are ~~used. The~~ use ~~of raw copper and granite are chosen to match with the crystal material, coming from metal ores formed due to the presence of the granite~~.		This one is built from cardboard boxes using springs and wires to build different circuits. Designed to be used in workshops with families and a wide range of ages of children, it comes with a booklet with example circuits, ranging from lighting the LED to test the battery, making a simple sound to more complex sounds and integrating crystals (collected as part of the workshop) with the built in holder and cat's whisker. It comes with it's own amplifier and speaker, and the can get pretty loud (especially when ten of them are in use at once).

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

Cornish semiconductor at 07:04, 28 June 2026

2026-06-28T07:04:45Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:04, 28 June 2026
Line 1:		Line 1:
	== ~~Technology~~ ==		== General technology ==

	Research into specific approaches:		Research into specific approaches:
Line 9:		Line 9:
	There have been various iterations of synths built that work with natural semiconductors.		There have been various iterations of synths built that work with natural semiconductors.

	== Version 1: ~~the~~ [[Cardboard synth\|Cornish Cardboard Crystal Synth]] ==		== Version 1: [[Cardboard synth\|Cornish Cardboard Crystal Synth]] ==

	This one is built from cardboard boxes using springs and wires to build different circuits. Designed to be used in workshops with families and a wide range of ages of children, it comes with a booklet with example circuits, ranging from lighting the LED to test the battery, making a simple sound to more complex sounds and integrating crystals (collected as part of the workshop) with the built in holder and cat's whisker. It comes with it's own amplifier and speaker, and the can get pretty loud (especially when ten of them are in use at once).		This one is built from cardboard boxes using springs and wires to build different circuits. Designed to be used in workshops with families and a wide range of ages of children, it comes with a booklet with example circuits, ranging from lighting the LED to test the battery, making a simple sound to more complex sounds and integrating crystals (collected as part of the workshop) with the built in holder and cat's whisker. It comes with it's own amplifier and speaker, and the can get pretty loud (especially when ten of them are in use at once).

	== Version 2: ~~the~~ [[Crystal Log Synth]] ==		== Version 2: [[Crystal Log Synth]] ==

	[[File: log.jpg\|thumb\|The log synth sitting on mine waste dump at Ale & Cakes mine]]		[[File: log.jpg\|thumb\|The log synth sitting on mine waste dump at Ale & Cakes mine]]
Line 19:		Line 19:
	This version was designed as a simpler way to get sounds working in the workshops during 2025. You can add three crystals that are used in three different voice circuits, a noise generator, a triangle/sawtooth oscillator (includes frequency modulation) and a square wave frequency modulation voice. Each of these voices are filtered so you can tune into more interesting aspects of the sounds, and remove the harsh aspects - predominant in the cardboard version. These signals can also be gated and modulated via simple sequencers that can be clocked to external hardware. It was then possible to create more beat based techno music.		This version was designed as a simpler way to get sounds working in the workshops during 2025. You can add three crystals that are used in three different voice circuits, a noise generator, a triangle/sawtooth oscillator (includes frequency modulation) and a square wave frequency modulation voice. Each of these voices are filtered so you can tune into more interesting aspects of the sounds, and remove the harsh aspects - predominant in the cardboard version. These signals can also be gated and modulated via simple sequencers that can be clocked to external hardware. It was then possible to create more beat based techno music.

	== Version 3: ~~the granite synth (now called~~ [[Variscan Synthesis]]) ==		== Version 3: [[Variscan Synthesis]] ==

	This version is designed from the successful circuits of the log synth, but ~~can be manufactured a bit more simply - and~~ with increased stability from using blocks of (Cornish) granite to make it easier to tweak cat's whiskers on the synths. ~~These are still in the process of design, but are~~ modular - so e.g. different filters can be swapped in and out. Circuit boards are created using CNC milling on single sided copper boards and surface mount components are used ~~to reduce costs and size~~. The use of raw copper and granite are chosen to match with the crystal material, coming from metal ores formed due to the presence of the granite.		This version is designed from the successful circuits of the log synth, but with increased stability from using blocks of (Cornish) granite to make it easier to tweak cat's whiskers on the synths. This synth is modular - so e.g. different filters can be swapped in and out. Circuit boards are created using CNC milling on single sided copper boards and surface mount components are used. The use of raw copper and granite are chosen to match with the crystal material, coming from metal ores formed due to the presence of the granite.

