Neil Alex™ Journal

The prototype has been accomplished

Pagkauwi ko ng bahay, nagpuyat ako para tapusin ang DIY project ko, na recently ko lang tinuloy. And heto, natapos ko na rin ang prototype triple momentary switch para sa G2.1u ko.

Picture of the prototype.

The innards...

And now my G2.1u is stuffed with switches.

[EDIT] Kabibili kolang ng 8-pin connector sa DEECO, so methinks na kung lalagyan ko na kaya siya ng LEDs... Mwahahaha!

'Ika nga, "I got stinky, I got dirty... But you see... I learned"...

¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤

Pasasalamat lang sa mga PM forumites

Gusto ko lang magpasalamat sa mga nag-reply sa thread na 'to (actually, a duplicate post), and shared their opinions. Kahit papaano may sense ang naging posts compared sa kabilang thread, na puro gay-ass clones and trolls.

Sunday....

( Encryped. Skip this. )

Nag-food trip ako sa may Munoz, then dumerecho na ako ng SM North, and nagtungo ng The Block para masilayan ang cosplay event doon... Nakita ako agad ni Aminel, and I tagged along with her cosplay barkadas (met and chatted a few of 'em) -- nagtungo muna kami ng TriNoma, then tumambay sa labas. Nakita ko rin sa wakas in person 'yung taong umeepal sa buhay ni Aminel -- take note, ambastos pa nun sa text! (Sarap gulpihin kasi maangas, pero mukhang loser, hehe...)

Humiwalay kami sa grupo, kasama ang friend niyang si Chinnie. Then kumain na lang kami sa McDo Mindanao Ave., and kwentuhan blues... Then bumalik kami ng TriNoma para balikan ang cosplay group, pero wala na si maangas na cosplayer -- umuwi na daw. Haha naduwag! And tumambay na lang kami until nauna akong umalis. That time din pala, naka-chikahan ko na uli si Meilin cosplayer -- hehe tagal na kasing 'di nagparamdam sa Y!M...

And nagtungo na ako sa ate ko, for financial purposes... Sa wakas, nakuha na niya 'yung pera from Western Union, at may pang-tuition na ako, yey! Maaga din akong nakauwi ng Shelter, around 10pm.

¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤

Yet another DIY thingie I did yesterday (due to boredom)...

Monday -- I didn't had the chance to go outside home, because I was quite dizzy (due to lack of sleep!), so I'd thought of doin' another prototype talkbox (a decent-functioning one to play with). In my previous protoype (my first tray -- a Tupperware Talkbox), I failed to enclose the speaker air tight, hence the weak filtering... Hopefully, I had the whole speaker enclosed this time.

Days ago, I bought stuffs for my speaker container -- I opted to buy a 3-piece set of these at Japan Home store (Robinson's Fairview):

I had a transparent box from Alexan (worth a hunderd bucks) for that enclosure. So there, I dissected again my Vantage micro amp, pulled out the innards, and disconnected the speaker wires. I used that crystal-clear epoxy toplacethe speaker into the transparent cup (which I trimmed to fit inside the enclosure). Then I made a hole on the enclosure and put a 1/4" phone jack, for the tubing hole. Then I epoxied the cup into the enclosure, made sure no small pores around, and let it dry for an hour... Then I placed the amp innards onto the enclosure.

I jumpered out the pots for better placing... Also retained that 9V DC jack, and epoxied it on one side. Jumpered out the input jack, and placed on the other side...

And there we have it -- I coin this cufked-up box "The TOTBOX!" (notice the cute pink/fuschia LED, heheh...) Click the above image for labeled parts...

I again recorded a soundclip -- BTW, I used this kind of set-up:

Used my XT-2 for my gain, and...

...used a foamed generic PC clip-on microphone (which is superior than my other PC microphone). Click below for the sound clip:

( totbox.mp3 )

Now I gotta test this on live settings -- gonna use it someday during rehearsals.

