MitchElectronics Latest Updates 24-07-2024 / New Audio, Synths, and Filters!

As we prepare to move our facility, create an entirely new YouTube channel, and develop a whole new range of products, we thought that we should share what exactly is going on inside MitchElectronics. So, without further ado, here is where we are and what we are working on!

New Kits

Siren LFO Kit

To start, we have been working as hard as we can to release new kits, all of which demonstrate some unique circuit feature. The first, and most exciting release, is the Siren LFO kit, which can be used to create unique sound effects by combining an LFO with a VCO. For example, this kit can be used to create police and ambulance sirens, air raid warnings, and security alarm sounds, but it can also be used to create unique tones and patterns for synthesizer enthusiasts.

VU Meter

For those who want to add visual effects to their sensor and audio related projects, the VU meter will be a welcome addition. The chain of 8 LEDs can be used to indicate the relative magnitude of an input signal, and the inclusion of multiple resistors allows you to choose between a linear VU meter and a logarithmic VU meter (this means that it can be used for both sensors and audio scenarios).

RTL Kits

While we await our PCB order to arrive, the upcoming RTL series will let you build discrete logic gates from NPN transistors. While RTL is an old technology, it demonstrates how logic gates can be made from transistors, how open-collectors work, and the advantages that it can provide in edge cases. Furthermore, because it uses an NMOS-style construction, it is much easier to understand and get working compared to other logic technologies (such as CMOS and TTL).

Logic Range

The importance of the 4000 series of logic chips cannot be understated, and despite being more than 40 years old, these chips are still produced in the millions today. In our new range of logic kits, you can explore the different function of some of these chips, including the 4013 flip-flop and the 4015 shift register.

Discrete ADC

You read that right! As we await for our PCB order to arrive, we are preparing to release the Discrete Analog to Digital Converter. Not only does this kit work surprisingly well (certainly shocked us when we first tested it), but because its entirely discrete, you can see exactly how ADCs work. With all the control signals being externalized, it is also possible to use this in conjunction with other designs, but we have also included buttons on the board so you can play with this kit on its own.

Upcoming Kits

While we prepare to release the many new kits that we have designed, we have also been hard at work developing some new kits. While it is our goal to design every possible kind of circuit that we can think of, we also recognize that we have to priorities some designs over others. Looking at our sales and engagement with customers, it is blatantly clear that audio projects, such as synthesizers, are the most popular. As such, our next batch of products will be focused around such circuits.

Voltage Controlled Amplifier

We believe that the voltage controlled amplifier that is under development could be a major advancements in DIY kits due to the importance that VCAs have in many applications. While it is still in development, simulations have showed that the circuit should work well, and if proven, can be used for so many things including envelope generators, modulators, and advanced synthesizer controls. We won’t provide too much detail right now, but what we can say is that we think we know how to take advantage of the photoelectric effect to make this kit work!

Filter Range

The first kits that we will introduced will be three different filters; a low pass filter, bandpass filter, and high pass filter.

8-Step Tone Generator

The 8-step tone generator, powered by 555 timers, the 4017 counter, and a VCO, will let you create 8-step tones, such as arpeggios. We are fairly confident that this kit will be particularly popular with our audio-inclined customers!

Unique Op-Amp Circuits

To help teach about the many uses for op-amp circuits, we are also developing a number of useful op-amp kits, including a sample and hold and digital signal detector.

Upcoming Stripboards

Not all circuits need a custom PCB, and breadboards are not always the best solution. In these cases, stripboards provide an excellent solution. However, the many stripboards currently on the market have many issues, including low build quality and lack of useful features.

In response to this, we are experimenting with MitchElectronics Stripboards which will provide our makers with a wide range of opportunities. For example, one of our designs has cable tie mounting points so that large cables coming onto the board for power can be secured down with ease.

We have also developed a 1.27mm stripboard whose sole purpose is to allow for the creation of SMD stripboard designs, something that simply doesn’t exist. If this design works, we will be able to open up SMD parts to makers in the prototyping space for the first time.

Z80 Single Board Computer

Sourcing the CPU

That’s right, after all this time, we are finally moving in the right direction to get a Z80 single board computer released to the market. Now, it doesn’t help that the Z80 in a DIP 40 package was recently made redundant, meaning that there will be no more Z80 chips made.

But we recognise that due to the age of the Z80, there is no choice but for us to source old new stock and develop a testing procedure to make sure that customers can get a working Z80 CPU. Of course, there will also be the option in the future to replace the Z80 CPU with a compatible DIP 40 FPGA emulation.

If the Z80 project can be realised into a kit, we will ensure that customers are made fully aware that the Z80 chip will be sourced as old new stock. We will also give customers the choice to not include the CPU in the kit, so that they can source their own if needed.

The design

With that pessimism over and done with, we can look at the specs of the upcoming machine. So far, it’s looking that the machine will have a 16KB ROM, 48KB RAM, an integrated hex keypad with a number of function buttons, a 16×2 LCD screen, 3D printable case, software UART, and a 40-pin expander port. Furthermore, we expect the operating frequency to be between 1MHz and 4MHz depending on testing with the LCD and other peripherals.

Oh, and before we forget to mention, this board is fully discrete, with no special MCUs or other controllers to make the machine work. That means you can fully understand how the design works with no need for additional code in a microcontroller.

And Finally, Our Move

To say that our move to Stratford-Upon-Avon last year was the best decision that we ever made is by no means an understatement, and we are happy to announce that we are going to be grounding our foundations in the heart of Shakespeare country!

However, the place we have been operating in has been rented, which is not great for long-term plans, so we are now in the process of moving to a new facility that will be permanent. Not only does this mean that we can invest in more equipment and create a better environment, but we will also be able to launch our new TechTalk YouTube series. This does mean that we are going to be here and there, but we will continue to send out orders as they come in.

That’s all folks!