RF Nomad User Manual
Contents
1. Knob Description The RF Gain knob is used to attenuate the incoming RF signal prior to the RF decoder Turn it clockwise if the incoming signal is weak Turn it counterclockwise if the incoming signal is overloading the RF input The Tuning knob sets the base tuning of the module It works just like the tuning knob on a radio The CV Amount knob controls the amount by which the CV Input affects the base tuning Turn clockwise to allow the CV Input to affect tuning more The Audio Gain knob sets the gain of the output amplifier after the radio decoder circuit It is possible to go into overdrive distortion with this knob which may be a desirable effect Alternative Antennas If desired an alternate i e more sensitive antenna can be connected to the Antenna input of the RF Nomad This can be as simple as a very long insulated wire several feet soldered to the center conductor of a standard RCA jack If an outdoor antenna is used be certain to disconnect when not in use and Page 5 http www evatontechnologies com Avalon RF Nomad User s Manual Rev A technologies especially during electrical storms Evaton Technologies is not responsible for damages caused by electrostatic discharge or lightning strikes Patch Ideas Heterodyne sweeps Simply patch an LFO into the CV input on the RF Nomad and slowly sweep the tuning via CV to hear lots of heterodyne noises RF Nomad as percussion Tune the RF Noma2. tuning is controlled strictly by the Tuning knob Page 4 http www evatontechnologies com evato _ RF Nomad User s Manual Rev A technologies Operation Operation of the RF Nomad is fairly straightforward plug in the antenna and slowly turn up the RF Gain knob and Audio Gain knob until you hear something and tune around with the Tuning knob The RF Nomad does not incorporate an AGC automatic gain control circuit so it may be necessary to adjust RF Gain and Audio Gain according to the strength of the signal you are detecting If no shortwave stations are strong enough try placing the antenna near another piece of electrical equipment such as a computer video game another radio etc to listen to the internal sounds of the equipment By applying a control voltage signal to the CV Input jack and adjusting the CV Amount it is possible to automate twisting of the tuning knob In areas where there are strong shortwave broadcasts available it s possible to tune in those stations with the RF Nomad Because the RF Nomad is a sideband receiver tuning slightly off the center frequency of those stations will cause the audio to be frequency shifted somewhat like a ring modulator effect or duck talk Have fun exploring this interesting mode If no RF signal is present the RF Nomad can also be used as a sort of noise generator Just turn up the RF Gain and Audio Gain knobs until noise is heard on the output
3. d between stations so you hear static Use this as a noise source for a percussion patch For example patch Audio Out to the input of a VCA Then patch an AR envelope generator to the CV input on the VCA Now when you strike the envelope generator you hear a snare cymbal sound from the output of the VCA FM tones Patch an audio rate LFO into a VCA Control the VCA s CV input with an envelope generator Patch the output of the envelope generator to the CV Input on the RF Nomad Tune the RF Nomad near a station Now as the envelope operates get crazy FM tones from the RF Nomad Sequencer Use a sequencer to control tuning in steps As modulation source Patch the Audio Out of the RF Nomad into the CV Input of another module filter VCO etc Use the Audio Gain knob to adjust the level of control voltage being output Warranty Information Every Evaton Technologies module is covered by a 1 year limited warranty The product is warranted against defects in construction and materials during this period Damage caused by incorrect power supply connection incorrect power supply voltages lightning discharge or other causes determined by Evaton Technologies to be the result of abuse or improper application are not covered Evaton Technologies assumes no liability for consequential damages cause by the use of this product Page 6 http www evatontechnologies com evato RF Nomad User s Manual Rev A technologies D