Finally, I had the chance to update my bloggeh at last... Due to my busy sched, laziness and other lame excuses, I wasn't able to come up with daily entries; so here's some lengthy one to read -- prepare for piles of popcorn...

¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤

Tuesday.

Had an ordinary lecture at EADMATH -- some lengthy discussions, and announcement offinals exam sched. Same with EFLUMEC class; but discussed the quiz solutions, and new topics as well.

Then had a minor lecture class at EBAMENG -- we did our Problem Set problem on the spot there, because our prof only discussed the topic on that very moment. Afterwards, I managed to run outside school to meet up with Dyulyus_Ceazar for my Arion SCO-1, and received 500 bucks for it. (Finally disposed that pedal, haha!) Then I returned back to class.

After school, me and Rainey met, spent time together, and brought her some medicine and food. Am glad she was happy and feelin' better. ^^ Went home around 11pm. Whew, whatta long day.............

¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤

Wednesday.

Wedensday was a dramatic day to me -- I woke up a bit late, kinda groggy (maybe due to lack of sleep, but my head really aches badly). Left home 30 minutes past 7am (woah), and arrived at my ELEMFLD class, with my classmates having their final exams individually. I discovered that my name was already called; so I waited until everyone's done> I was feelin' kinda sick then; but I approached my prof...

( More... )

Then I spent time at the internet cafe, to cool down and relax a bit; then arrived at our EFLUMLA class, for more lectures, plus seatwork -- technically, it's our last meeting before final exams. I really hoe I could pass this fast-paced subject.

After school, I visited my Ate's place for dinner (and for a bit of family related stuffs). Then I rushed home, for me to do lotsa stuffs later on. Needed to be awake all night.

Rainey didn't texted me much that day, yet I really needed her badly... I definitely understand she was out of credit, and kinda busy (perhaps)... Haaay, miss her so much. T___T

¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤

Thursday.

I didn't took any nap as Thursday started: I immediately crammed to accomplish (once and for all) my freakin' project for ELECENG -- a D.I.Y. power supply. I chatted with Rainey and her drinking folks that night from time to time, just to stay awake. (For non-geek freaks, you may skip this part...)

Proposed specs: (1) Bridge-type; (2) variable output;(3) regulated; and (4) w/ voltage panel. Output should be controlled/varied via potentiometer, up to 24 volts; transformer should range from 800mA to 1A.

( Click here for the materials, schematic, etc.... )

First, I marked 2 PCBs with the schematic path -- one, I used pentel pen; the other, just pasted some masking tapes...

Then dipped them to the yellow-lookin' fluid --the ferric chloride... better use gloves on this, 'coz it will stain... And don't let this pour onto your sink!

After rinsinsing, these are the results...

The one with masking tape etched is super-stained (notice the corrosion); so I used the pentel-penned one. Then I began to punch some minor holes; because I have no drill to avail, I made holes by punching a small screw. So here it is:

Then afterwards, I started to putall components into the PCB. My head gets dizzier from time to time because of that soldering lead smell. X___x

Then off I went to school early morning (because I had no much time); there in my ELECENG class I put the finishing touches (attached the transformer, fuse, etc...), and here's one last look of the innards before I sealed the housing...

So here's my finished power supply...........

The bad thing is, I wasn't able to make this shit work inside our ELECENG class, despite of following the procedures & specs... I didn't had time to troubleshoot much, because of the short time limit. T___T Maybe I had some major error in between~ (like faulty etching, bad connections...) Worse, my group mate didn't show up -- I was expecting her help (especially in the financial aspect).

Oh well, what's important is, I've learned and gained some experiece (hence I posted such info here, gaah...) Kinda proud that I did it all by myself -- doesn't matter if I didn't got exemption for final exams; I didn't seek any help unlike my other classmates who got exempted because they had theirs made by others (of course, paid for it)... And my interest in electronics grew a lot. :)

(Okay, end of geeky part.......................)

