Kiel

Random Stepped Voltage Expander

KIEL, or the Klima-Idein Expander Link, is a 2hp expander module for use with the atmospheric logic module Klima, or the optic gate trigger Idein. Based on a Parallel In Parallel Out (PIPO) Shift Register circuit, KIEL receives the gate outputs from either of the aforementioned modules (not both) through a connector on the back panel, and converts those random gates into two related channels of random stepped control voltages. Using the controls on the front panel, you can affect the global voltage range of both channels, and modify which gates control which bits for different flavors of randomness with the bit-shift potentiometer. Two separate clock inputs for each channel allows for asynchronous stepping and, finally, a loop lock knob makes it possible to lock in voltage sequences from free-running (fully counter-clockwise), 8 steps (at noon) or 16 steps (fully clockwise). KIEL allows you to add melodies and dynamic voltages alongside your Klima- and Idein- produced gates and triggers.

The operation of KIEL is straightforward and operates on a bit-wise principle. Each of the input gates that KIEL receives from either Klima or Idein toggles a single bit of a value that is processed when the module detects a clock trigger. This value is then sent to a DAC (Digital to Analogue Converter) that outputs a voltage between 0 and 5V, depending on the global voltage range set by the user.

The BIT SHIFT control on the front panel allows you to change which bit gets set by each atmospheric data or color. This allows for some modification of what kind of voltages you get at your output. When this potentiometer is fully counterclockwise, both channels output (roughly**) the same value. As you move the potentiometer clockwise, Channel I shifts its incoming bits to the right, while Channel II shifts left.

The LOOP LOCK control allows you to lock in a sequence. Fully counterclockwise lets KIEL run freely, producing random voltages that do not repeat in any meaningful way. As you move clockwise, you’ll lock in a loop of 8 steps at noon and 16 steps when fully clockwise.

The RANGE control sets the global voltage output of both channels.

Clocking the device is automatic when using Klima. In this case, the clock source comes directly from the comparator output of the Klima module by way of the back-panel connector. However, an external clock source is necessary when using KIEL with Idein, as Idein has no inherent clock. You can of course patch one of Idein’s outputs into KIEL’s clock input which would mean a new stepped voltage is produced upon a threshold crossing of a particular color.

Note that Clock I is normalled to Clock II – this means that if no clock is present at the second clock input, all channels will step according to the clock signal at the first input.

** because of the analog nature of the output attenuator there may be, depending on the frequency, some slight difference in the final output voltage for each channel when they are set to output the same voltage. A quantizer should compensate for these slight drifts.

https://www.fkmg-circuits.com/devices/p/kiel