MOTM

Hi,

I've been using a Hewlett-Packard function generator as an oscillator in my
MOTM for now (until I get a couple more paychecks under my belt and can get
a couple 300s). I don't even have CV stuck into the back to vary
frequency--just that big ol' knob on the front. Who needs a stinkin'
keyboard when you have a knob? ;)

Anyway, I keep the signal waaay down (all the way actually), and I've not
blown up any of my equipment (I actually did test it first--I don't have
documentation for it as it was a surplus buy). Is there any forseeable
problem using it with my MOTM? And forgive my ignorance, but what are the
basic differences between function generators and oscillators? I must
confess, I really like the sound of it as an oscillator, and of course it
has a good selection of waveforms (two pulse, square, sine, triangle, ramp,
ramp reverse) and excellent range.

Thanks!

David Bivins
Creative Strategist
Brandscape
New York City
212.285.2600.x103

David,
A function Generator will work as an oscillator but There is no provision
for CV, or other types of modulation. all you can do is vary the frequency
up or down by hand. Just remember the signal levels. If you get too much
signal it will distort. I don't think you'll break anything though. The VCOs
rock.
Jim

>From: "David Bivins" <david@...>
>Reply-To: motm@onelist.com
>To: "Motm@Onelist. Com" <motm@onelist.com>
>Subject: [motm] Function generator as oscillator?
>Date: Wed, 11 Aug 1999 11:11:06 -0400
>
>From: "David Bivins" <david@...>
>
>Hi,
>
>I've been using a Hewlett-Packard function generator as an oscillator in my
>MOTM for now (until I get a couple more paychecks under my belt and can get
>a couple 300s). I don't even have CV stuck into the back to vary
>frequency--just that big ol' knob on the front. Who needs a stinkin'
>keyboard when you have a knob? ;)
>
>Anyway, I keep the signal waaay down (all the way actually), and I've not
>blown up any of my equipment (I actually did test it first--I don't have
>documentation for it as it was a surplus buy). Is there any forseeable
>problem using it with my MOTM? And forgive my ignorance, but what are the
>basic differences between function generators and oscillators? I must
>confess, I really like the sound of it as an oscillator, and of course it
>has a good selection of waveforms (two pulse, square, sine, triangle, ramp,
>ramp reverse) and excellent range.
>
>Thanks!
>
>David Bivins
>Creative Strategist
>Brandscape
>New York City
>212.285.2600.x103
>
>
>--------------------------- ONElist Sponsor ----------------------------
>
>Start a new ONElist list & you can WIN great prizes!
>For details on ONElist�s NEW FRIENDS & FAMILY program, go to
>http://www.onelist.com/info/onereachsplash3.html
>
>------------------------------------------------------------------------

Actually, I think mine has a CV input for frequency... I haven't built
another BNC->1/4" to check it, but I do think it's there... or would that
just make it an oscillator?