Beforehand, just had a normal ELEMSUR class, then our prof announced the finals exam sched. Some of our classmates requested to change it to Monday; but that fucked-up classsmate of ours demanded for Saturday... Minutes later (after some arguing), our prof got angry; then after class he was wooed by our classmates for Monday sched. Then he agreed. (Hahah!) And yeah, I had my finals exam (for field work) afterwards. Yeheyyy! :D

Then we had some activity on ESTREMA -- we were tasked to build a mini-bridge, by using only spaghetti noodles and clear glue! (WTF!) The more stability, the higher grade... Our bridge was just mediocre; and our score was deducted... Gahhh :(

I headed soon towards SM Fairview after some minor food-tripping around U-Belt. There I boughta few stuffs, then bought also some in Robinson's Fairview (mostly for another talkbox-related prototype). Arrived home around 8pm; and catched some sleep immediately. X___x

¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤

Friday.

I woke up early, but left home around 9am, for my 11am-1pm finals exam at ELECENG. But I had some unlucky trip: I arrived at that FX terminal (at Vicas) by quarter to 10; waited for passengers to fill up, then we traversed towards NLEX. Would you believe, around 11am we were still there at Malinta exit, stucked in traffic... (GAHHHHH!!!!!)

Arrived at school around 12:20pm (DAMN F**K!), found that my classmates were gone; so Isearched for my prof... Then I told him (and showed the pics as evidence) about what happened; fortunately, I was assigned to have my exam on TUESDAY 3pm-5pm instead. Woohoo! :D

So afterwards, I headed towards Kapitolyo, and visited Dennis' place to check up my PSM-5. After waiting for him for more than an hour, I finally had the talk with him, for minor adjustments of the modification: to retain that JFET switching, and use that PL jack instead of an XLR out (for no more drilling issues)... He told me I can claim it by Monday, hopefully... (I'm gonna use it for Sep 15 event!)

Then me and Rainey met, spent some time together. Happy monthsary, nee! LOVE YOU SO MUCH.

¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤

Randoms......

»» During Tuesday night, the PhilMusic dude that bought my SCO-1 (Dyulyus_Ceazar) texted me because the unit didn't worked on batteries and adaptor at studio; but the unit worked at home... I was kinda worried that he might returned it, and wondered why that happened ( I tested the unit at home before goin; to school)... Then he told me he'd be observing the unit's behavior. Until now he hasn't contacted me yet for a full refund. Okay...

»» Encrypted thingie here...

( The clue is at the shelves... )

»» Okay, I have 3 more electronics-related projects, that are somehow guitar-related... (In order of urgency:)

1. guitar wiring for Cliff,
2. another prototype talkbox, and
3. a simple noise-maker circuit (for ambient effect usage).

I guess I really need to pursue electronics course someday; or totally self-study na lang.....

»» While at SM Fairview last Wednesday, I checked upon some good ol' cheap quality guitars at the food court area... Perhaps, that Don Jon brands again... NOT! (Look at the headstock)

A Gibson Zoom acoustic! What a rip! Then check out the price...

That stand was sellin' "Global" branded acoustics, (aside from those fake Gibson's)... Buyers, beware of these pieces of crap!

»» Yesterday while waiting at Dennis' place, some woman was there talking with one of the personnels there; at first, they were listening to some songs (which I discovered were Kitchie Nadal's...); then discussed some suggestions: "tanggalin yung claps, nakaka-disctract", then "yung drums dapat 'punchy', para hindi lunod" something like that...

And later I found out that she was Kitchie's manager. At the desk, she had a rare gem (maybe for recording purposes) -- a BOSS® CE-2 Chorus! Like whoa... Hahah! XD~

»» Yet another encrypted thingie...... (look for clues!)

( Encrypred thingie #2 )

»» Still wonderin' what Rainey told me last night: that I should pay attention, and take good care of that one person we knew of (I won't mention her name); and that I am the only one capable of doin' it... Oh well, it's kinda hard bein' a kuya (bein' the youngest among siblings); but yeah, I think she needs some comfort and counseling... Alright, I'll do it, AJA! :D

»» Finally fixed a couple of defective previous entries.... Check these out again...

