4 Relay Module

By Gieskes

The 4-Relay-Module is a module that uses a relay module with 4 relays to generate percussive sounds.

This module uses the mechanics inside a relay module, it works great with this relay because it is designed very simple. The hinge that is used is using the memory of the metal to move back to its original position, because of this it bounces nicely.

You can solder directly to the metal to make it more heavy resulting on a longer and slower bounce (lower frequency = more base). You can bend the things soldered to the mechanical flaps that move, if you bend it up the frequency goes up, bending them in horizontal position makes lower frequencies (bend horizontal in forward position).

The attachements can also hit other things that can be mounted into the screw terminals of the relay board. These things can be played by hand also, a bit like a Kalimba. These terminals are not super tight so things can still move a bit.

The relays still work as relay, but in combination with the things that are soldered to the flaps. So it is not designed to use them as relays, i just write it here because it is possible to do something creative with this also. You can switch audio/cv signals if you make connectors for that, but you could also switch some LED's or power a small DC motor. Dont switch mains power with it, it is not made for that.

Specifications:

• Module width: 75.8mm (15hp), power consumption: +160mA -10mA. (+160mA is when all relays are on)
• Depths of module from the front pannel is about 27mm with power cable connected.
• Height of module from the front pannel is about 28mm.

Gate input: for every relay there is a gate input, with a enable switch.
It will also change the volume according to the gates voltage.

CV input: This input controls the volume of the entire module (thru a vactrol), the range is 0.9v to 6v or so (you can also put higher input voltages into it, negative signals will be ignored).

Audio output: It sends out the audio that is amplified from a piezo mounted under the 4 Relay Module board. It goes thru a DIY Vactrol and turns on whenever there is a gate signal high on a input. When all gate signals are low it will fade out the audio signal.