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

Cornish semiconductor: /* Version 1: the cardboard crystal synth */

2026-06-28T07:02:31Z

Version 1: the cardboard crystal synth

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:02, 28 June 2026
Line 9:		Line 9:
	There have been various iterations of synths built that work with natural semiconductors.		There have been various iterations of synths built that work with natural semiconductors.

	== Version 1: the [[Cardboard synth\|~~cardboard crystal synth~~]] ==		== Version 1: the [[Cardboard synth\|Cornish Cardboard Crystal Synth]] ==

	This one is built from cardboard boxes using springs and wires to build different circuits. Designed to be used in workshops with families and a wide range of ages of children, it comes with a booklet with example circuits, ranging from lighting the LED to test the battery, making a simple sound to more complex sounds and integrating crystals (collected as part of the workshop) with the built in holder and cat's whisker. It comes with it's own amplifier and speaker, and the can get pretty loud (especially when ten of them are in use at once).		This one is built from cardboard boxes using springs and wires to build different circuits. Designed to be used in workshops with families and a wide range of ages of children, it comes with a booklet with example circuits, ranging from lighting the LED to test the battery, making a simple sound to more complex sounds and integrating crystals (collected as part of the workshop) with the built in holder and cat's whisker. It comes with it's own amplifier and speaker, and the can get pretty loud (especially when ten of them are in use at once).

Cornish semiconductor: /* Version 2: the Log synth */

2026-06-28T07:02:06Z

Version 2: the Log synth

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:02, 28 June 2026
Line 13:		Line 13:
	This one is built from cardboard boxes using springs and wires to build different circuits. Designed to be used in workshops with families and a wide range of ages of children, it comes with a booklet with example circuits, ranging from lighting the LED to test the battery, making a simple sound to more complex sounds and integrating crystals (collected as part of the workshop) with the built in holder and cat's whisker. It comes with it's own amplifier and speaker, and the can get pretty loud (especially when ten of them are in use at once).		This one is built from cardboard boxes using springs and wires to build different circuits. Designed to be used in workshops with families and a wide range of ages of children, it comes with a booklet with example circuits, ranging from lighting the LED to test the battery, making a simple sound to more complex sounds and integrating crystals (collected as part of the workshop) with the built in holder and cat's whisker. It comes with it's own amplifier and speaker, and the can get pretty loud (especially when ten of them are in use at once).

	== Version 2: the [[Log ~~synth~~]] ==		== Version 2: the [[Crystal Log Synth]] ==

	[[File: log.jpg\|thumb\|The log synth sitting on mine waste dump at Ale & Cakes mine]]		[[File: log.jpg\|thumb\|The log synth sitting on mine waste dump at Ale & Cakes mine]]

	This version was designed as a simpler way to get sounds working in the workshops during 2025. You can add three crystals that are used in three different voice circuits, a noise generator, a triangle/sawtooth oscillator (includes frequency modulation) and a square wave frequency modulation voice. Each of these voices are filtered so you can tune into more interesting aspects of the sounds, and remove the harsh aspects - predominant in the cardboard version. These signals can also be gated and modulated via simple sequencers that can be clocked to external hardware. It was then possible to create more beat based techno music.		This version was designed as a simpler way to get sounds working in the workshops during 2025. You can add three crystals that are used in three different voice circuits, a noise generator, a triangle/sawtooth oscillator (includes frequency modulation) and a square wave frequency modulation voice. Each of these voices are filtered so you can tune into more interesting aspects of the sounds, and remove the harsh aspects - predominant in the cardboard version. These signals can also be gated and modulated via simple sequencers that can be clocked to external hardware. It was then possible to create more beat based techno music.

	== Version 3: the granite synth (now called [[Variscan Synthesis]]) ==		== Version 3: the granite synth (now called [[Variscan Synthesis]]) ==

Cornish semiconductor at 13:50, 27 June 2026

2026-06-27T13:50:19Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:50, 27 June 2026
Line 9:		Line 9:
	There have been various iterations of synths built that work with natural semiconductors.		There have been various iterations of synths built that work with natural semiconductors.