> -----Original Message-----
> From: james holloway [mailto:jimh54@...]
> Sent: Wednesday, August 11, 1999 11:24 AM
> To: motm@onelist.com
> Subject: Re: [motm] Function generator as oscillator?
>
>
> From: "james holloway" <jimh54@...>
>
> David,
> A function Generator will work as an oscillator but There is no provision
> for CV, or other types of modulation. all you can do is vary the
> frequency
> up or down by hand. Just remember the signal levels. If you get too much
> signal it will distort. I don't think you'll break anything
> though. The VCOs
> rock.
> Jim
>
>
> >From: "David Bivins" <david@...>
> >Reply-To: motm@onelist.com
> >To: "Motm@Onelist. Com" <motm@onelist.com>
> >Subject: [motm] Function generator as oscillator?
> >Date: Wed, 11 Aug 1999 11:11:06 -0400
> >
> >From: "David Bivins" <david@...>
> >
> >Hi,
> >
> >I've been using a Hewlett-Packard function generator as an
> oscillator in my
> >MOTM for now (until I get a couple more paychecks under my belt
> and can get
> >a couple 300s). I don't even have CV stuck into the back to vary
> >frequency--just that big ol' knob on the front. Who needs a stinkin'
> >keyboard when you have a knob? ;)
> >
> >Anyway, I keep the signal waaay down (all the way actually), and I've not
> >blown up any of my equipment (I actually did test it first--I don't have
> >documentation for it as it was a surplus buy). Is there any forseeable
> >problem using it with my MOTM? And forgive my ignorance, but what are the
> >basic differences between function generators and oscillators? I must
> >confess, I really like the sound of it as an oscillator, and of course it
> >has a good selection of waveforms (two pulse, square, sine,
> triangle, ramp,
> >ramp reverse) and excellent range.
> >
> >Thanks!
> >
> >David Bivins
> >Creative Strategist
> >Brandscape
> >New York City
> >212.285.2600.x103
> >
> >
> >--------------------------- ONElist Sponsor ----------------------------
> >
> >Start a new ONElist list & you can WIN great prizes!
> >For details on ONElist�s NEW FRIENDS & FAMILY program, go to
> >http://www.onelist.com/info/onereachsplash3.html
> >
> >------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>
> --------------------------- ONElist Sponsor ----------------------------
>
> ONElist now brings ICQ Instant Messaging to members
> For details,
> <a href=" http://www.onelist.com/info/news.html ">Click Here</a>
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>

> Anyway, I keep the signal waaay down (all the way actually), and I've not
> blown up any of my equipment (I actually did test it first--I don't have
> documentation for it as it was a surplus buy). Is there any forseeable
> problem using it with my MOTM? And forgive my ignorance, but what are the
> basic differences between function generators and oscillators?

A function generator IS an oscillator. It's optimized to be a high precision
test signal source. It will typically be very stable, and will have
extremely pure waveforms. Most do not have CV inputs. Yours does, but
probably it is not calibrated for exponential 1V/Oct response. By all means,
make up a patch cord and stick some control voltages in and see what
happens.

A VCO in a synth is also an oscillator, but typically has less pure
waveforms, is optimized to provide an array of control voltage and sync
inputs, etc. The MOTM-300 is a LOT closer to a function generator in terms
of stability than most. Its saw and pulse waveforms are good and sharp also.
The function generator will probably have a purer sine and triangle
waveform, but it cost many times as much when new, and probably is very
large.

The MOTM-300 signal levels are around 10 volts peak to peak. If you match
that, it will work fine. If the function generator does not have calibrated
output levels, stick a volt meter on it, set the volt meter to read AC
volts, and adjust the output level until it reads about 7 Volts AC. (The
meter is reading volts RMS instead of peak to peak, and 7V RMS is approx.
equal to 10V pp).

Dave Bradley
Principal Software Engineer
Engineering Animation, Inc.
daveb@...

Thanks so much for the explanation. I will certainly play with it further,
and if I can get out of here before 7, I'll stop by the Shack on the way
home and get some BNC connectors.

The face profile of this isn't all that much bigger than a MOTM 3U module,
btw. Also, it's what I used to do that little audio sample at
http://www.totaltrash.com/audio/Sound2.mp3, manually switching between the
sine and square waves (and MOTMing it up of course!).

I should go get some more--I got it and an old oscilloscope (works, clean
display, bakelite bird-beak knobs, wonderful to look at, black like the
MOTM, no marks on the display so not so useful for anything but "Cool!"
value) for $40 in the Coney Island area from a backyard surplus dealer.
Don't worry Paul, I'll still be ordering oscillators from you!

Take care and thanks again!

David.