4. ec ittsburgh t e C n U O g 1 e S Ly RF Nomad Audio Out RF Nomad User Manual Revision A evato RF Nomad User s Manual Rev A technologies Table of Contents Introduction Specifications Precautions Installation Signal Flow Operation Knob Description Alternative Antennas Patch Ideas Heterodyne sweeps RF Nomad as percussion FM tones Sequencer As modulation source Warranty Information JD ooo o D UW UW UW BF U W U U Acknowledgements Page 2 http www evatontechnologies com pvaton _ RF Nomad User s Manual Rev A technologies Introduction Thanks for purchasing the RF Nomad Eurorack synthesizer module from Evaton Technologies The RF Nomad module allows you to use radio frequency noise and signal sources as new sonic territory for exploration as audio sources for your modular synthesizer The module is a direct conversion radio receiver which tunes to frequencies from approximately 13 4 to 14 0 MHz and decodes the audio as single sideband Various RF noise generators such as computers appliances etc as well as shortwave broadcasts and ham radio stations can be decoded and used as useful and interesting sound sources The RF Nomad s tuning can be varied under voltage control allowing LFOs envelopes and even audio sources to modulate the tuning parameter in real time In short the RF Nomad puts those classic squelchy squealy hissy sounds of a shortwave radio into your mod
5. r on the bus typically also marked Stripe Once you are certain the power cable is connected properly Check twice install the module into your rack with the included screws Note that because the RF Nomad is a radio receiver it may pick up electrical noise emanating from inside your synthesizer Changing the location of the module within your rack may alleviate this issue or accentuate it if that is what you are going for Attach the included antenna to the jack marked Antenna on the front of the RF Nomad Connect a patch cable to the jack marked Audio Out to listen to the output of the RF Nomad Optionally connect a patch cable to the CV Input jack and connect this to a source of control voltage Signal Flow The RF Nomad consists of a voltage controlled direct conversion sideband radio receiver with adjustable input RF gain whose tuning is controlled via the Tuning knob The tuning is then further affected by the incoming control voltage on the CV Input jack The amount that the CV Input affects the tuning is controlled by the CV Amount knob The level of the audio output is controlled by the Audio Gain knob The decoded audio signal is then available on the Audio Out jack Antenna SSB Decoder Q Audio Output ia CV Input RF Gain Tuning CV Amount Audio Gain CV Input is a bipolar control voltage signal whose range is 10VDC When nothing is plugged into CV Input OV is applied to the tuning offset i e the
6. ular Specifications e Width 8 HP e Height 3U e Depth 42mm s Power 12V 10 0 mA 12V 10 0 mA e CV Input 10VDC e Audio Output 5VDC pk pk e RF Tuning Range 13 4 to 14 0 MHz approx e Format Euro modular Precautions The RF Nomad is a radio receiver and as such employs an antenna input Do not place the antenna near power lines or exposed wires If an external antenna is used be sure to safeguard against static discharge and lightning strikes Also be cautioned against placing the antenna near extremely powerful radio frequency sources such as transmitters microwave ovens etc Evaton Technologies is not responsible for damage caused by failure to heed the precautions in this section Installation Install the RF Nomad by first powering down your modular synthesizer Connect the supplied ribbon cable to the 16 pin dual row header connector on the RF Nomad Note that the red stripe on the cable faces the bottom of the module and the board is marked Stripe next to the pin where the stripe should go Be careful not to install the cable backwards or off by one position as this can cause damage to the RF Nomad or your synthesizer Page 3 http www evatontechnologies com avaron RF Nomad User s Manual Rev A technologies Connect the other end of the ribbon cable to your synthesizer s power bus The red stripe on the ribbon cable should face the 12VDC negative end of the power connecto
7. uring the warranty period contact Evaton Technologies prior to returning equipment for repair Repairs will be made at no cost although shipping to Evaton Technologies will be the owner s responsibility Repairs required after the warranty period will be charged at the usual shop rate Please contact russ evatontechnologies com with any questions concerns or comments Acknowledgements Evaton Technologies would like to thank Rhonda Libbey for her excellent panel artwork and Shawn Cleary for his feedback on the initial prototypes We would also like to thank Hector the space monkey and his pals for joining us on this trip through audio space 1 http www rhondalibbey com far ton O g e S 2 http www analoguehaven com Page 7 http www evatontechnologies com
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