	== Version 1: the cardboard crystal synth ==		== Version 1: the [[Cardboard synth\|cardboard crystal synth]] ==

	This one is built from cardboard boxes using springs and wires to build different circuits. Designed to be used in workshops with families and a wide range of ages of children, it comes with a booklet with example circuits, ranging from lighting the LED to test the battery, making a simple sound to more complex sounds and integrating crystals (collected as part of the workshop) with the built in holder and cat's whisker. It comes with it's own amplifier and speaker, and the can get pretty loud (especially when ten of them are in use at once).		This one is built from cardboard boxes using springs and wires to build different circuits. Designed to be used in workshops with families and a wide range of ages of children, it comes with a booklet with example circuits, ranging from lighting the LED to test the battery, making a simple sound to more complex sounds and integrating crystals (collected as part of the workshop) with the built in holder and cat's whisker. It comes with it's own amplifier and speaker, and the can get pretty loud (especially when ten of them are in use at once).

	~~For more information see the [[Cardboard synth]] page.~~		== Version 2: the [[Log synth]] ==

	== Version 2: the ~~log~~ synth ==

	[[File: log.jpg\|thumb\|The log synth sitting on mine waste dump at Ale & Cakes mine]]		[[File: log.jpg\|thumb\|The log synth sitting on mine waste dump at Ale & Cakes mine]]
Line 21:		Line 19:
	This version was designed as a simpler way to get sounds working in the workshops during 2025. You can add three crystals that are used in three different voice circuits, a noise generator, a triangle/sawtooth oscillator (includes frequency modulation) and a square wave frequency modulation voice. Each of these voices are filtered so you can tune into more interesting aspects of the sounds, and remove the harsh aspects - predominant in the cardboard version. These signals can also be gated and modulated via simple sequencers that can be clocked to external hardware. It was then possible to create more beat based techno music.		This version was designed as a simpler way to get sounds working in the workshops during 2025. You can add three crystals that are used in three different voice circuits, a noise generator, a triangle/sawtooth oscillator (includes frequency modulation) and a square wave frequency modulation voice. Each of these voices are filtered so you can tune into more interesting aspects of the sounds, and remove the harsh aspects - predominant in the cardboard version. These signals can also be gated and modulated via simple sequencers that can be clocked to external hardware. It was then possible to create more beat based techno music.

	~~For more information see the [[Log synth]] page.~~		== Version 3: the granite synth (now called [[Variscan Synthesis]]) ==

	== Version 3: the granite synth (now called Variscan Synthesis) ==

	This version is designed from the successful circuits of the log synth, but can be manufactured a bit more simply - and with increased stability from using blocks of (Cornish) granite to make it easier to tweak cat's whiskers on the synths. These are still in the process of design, but are modular - so e.g. different filters can be swapped in and out. Circuit boards are created using CNC milling on single sided copper boards and surface mount components are used to reduce costs and size. The use of raw copper and granite are chosen to match with the crystal material, coming from metal ores formed due to the presence of the granite.		This version is designed from the successful circuits of the log synth, but can be manufactured a bit more simply - and with increased stability from using blocks of (Cornish) granite to make it easier to tweak cat's whiskers on the synths. These are still in the process of design, but are modular - so e.g. different filters can be swapped in and out. Circuit boards are created using CNC milling on single sided copper boards and surface mount components are used to reduce costs and size. The use of raw copper and granite are chosen to match with the crystal material, coming from metal ores formed due to the presence of the granite.

	~~For more information see the [[Variscan Synthesis]] page.~~


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

Cornish semiconductor: /* Version 3: the granite synth (now called Variscan Synthesis) */

2026-06-27T13:49:08Z

Version 3: the granite synth (now called Variscan Synthesis)

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:49, 27 June 2026
Line 27:		Line 27:
	This version is designed from the successful circuits of the log synth, but can be manufactured a bit more simply - and with increased stability from using blocks of (Cornish) granite to make it easier to tweak cat's whiskers on the synths. These are still in the process of design, but are modular - so e.g. different filters can be swapped in and out. Circuit boards are created using CNC milling on single sided copper boards and surface mount components are used to reduce costs and size. The use of raw copper and granite are chosen to match with the crystal material, coming from metal ores formed due to the presence of the granite.		This version is designed from the successful circuits of the log synth, but can be manufactured a bit more simply - and with increased stability from using blocks of (Cornish) granite to make it easier to tweak cat's whiskers on the synths. These are still in the process of design, but are modular - so e.g. different filters can be swapped in and out. Circuit boards are created using CNC milling on single sided copper boards and surface mount components are used to reduce costs and size. The use of raw copper and granite are chosen to match with the crystal material, coming from metal ores formed due to the presence of the granite.

	For more information see the [[~~Varascan synthesis~~]] page.		For more information see the [[Variscan Synthesis]] page.