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Dave Bradley [mailto:daveb@...]
> Sent: Wednesday, August 11, 1999 11:44 AM
> To: motm@onelist.com
> Subject: RE: [motm] Function generator as oscillator?
>
>
> From: "Dave Bradley" <daveb@...>
>
> > Anyway, I keep the signal waaay down (all the way actually),
> and I've not
> > blown up any of my equipment (I actually did test it first--I don't have
> > documentation for it as it was a surplus buy). Is there any forseeable
> > problem using it with my MOTM? And forgive my ignorance, but
> what are the
> > basic differences between function generators and oscillators?
>
> A function generator IS an oscillator. It's optimized to be a
> high precision
> test signal source. It will typically be very stable, and will have
> extremely pure waveforms. Most do not have CV inputs. Yours does, but
> probably it is not calibrated for exponential 1V/Oct response. By
> all means,
> make up a patch cord and stick some control voltages in and see what
> happens.
>
> A VCO in a synth is also an oscillator, but typically has less pure
> waveforms, is optimized to provide an array of control voltage and sync
> inputs, etc. The MOTM-300 is a LOT closer to a function generator in terms
> of stability than most. Its saw and pulse waveforms are good and
> sharp also.
> The function generator will probably have a purer sine and triangle
> waveform, but it cost many times as much when new, and probably is very
> large.
>
> The MOTM-300 signal levels are around 10 volts peak to peak. If you match
> that, it will work fine. If the function generator does not have
> calibrated
> output levels, stick a volt meter on it, set the volt meter to read AC
> volts, and adjust the output level until it reads about 7 Volts AC. (The
> meter is reading volts RMS instead of peak to peak, and 7V RMS is approx.
> equal to 10V pp).
>
> Dave Bradley
> Principal Software Engineer
> Engineering Animation, Inc.
> daveb@...
>
>
> --------------------------- ONElist Sponsor ----------------------------
>
> ONElist: your connection to like-minds and kindred spirits.
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>

David,
Is that a Generator you describe or the O'scope? either way I would be
interested in buying one if they are still available. Could you pick on up
for me and I'll Pay for the unit and shipping.
Thanks,
Jim

>From: "David Bivins" <david@...>
>Reply-To: motm@onelist.com
>To: <motm@onelist.com>
>Subject: RE: [motm] Function generator as oscillator?
>Date: Wed, 11 Aug 1999 18:08:48 -0400
>
>From: "David Bivins" <david@...>
>
>Thanks so much for the explanation. I will certainly play with it further,
>and if I can get out of here before 7, I'll stop by the Shack on the way
>home and get some BNC connectors.
>
>The face profile of this isn't all that much bigger than a MOTM 3U module,
>btw. Also, it's what I used to do that little audio sample at
>http://www.totaltrash.com/audio/Sound2.mp3, manually switching between the
>sine and square waves (and MOTMing it up of course!).
>
>I should go get some more--I got it and an old oscilloscope (works, clean
>display, bakelite bird-beak knobs, wonderful to look at, black like the
>MOTM, no marks on the display so not so useful for anything but "Cool!"
>value) for $40 in the Coney Island area from a backyard surplus dealer.
>Don't worry Paul, I'll still be ordering oscillators from you!
>
>Take care and thanks again!
>
>David.
>
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Dave Bradley [mailto:daveb@...]
> > Sent: Wednesday, August 11, 1999 11:44 AM
> > To: motm@onelist.com
> > Subject: RE: [motm] Function generator as oscillator?
> >
> >
> > From: "Dave Bradley" <daveb@...>
> >
> > > Anyway, I keep the signal waaay down (all the way actually),
> > and I've not
> > > blown up any of my equipment (I actually did test it first--I don't
>have
> > > documentation for it as it was a surplus buy). Is there any forseeable
> > > problem using it with my MOTM? And forgive my ignorance, but
> > what are the
> > > basic differences between function generators and oscillators?
> >
> > A function generator IS an oscillator. It's optimized to be a
> > high precision
> > test signal source. It will typically be very stable, and will have
> > extremely pure waveforms. Most do not have CV inputs. Yours does, but
> > probably it is not calibrated for exponential 1V/Oct response. By
> > all means,
> > make up a patch cord and stick some control voltages in and see what
> > happens.
> >
> > A VCO in a synth is also an oscillator, but typically has less pure
> > waveforms, is optimized to provide an array of control voltage and sync
> > inputs, etc. The MOTM-300 is a LOT closer to a function generator in
>terms
> > of stability than most. Its saw and pulse waveforms are good and
> > sharp also.
> > The function generator will probably have a purer sine and triangle
> > waveform, but it cost many times as much when new, and probably is very
> > large.
> >
> > The MOTM-300 signal levels are around 10 volts peak to peak. If you
>match
> > that, it will work fine. If the function generator does not have
> > calibrated
> > output levels, stick a volt meter on it, set the volt meter to read AC
> > volts, and adjust the output level until it reads about 7 Volts AC. (The
> > meter is reading volts RMS instead of peak to peak, and 7V RMS is
>approx.
> > equal to 10V pp).
> >
> > Dave Bradley
> > Principal Software Engineer
> > Engineering Animation, Inc.
> > daveb@...
> >
> >
> > --------------------------- ONElist Sponsor ----------------------------
> >
> > ONElist: your connection to like-minds and kindred spirits.
> >
> > ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> >
>
>
>--------------------------- ONElist Sponsor ----------------------------
>
>ONElist: your connection to people who share your interests.
>
>------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here's a pic of a similar function generator that has an almost identical
front panel layout (in addition, mine has a manual trigger on the front
panel--don't know what else is different).
http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=136709517
(eBay's good for something, eh?)

