diff --git a/public/blog-img/esp32.jpg b/public/blog-img/esp32.jpg new file mode 100644 index 0000000..0c1fd10 Binary files /dev/null and b/public/blog-img/esp32.jpg differ diff --git a/public/blog-img/jada-sequencer.jpg b/public/blog-img/jada-sequencer.jpg new file mode 100644 index 0000000..157e803 Binary files /dev/null and b/public/blog-img/jada-sequencer.jpg differ diff --git a/public/blog-img/make-analog-book.jpg b/public/blog-img/make-analog-book.jpg new file mode 100644 index 0000000..c811641 Binary files /dev/null and b/public/blog-img/make-analog-book.jpg differ diff --git a/src/content/blog/en/making-sequencer-esp32.md b/src/content/blog/en/making-sequencer-esp32.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..24361ac --- /dev/null +++ b/src/content/blog/en/making-sequencer-esp32.md @@ -0,0 +1,70 @@ +--- +title: "Building A Voltage Sequencer For Eurorack With ESP32" +date: 2024-04-28 +images: +- "/blog-img/jada-sequencer.jpg" +categories: +- Programming +summary: "I need a sequencer for my modular synth system. So, I decided to build one with an ESP32 microcontroller." +featured: false +--- + +I've been building my modular synth system for a while now. I mentioned in [my previous post](https://www.asepbagja.com/programming/starting-modular-synth-journey/) that I wanted to design and build my modules. Initially, I wanted to create a VCO (Voltage Controlled Oscillator) module. But, I noticed that I needed a sequencer module first. Instead of buying one, I decided to build it myself. It's a perfect project to learn more about electronics and embedded programming. + +### What is a voltage sequencer? + +A voltage sequencer is a module that generates a series of control voltages (CV) in a sequence. The control voltages can be used to control other modules in the system. For example, it can be used to control the pitch of an oscillator. It can also modulate the cutoff frequency of a filter. A lot of possibilities. + +In the market, there are many types of sequencers. The most common ones are analogue sequencers and digital sequencers. Analogue sequencers use analogue components like op-amps and transistors to generate the control voltages. On the other hand, digital sequencers use microcontrollers or digital signal processors to produce the control voltages. + +For my sequencer, I decided to build a digital one because my skill set is more on the software engineering side. Thus, I can implement the main features of the sequencer in software and deploy it to a microcontroller. + +### ESP32 as the brain of the sequencer + +I have these requirements for my sequencer: +- Unlimited steps in the sequence +- It should have multiple CV outputs and gate outputs, and the step length can be different for each output +- It should have a clock input to sync with other modules +- I want to be able to define the sequence and other settings using a web interface or a mobile app. + +After some research, I decided to use the ESP32 microcontroller as the brain of the sequencer. The ESP32 is a powerful microcontroller with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities. It has enough processing power and memory to handle the sequencer logic and serving web interface. It also has enough GPIO pins to handle multiple CV and gate outputs. More importantly, it's relatively cheap and easy to find. + +