"[EDITED] At last! My first entry for September `07! (Sat + Sun blues)"
( LiveJournal ) ( Multiply )

"Fly away, my space rocket~~ XD"
( LiveJournal ) ( Multiply )

»» Birthday Greetings: HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! po sa mga September celebrants dyan, sina nyebe (today), verjill (ka-bday ko), Elle-JAP-den (magkasabay din pala tayo!), kay killer_gei (kasunod), kayo l_trickster_l,and coincibens! Woohoo!

»» Good luck sa ongakusociety audition, nee! Love you.

Sunday Blues: Rtschrck Practice

Left home past noon for Rtschrck practice at Gig Studio -- arrived a bit late, but Luciel was the last one to check in. Beforehand, I met with habster for some minor transactions (Arion SMM-1 related) -- thanks so much dude!

Used my XT-2 + Metal-BAKEMONOed DS-1 setup; and so far, I got that chug tone that I wanted! Sounded much near to a hot tube amp... That made me energetic during practice, and noticed we were much 'cleaner' this time around. Yosh!

After practice, we decided to hang out downstairs, then Luciel treated us with free canned beer (kaka-birthday lang niya kasi); I treated them a free pizza as well. then due to heavy rains, we opted to stay there and ate more food~ (hahah!)

Then me and Tan traveled back to Fairwiew area, toured around SM Megamall and Robinson's Place, then went home around 8pm. And all-night all I did was internet-surfing, and DIY-ing! (Read more below.) Good heavens, no classes today...

¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤

Just made a minor DIY project! (Hahah!)

A week ago, I've thought of doing something out of my old Vantage micro apmlifier: turn it into a DIY talkbox! As I've estimated, it's quite an easy thing to do -- you can also build one using your old PC speakers. Too bad, that micro amp became the guinea pig of my evil plans, haha...

So I initially bought some materials needed during my trip to SM Fairview days ago... I bought some ½" diameter brass hose nozzle and vinyl tube (of same diameter, of course). Then for days I was searching for a good container for it -- until I found a Tupperware box (which hosted my old, old floppy disks). Finally I started the project last night; I took out the parts of the micro amp, punched some holes, some minor soldering... I slept around 2am (I really had a hard time to catch some sleep, poor me...), then finished this off awhile ago. So there you have it...

I changed the DC input into that mono baby jack one (far right of the pic, barely noticable, sorry...), for easier hole-punching of the Tupperware. And check out the innards of this thingie... (Click the pic to check the parts labelled~)

In addition, I put an organic scalarizer, just to test some minor tonal difference -- which I found out, some harshness got lost, and evened output...

Oh btw, I've made a short sound clip for this thingie. Click on the link to listen/download.

( tupperware-talkbox.mp3 )

My set-up as follows:

Cascaded it with my FZ-2 -- ran it with that cranked GAIN BOOST, for more of that driven tone out of my micro amp dirt sound~ (I really liked the harmonics!)

Speaking of vinyl tube, it was sticked beside my generic PC microphones -- recorded as near as possible to it, because of the mic's "weak field"... (Notice the slight breathing/lip noises, and some volume gaps in the sound clip.)

Some flaws of the prototype: I could only make wah-like sounds majority; I could barely make any word-like speech sounds from it (but notice the sound clip -- I uttered "universal", but quite hard to understand); and the level seems to be weak -- maybe I wasn't able to make the box completely soundproof, thus the box itself has some escaping noises from it. Plus, the container is too thin for sound to be kept. Lastly, I think I need a smaller diameter vinyl tube.

Overall, I think it's a good start (and experience) in building my DIY talkbox -- I returned the components back into the amplifier housing (I'll re-use it), and someday I'll start building again, with better materials and better soundproofing. :D