The scope is black with silver legends. It's (damn, what is it)... Dumont?
Can't remember. Regardless, it's called an "oscillograph" and it's the one
with the bakelite knobs, etc. It's definitely over-the-hill for precision
lab work, but it displays waveforms just fine. It weighs a lot. Hell, let's
try eBay again... eh, nope.

How about I head out there this weekend and see what I find? At those
prices, I can afford to pick up a few pieces and then post them to the list
and see if anyone's interested. A lot of these HP function generators are
really light as well, so shipping wouldn't be much at all.

I'll also take this offlist from now on. I do think this old lab equipment
looks divine next to the classic look of the MOTM. (That's my attempt to be
on topic.)

> -----Original Message-----
> From: james holloway [mailto:jimh54@...]
> Sent: Wednesday, August 11, 1999 8:12 PM
> To: motm@onelist.com
> Subject: RE: [motm] Function generator as oscillator?
>
>
> From: "james holloway" <jimh54@...>
>
> David,
> Is that a Generator you describe or the O'scope? either way I would be
> interested in buying one if they are still available. Could you
> pick on up
> for me and I'll Pay for the unit and shipping.
> Thanks,
> Jim
>
>
> >From: "David Bivins" <david@...>
> >Reply-To: motm@onelist.com
> >To: <motm@onelist.com>
> >Subject: RE: [motm] Function generator as oscillator?
> >Date: Wed, 11 Aug 1999 18:08:48 -0400
> >
> >From: "David Bivins" <david@...>
> >
> >Thanks so much for the explanation. I will certainly play with
> it further,
> >and if I can get out of here before 7, I'll stop by the Shack on the way
> >home and get some BNC connectors.
> >
> >The face profile of this isn't all that much bigger than a MOTM
> 3U module,
> >btw. Also, it's what I used to do that little audio sample at
> >http://www.totaltrash.com/audio/Sound2.mp3, manually switching
> between the
> >sine and square waves (and MOTMing it up of course!).
> >
> >I should go get some more--I got it and an old oscilloscope (works, clean
> >display, bakelite bird-beak knobs, wonderful to look at, black like the
> >MOTM, no marks on the display so not so useful for anything but "Cool!"
> >value) for $40 in the Coney Island area from a backyard surplus dealer.
> >Don't worry Paul, I'll still be ordering oscillators from you!
> >
> >Take care and thanks again!
> >
> >David.
> >
> > > -----Original Message-----
> > > From: Dave Bradley [mailto:daveb@...]
> > > Sent: Wednesday, August 11, 1999 11:44 AM
> > > To: motm@onelist.com
> > > Subject: RE: [motm] Function generator as oscillator?
> > >
> > >
> > > From: "Dave Bradley" <daveb@...>
> > >
> > > > Anyway, I keep the signal waaay down (all the way actually),
> > > and I've not
> > > > blown up any of my equipment (I actually did test it first--I don't
> >have
> > > > documentation for it as it was a surplus buy). Is there any
> forseeable
> > > > problem using it with my MOTM? And forgive my ignorance, but
> > > what are the
> > > > basic differences between function generators and oscillators?
> > >
> > > A function generator IS an oscillator. It's optimized to be a
> > > high precision
> > > test signal source. It will typically be very stable, and will have
> > > extremely pure waveforms. Most do not have CV inputs. Yours does, but
> > > probably it is not calibrated for exponential 1V/Oct response. By
> > > all means,
> > > make up a patch cord and stick some control voltages in and see what
> > > happens.
> > >
> > > A VCO in a synth is also an oscillator, but typically has less pure
> > > waveforms, is optimized to provide an array of control
> voltage and sync
> > > inputs, etc. The MOTM-300 is a LOT closer to a function generator in
> >terms
> > > of stability than most. Its saw and pulse waveforms are good and
> > > sharp also.
> > > The function generator will probably have a purer sine and triangle
> > > waveform, but it cost many times as much when new, and
> probably is very
> > > large.
> > >
> > > The MOTM-300 signal levels are around 10 volts peak to peak. If you
> >match
> > > that, it will work fine. If the function generator does not have
> > > calibrated
> > > output levels, stick a volt meter on it, set the volt meter to read AC
> > > volts, and adjust the output level until it reads about 7
> Volts AC. (The
> > > meter is reading volts RMS instead of peak to peak, and 7V RMS is
> >approx.
> > > equal to 10V pp).
> > >
> > > Dave Bradley
> > > Principal Software Engineer
> > > Engineering Animation, Inc.
> > > daveb@...
> > >
> > >
> > > --------------------------- ONElist Sponsor
> ----------------------------
> > >
> > > ONElist: your connection to like-minds and kindred spirits.
> > >
> > >
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> > >
> >
> >
> >--------------------------- ONElist Sponsor ----------------------------
> >
> >ONElist: your connection to people who share your interests.
> >
> >------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>
> --------------------------- ONElist Sponsor ----------------------------
>
> ONElist: your connection to online communities.
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>

