The RF-30 is one of the most advanced synths available, but it has one shortcoming: there is no digital control interface to speak of. The builder must get a digital control interface to use the instrument’s many functions. The availability of the RF-30 software development kit (SDK) and other documentation makes it possible to create an entirely digital interface using a small embedded microcontroller. This document describes this solution and its development process.
For more than 35 years, Taconic has delivered innovative products. These products have safely protected hundreds of thousands of high-value components. Taconic’s product line includes many enclosures, from hard-plastic cases to foam-injected molded cases. As a result, Taconic can develop the ideal enclosure to protect your component. It can also meet your performance requirements by working with customers.
One should install the PCB before mounting any modules (since all the available slots are helpful in the base and side panels). To install it, use one or two M4 21mm screws (depending on the size of RF-30 PCB). These screws must pass through corresponding holes from both sides of the case. Place them into mounting holes at around 2.5” (60mm) from the rear of the case. This will ensure that the screws do not interfere with any components on the opposite side of the PCB and will work with any TL-30 or RF-30 case.
We can use the RF-30 PCB as a stand-alone product. However, it was originally designed to interface with a microcontroller. Therefore, it helps provide digital control and interaction. The Taconic SDK provides complete C++ code for programming an Atmel AT90S2313 microcontroller.
Types of enclosures
There are three types of enclosures available: the RF-30, TL-30, and MM-30. The RF-30 is the largest in the line, measuring 11.8” (w) × 6” (h) × 2.5” (d). On the other hand, the TL-30 and MM-30 are both 7.5” (w) × 7.5” (d) with space for an 8-pin DIL package, allowing for quick and easy installation and removal of the components.
The RF-30, TL-30, and MM-30 cases are available in various materials. They include plastic, aluminum, fiberglass, ABS plastic, and steel. For more information on Taconic product materials, see the “Material Guide.”
The RF-30, TL-30, and MM-30 are all based on the same design. The enclosures comprise three main modules: the base and the lid, which form a hinge, and two specialized modules on the sides. Each module has 4 or 5 pins (A, B, C, and D).
Design procedure
We mount the base to a metal plate using eight screws that pass through holes in the metal plate to secure it to the case. Then, we secure the lid to the base using two screws that pass through mounting holes in the base and the lid.
Each module accepts four additional screws, one in each corner. The four small holes in each corner secure a mounting bracket with a DIL socket; plugging it into one of these DIL sockets will power the module. Although you could mount this bracket inside the case, we do not recommend it since it may interfere with access to signal pins on other modules.
There are three optional modules on the sides, bringing the number of available mounting points on a case up to six.
The design of the RF-30 PCB allows mounting on top of the modular side modules. To mount it, you must remove two sets of screws at the rear of the case (marked with a *) and then slide two tabs into slots on either side.
Next, extend each tab fully and press into place one panel beside the other. This will secure the PCB to the case and slid in place when one fully extends the tabs.
Benefits of using Taconic RF-30 PCB
There are many advantages to using a Taconic RF-30 PCB as an interface to the RF-30:
The RF-30 PCB’s design is for direct use with the RF-30. It does not require any additional components and does not expand on the capabilities of the base module or the lid. Instead, it adds a digital interface for the user, greatly expanding the capabilities of this exciting synthesizer and focusing its potential on audio making.
1. Low cost
We can use the RF-30 PCB design with the RF-30 for cost reasons. It does not require additional components or expand the capabilities of the base module or the lid. It adds a digital interface for the user, greatly expanding the capabilities of this exciting synthesizer and focusing its potential on audio making.
2. No proprietary or application-specific hardware
The RF-30 PCB has no proprietary parts. As a result, it is very highly hackable. So, we can use it for many other applications and do not limit the application of the RF-30 PCB in any way. Many of these applications are possible. This is because of the extensive documentation and codebase provided with the Taconic SDK.
3. Excellent peel strength
Its design is essential in working with the RF-30. It can withstand extreme shock, vibration, and temperature conditions.
IF DESIRED, we can use the RF-30 PCB in place of the lid. It has extra connectors that run along the length of the PCB. The RF-30 PCB has a design to connect to pots, switches, LEDs, or any other peripheral that requires just a few connections. It does not have to have a DIL socket (it also doesn’t need one as an interface).
