[sdiy] New Module pseudo DIY

[David Ingebretsen]

While I know this is a pretty "hardcore" DIY group here who loves the smell
of an etching PCB, and if they could, would build their own IC's...

I thought I'd throw out a recommendation. TipTopAudio's Z-DSP module based
on a Spin Semiconductor FV-1 DSP chip is a very cool idea. Spinsemi.com has
more info on the DSP, but in a nutshell, it is designed for audio effects
and has built in DAC/ADC, so it is wired as an analog device, no special
requirements regarding digital v. analog paths on the PCB. Three pot inputs,
built in LFO's, etc.

It looks like a great place to begin if you want to play around with DSP
programming and filters, shifters, flangers, choruses, delays, etc.

The coolest thing is Gur built in the ability to plug in a "ROM" with
different programs in it. This module can be anything from an oscillator to
filter, to delay... I bought the module and Gur's development board, not
cheap but very flexible. The assembler is free from SpinSemi and there are
many example programs there. The instruction set look very straight forward
and optimized for audio effect code.

If not Gur's module (in a beautiful Euro panel with voltage control added to
everything) there is a more bare bones development board available from Spin
Semiconductor's distributors.

Anyway, if anyone is looking at playing with DSP code, this is a great way
to start without having to design the electronics first, so perfect for me.

Happy Holidays everyone!

David