David,
I don't need any precision stuff. but I'd be really happy to have one of
each if you can get them. Let me know.
Thanks,
Jim

>From: "David Bivins" <david@...>
>Reply-To: motm@onelist.com
>To: <motm@onelist.com>
>Subject: RE: [motm] Function generator as oscillator?
>Date: Thu, 12 Aug 1999 10:40:08 -0400
>
>From: "David Bivins" <david@...>
>
>Here's a pic of a similar function generator that has an almost identical
>front panel layout (in addition, mine has a manual trigger on the front
>panel--don't know what else is different).
>http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=136709517
>(eBay's good for something, eh?)
>
>The scope is black with silver legends. It's (damn, what is it)... Dumont?
>Can't remember. Regardless, it's called an "oscillograph" and it's the one
>with the bakelite knobs, etc. It's definitely over-the-hill for precision
>lab work, but it displays waveforms just fine. It weighs a lot. Hell, let's
>try eBay again... eh, nope.
>
>How about I head out there this weekend and see what I find? At those
>prices, I can afford to pick up a few pieces and then post them to the list
>and see if anyone's interested. A lot of these HP function generators are
>really light as well, so shipping wouldn't be much at all.
>
>I'll also take this offlist from now on. I do think this old lab equipment
>looks divine next to the classic look of the MOTM. (That's my attempt to be
>on topic.)
>
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: james holloway [mailto:jimh54@...]
> > Sent: Wednesday, August 11, 1999 8:12 PM
> > To: motm@onelist.com
> > Subject: RE: [motm] Function generator as oscillator?
> >
> >
> > From: "james holloway" <jimh54@...>
> >
> > David,
> > Is that a Generator you describe or the O'scope? either way I would be
> > interested in buying one if they are still available. Could you
> > pick on up
> > for me and I'll Pay for the unit and shipping.
> > Thanks,
> > Jim
> >
> >
> > >From: "David Bivins" <david@...>
> > >Reply-To: motm@onelist.com
> > >To: <motm@onelist.com>
> > >Subject: RE: [motm] Function generator as oscillator?
> > >Date: Wed, 11 Aug 1999 18:08:48 -0400
> > >
> > >From: "David Bivins" <david@...>
> > >
> > >Thanks so much for the explanation. I will certainly play with
> > it further,
> > >and if I can get out of here before 7, I'll stop by the Shack on the
>way
> > >home and get some BNC connectors.
> > >
> > >The face profile of this isn't all that much bigger than a MOTM
> > 3U module,
> > >btw. Also, it's what I used to do that little audio sample at
> > >http://www.totaltrash.com/audio/Sound2.mp3, manually switching
> > between the
> > >sine and square waves (and MOTMing it up of course!).
> > >
> > >I should go get some more--I got it and an old oscilloscope (works,
>clean
> > >display, bakelite bird-beak knobs, wonderful to look at, black like the
> > >MOTM, no marks on the display so not so useful for anything but "Cool!"
> > >value) for $40 in the Coney Island area from a backyard surplus dealer.
> > >Don't worry Paul, I'll still be ordering oscillators from you!
> > >
> > >Take care and thanks again!
> > >
> > >David.
> > >
> > > > -----Original Message-----
> > > > From: Dave Bradley [mailto:daveb@...]