4. Exceptionally low DF
The digital construction makes it easy to design low-cost PCBs with short traces and high DF. These characteristics enable us to use the PCB in many situations that would be impractical for conventional PCBs (such as breadboards) or difficult for standard PCB kits (such as in conjunction with LCDs, real-time clock chips, etc.).
5. Excellent intermodulation performance
Because of the design’s digital nature, performance is excellent for a product of this price point. The ability to run the PCB at ±5V also allows us to use it with high-level signals.
The RF-30 PCB will interface with any microcontroller that supports I2C and SPI communication. They include Atmel and Freescale microcontrollers. The RF-30 PCB design is essential for direct use with the RF-30. So, it does not require any additional components and does not expand on the capabilities of the base module or the lid. It adds a digital interface for the user, greatly expanding the capabilities of this exciting synthesizer and focusing its potential on audio making.
6. Low moisture absorption
Because the PCB consists of high-quality components, it is water-resistant and dust-proof. This is important as several RF-30 modules and accessories generate electrically-conductive dust that can cause electrical problems if it builds up in the system.
7. Enhanced surface smoothness
Unlike some surface-mount components, these parts are not rough on the top side. This allows us to use the PCBs on many surfaces that would destroy conventional PCBs.
Taconic RF-30 PCBs are explicitly designed for the RF-30 and are incompatible with any other synthesizer. Therefore, you must purchase the following components from Taconic Instruments:
You cannot purchase the PCB individually. A kit is available, including all parts, a set of cases, and a PC board. Building a single unit requires 20 minutes, while building several may take significantly longer. It is possible to build more than one unit simultaneously. Additionally, even an inexperienced builder should complete the assembly in just a few hours.
The RF-30 PCB design allows you to use it with the RF-30 directly. It does not require any additional components and does not expand on the capabilities of the base module or the lid. It adds a digital interface for the user, greatly expanding the capabilities of this exciting synthesizer and focusing its potential on audio making. 9. Optional LED matrix
Applications of Taconic RF-30 PCB
The RF-30 is an exciting synthesizer with many applications. One of the nice things about the Taconic SDK is that it provides code to support all these applications:
1. Base station Antennas
Leading PCB manufacturers such as RayMing PCB and Assembly create the RF-30 PCB for direct use with the RF-30. It does not require any additional components and does not expand on the capabilities of the base module or the lid. It adds a digital interface for the user, greatly expanding the capabilities of this exciting synthesizer and focusing its potential on audio making.
2. Home automation
It provides a complete means of controlling your Atmel microcontroller-based systems, including door locks, temperature control, etc. It can control up to 64 Atmel 328P and 328Px based modules.
3. LCDs
The RF-30 has several analog input pins that we may use to drive LCDs. We should connect these pins to the appropriate I2C address.
4. Extra functionality
The RF-30 PCB has extra connectors that run along the length of the PCB. Additionally, their design allows for connecting to pots, switches, LEDs, or any other peripheral that requires just a few connections. It does not have to have a DIL socket (it also doesn’t need one as an interface).
5. Inventor’s Kit (IK) serial port connection
This provides an inexpensive means of connecting the RF-30 to control software on an attached PC. As a result, any software user will have a complete means of creating new modules, applications, and effects.
6. PWM or frequency modulation (FM)
The RF-30 has analog inputs that we can use for PWM or FM. We can connect these inputs to the appropriate I2C addresses.
7. Temperature control and remote control
Since the RF-30 PCB design allows for direct use with the RF-30, it does not require any additional components and does not expand on the capabilities of the base module or the lid.
Conclusion
The Taconic RF-30 PCB has a unique design to work directly with the RF-30. It does not expand the capabilities of the base module or the lid. Instead, it adds a digital interface for the user, greatly expanding the capabilities of this exciting synthesizer and focusing its potential on audio making. In addition, the price is low, and it accepts standard packages of components such as DIL sockets, potentiometers, and LEDs. It is an excellent addition to any RF-30 system for cost and performance.
