4 voice FM synthesizer in a cigar box

Owen writes -

"The instrument is a cigar box synthesizer. It is made out of a Critter Board, a small audio amp, and some other components we had kicking around. Since it is a synthesizer, we use the version of the Critter Board with on-board flash (no card socket).

The project utilizes all the features that make the Critter Board unique, such as the volume control header, the sound output header (you can listen on the speaker, or plug it in to a bigger amp), and most of the I/O lines.

After digging up a 12 key key-pad, we thought it would be nice to make a 1 octave synthesizer. We then added another button above the keypad as a register button. If it is held down before pressing any of the 12 keys, the key will play an octave higher. So it is really a 2 octave synth." - Link & video.

Also, check out their Video Critter -

"The video critter is an open-source audio/video platform that may be used with most any TV (any TV with composite video input).

It is a one stop solution, providing audio/video output and proccessing for your applications. Just add some buttons, knobs, or joysticks, and you´re ready to go. It is useful for a variety of embedded applications" - Link.

Related:

• Critter Board, a hardware platform for creating self-contained electronic music devices - Link.

[Read this article] [Comment on this article]
DIY Projects [SHOW]

Buy A PS3, Prevent Foreclosure... Oops, Too Late

I hesitate to call this the PS3 Douchebag Auction of the Day, as I´m not clear on the circumstances that might have put this family into such dire financial straits, but I came very close. Anytime that someone has the gall to list their PlayStation 3 at $5,000, with a $50,000 Buy It Now price on top of that, they really shouldn´t get a pass, but I´m a softie. At least he didn´t try to include Gundam Crossfire in the auction.

Still, any chump who maxes out his last credit card to but a PS3 and three games, only to flip it on eBay in an attempt to right himself financially has to be at least 60% douche.

From the carefully wordsmithed auction:

Okay we arn´t in foreclosure yet, but we are getting closer and closer each month we have to make our mortgage payment latter and latter. So i called in to work and me and my wife swapped out waiting in line to pick up a ps3 and to max out our last credit card. I know that the asking price is high, but if it is met it would alow us to stay in our home. to not default on the mortgage and to raise our girl in our own home. also if a buisness or buisness person buys this gift at my asking price it will probably be the highest bought ps3 on ebay. if this happens i wil tell all publicity who bought it and their website and or phone number. All and all if you have the money to spend what better to spend it than on the most powerful game consol to date, and to help give someone a hand out of debt.

What better way to spend it? Are you shitting me? Well, it doesn´t appear anyone else took the bait either, despite the token picture of his drooling baby. The auction ended with zero bids. Michael McWhertor

PS3 60G 3 games (unique extras) keep us off the street! [thanks, Justin!]

AuctiondouchebageBayPS3 [SHOW]