> > > > Sent: Wednesday, August 11, 1999 11:44 AM
> > > > To: motm@onelist.com
> > > > Subject: RE: [motm] Function generator as oscillator?
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > From: "Dave Bradley" <daveb@...>
> > > >
> > > > > Anyway, I keep the signal waaay down (all the way actually),
> > > > and I've not
> > > > > blown up any of my equipment (I actually did test it first--I
>don't
> > >have
> > > > > documentation for it as it was a surplus buy). Is there any
> > forseeable
> > > > > problem using it with my MOTM? And forgive my ignorance, but
> > > > what are the
> > > > > basic differences between function generators and oscillators?
> > > >
> > > > A function generator IS an oscillator. It's optimized to be a
> > > > high precision
> > > > test signal source. It will typically be very stable, and will have
> > > > extremely pure waveforms. Most do not have CV inputs. Yours does,
>but
> > > > probably it is not calibrated for exponential 1V/Oct response. By
> > > > all means,
> > > > make up a patch cord and stick some control voltages in and see what
> > > > happens.
> > > >
> > > > A VCO in a synth is also an oscillator, but typically has less pure
> > > > waveforms, is optimized to provide an array of control
> > voltage and sync
> > > > inputs, etc. The MOTM-300 is a LOT closer to a function generator in
> > >terms
> > > > of stability than most. Its saw and pulse waveforms are good and
> > > > sharp also.
> > > > The function generator will probably have a purer sine and triangle
> > > > waveform, but it cost many times as much when new, and
> > probably is very
> > > > large.
> > > >
> > > > The MOTM-300 signal levels are around 10 volts peak to peak. If you
> > >match
> > > > that, it will work fine. If the function generator does not have
> > > > calibrated
> > > > output levels, stick a volt meter on it, set the volt meter to read
>AC
> > > > volts, and adjust the output level until it reads about 7
> > Volts AC. (The
> > > > meter is reading volts RMS instead of peak to peak, and 7V RMS is
> > >approx.
> > > > equal to 10V pp).
> > > >
> > > > Dave Bradley
> > > > Principal Software Engineer
> > > > Engineering Animation, Inc.
> > > > daveb@...
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > --------------------------- ONElist Sponsor
> > ----------------------------
> > > >
> > > > ONElist: your connection to like-minds and kindred spirits.
> > > >
> > > >
> > ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> > >--------------------------- ONElist Sponsor
>----------------------------
> > >
> > >ONElist: your connection to people who share your interests.
> > >
> >
> >------------------------------------------------------------------------
> >
> >
> > --------------------------- ONElist Sponsor ----------------------------
> >
> > ONElist: your connection to online communities.
> >
> > ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> >
>
>
>--------------------------- ONElist Sponsor ----------------------------
>
>Congratulations to Molly Jones
>This week's FRIENDS & FAMILY WINNER!
>To enter, go to http://www.onelist.com/info/onereachsplash3.html
>
>------------------------------------------------------------------------