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

Cornish semiconductor at 13:48, 27 June 2026

2026-06-27T13:48:49Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:48, 27 June 2026
Line 1:		Line 1:
	== Technology ==		== Technology ==

			Research into specific approaches:

	* [[Cat's whisker setups]]		* [[Cat's whisker setups]]
Line 21:		Line 23:
	For more information see the [[Log synth]] page.		For more information see the [[Log synth]] page.

	== Version 3: the granite synth (now called Variscan ~~Coast~~ Synthesis) ==		== Version 3: the granite synth (now called Variscan Synthesis) ==

	This version is designed from the successful circuits of the log synth, but can be manufactured a bit more simply - and with increased stability from using blocks of (Cornish) granite to make it easier to tweak cat's whiskers on the synths. These are still in the process of design, but are modular - so e.g. different filters can be swapped in and out. Circuit boards are created using CNC milling on single sided copper boards and surface mount components are used to reduce costs and size. The use of raw copper and granite are chosen to match with the crystal material, coming from metal ores formed due to the presence of the granite.		This version is designed from the successful circuits of the log synth, but can be manufactured a bit more simply - and with increased stability from using blocks of (Cornish) granite to make it easier to tweak cat's whiskers on the synths. These are still in the process of design, but are modular - so e.g. different filters can be swapped in and out. Circuit boards are created using CNC milling on single sided copper boards and surface mount components are used to reduce costs and size. The use of raw copper and granite are chosen to match with the crystal material, coming from metal ores formed due to the presence of the granite.

	For more information see the [[~~Granite synth~~]] page.		For more information see the [[Varascan synthesis]] page.




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

Cornish semiconductor at 15:53, 25 June 2026

2026-06-25T15:53:05Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:53, 25 June 2026
Line 7:		Line 7:
	There have been various iterations of synths built that work with natural semiconductors.		There have been various iterations of synths built that work with natural semiconductors.

	= Version 1: the cardboard crystal synth =		== Version 1: the cardboard crystal synth ==

	This one is built from cardboard boxes using springs and wires to build different circuits. Designed to be used in workshops with families and a wide range of ages of children, it comes with a booklet with example circuits, ranging from lighting the LED to test the battery, making a simple sound to more complex sounds and integrating crystals (collected as part of the workshop) with the built in holder and cat's whisker. It comes with it's own amplifier and speaker, and the can get pretty loud (especially when ten of them are in use at once).		This one is built from cardboard boxes using springs and wires to build different circuits. Designed to be used in workshops with families and a wide range of ages of children, it comes with a booklet with example circuits, ranging from lighting the LED to test the battery, making a simple sound to more complex sounds and integrating crystals (collected as part of the workshop) with the built in holder and cat's whisker. It comes with it's own amplifier and speaker, and the can get pretty loud (especially when ten of them are in use at once).
Line 13:		Line 13:
	For more information see the [[Cardboard synth]] page.		For more information see the [[Cardboard synth]] page.

	= Version 2: the log synth =		== Version 2: the log synth ==

	[[File: log.jpg\|thumb\|The log synth sitting on mine waste dump at Ale & Cakes mine]]		[[File: log.jpg\|thumb\|The log synth sitting on mine waste dump at Ale & Cakes mine]]
Line 21:		Line 21:
	For more information see the [[Log synth]] page.		For more information see the [[Log synth]] page.

	= Version 3: the granite synth (now called Variscan Coast Synthesis) =		== Version 3: the granite synth (now called Variscan Coast Synthesis) ==

	This version is designed from the successful circuits of the log synth, but can be manufactured a bit more simply - and with increased stability from using blocks of (Cornish) granite to make it easier to tweak cat's whiskers on the synths. These are still in the process of design, but are modular - so e.g. different filters can be swapped in and out. Circuit boards are created using CNC milling on single sided copper boards and surface mount components are used to reduce costs and size. The use of raw copper and granite are chosen to match with the crystal material, coming from metal ores formed due to the presence of the granite.		This version is designed from the successful circuits of the log synth, but can be manufactured a bit more simply - and with increased stability from using blocks of (Cornish) granite to make it easier to tweak cat's whiskers on the synths. These are still in the process of design, but are modular - so e.g. different filters can be swapped in and out. Circuit boards are created using CNC milling on single sided copper boards and surface mount components are used to reduce costs and size. The use of raw copper and granite are chosen to match with the crystal material, coming from metal ores formed due to the presence of the granite.