# Simple VC Clock - How?! **URL:** \ **Category:** DIY STUFF\ **Created:** [October 29, 2021, 9:33pm UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/simple-vc-clock-how/4161 "2021-10-29T21:33:36Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 15\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Soundbrigade](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/4af34b/32.png) [@Soundbrigade](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/u/Soundbrigade)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2021, 9:33pm UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/simple-vc-clock-how/4161/1 "2021-10-29T21:33:36Z")
I simply need a simple voltage controlled clock for Thomas Henrys SuperSequencer. It’s a 2-by-16 step one where the second row of potentiometers can control the clock that makes the sequencer tick, thus making it possible to have individual step lengths 🕶. A 555 or even a 566 (I think it’s named) could be used or even a, but is there a reliable schematic out there. Vin: 0 - 12V Vclock: 10-12V Freq: 0.5 - 5 Hz, maybe even 0.1 - 10Hz. And just a clock … ---
**Author:** ![BlackDeath](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/blackdeath/32/7644_2.png) [@BlackDeath](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/u/BlackDeath)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2021, 11:25pm UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/simple-vc-clock-how/4161/2 "2021-10-29T23:25:45Z")
A clock is basically just a squarewave LFO, there are lots of those about. ---
**Author:** ![analogoutput](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/analogoutput/32/29663_2.png) [@analogoutput](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/u/analogoutput)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2021, 2:22am UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/simple-vc-clock-how/4161/3 "2021-10-30T02:22:17Z")
But not so many voltage controlled LFOs, and the ones that are I think tend to be rather more featureful than is needed for a clock. A simple Nano based clock like the one discussed [here](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/arduino-clock-and-voltage-drops/4107) would work, and CV control would not be much harder than potentiometer control. ---
**Author:** ![Soundbrigade](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/4af34b/32.png) [@Soundbrigade](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/u/Soundbrigade)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2021, 9:42am UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/simple-vc-clock-how/4161/4 "2021-10-30T09:42:21Z")
THomas Henry suggested a pretty advanced VCLFO, based on a CEM3340, to work with the sequencer and that’s way too complicated. Unfortunately somethings very wrong with my PC as it cannot communicate with the arduinos, else a simple ATtiny85 would be perfect, but I have a major project getting the computer back to “normal”. Anyhow, at least I can try some ideas on my experiment board and I know one thing for real, I get so confused as I expect a “free flowing voltage” I must try to catch and use, where as most simple schematics of VOLTIGE CONTROL oscillators have a potentiometer instead. But HEY! my sequencer also has potentiometers … Here’s the sequencer: [Sepersequencer](http://www.pastisch.se/HF/SuperSequenzer_1a.pdf) ---
**Author:** ![Dud](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/dud/32/610_2.png) [@Dud](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/u/Dud)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2021, 9:52am UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/simple-vc-clock-how/4161/5 "2021-10-30T09:52:01Z")
> [@Soundbrigade](#): > > Unfortunately somethings very wrong with my PC as it cannot communicate with the arduinos, If you used some clone, you need to download something (i don’t remember the name 🙂 ) and after all is cool. It’s somewhere in the forum but i don’t find it, i think that someone can tell you this better. ---
**Author:** ![Soundbrigade](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/4af34b/32.png) [@Soundbrigade](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/u/Soundbrigade)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2021, 10:14am UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/simple-vc-clock-how/4161/6 "2021-10-30T10:14:45Z")
My PC is all … brainwrecked. Has to do with the USB-ports that are and aren’t working bu sometimes and sometimes not working … A major update is planned… It’s so odd, here I have been building loads of odules and stuff from all over the world, one project more complicated than another and then … BOOM!!! … I got stuck on the simplest of simple things. However I will start right HERE: [http://learningaboutelectronics.com/Articles/Voltage-controlled-oscillator-VCO-circuit-with-a-555-timer.php](http://learningaboutelectronics.com/Articles/Voltage-controlled-oscillator-VCO-circuit-with-a-555-timer.php) I have also been fiddling with Vactrols; got some packages from Chian. Vactrols are perfect for converting current/voltage to resistance/current/voltage. ---
**Author:** ![Sonosus](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/sonosus/32/13679_2.png) [@Sonosus](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/u/Sonosus)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2021, 10:40am UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/simple-vc-clock-how/4161/7 "2021-10-30T10:40:16Z")
> [@Soundbrigade](#): > > My PC is all … brainwrecked I had this problem with my laptop in the shop, it was an absolute nightmare as it would connect to the 3d printer, start a print, then disconnect halfway through. I reinstalled Windows onto a new SSD and everything worked perfectly. For Arduino clones, the CH340 driver is the one you want. ---
**Author:** ![Soundbrigade](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/4af34b/32.png) [@Soundbrigade](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/u/Soundbrigade)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2021, 11:08am UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/simple-vc-clock-how/4161/8 "2021-10-30T11:08:29Z")
There were a Swede who a few years ago sold preprogrammed chips (ATtiny or the other brand) with useful functions like LFOs, ADSRs and more. I found this one: [https://electricdruid.net/product/vclfo-10/](https://electricdruid.net/product/vclfo-10/), but again, this is so … simple. I’ll be back with a report a little later, after coffee and assembling my speaker box. ---
**Author:** ![Farabide](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/ecc23a/32.png) [@Farabide](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/u/Farabide)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2021, 8:09pm UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/simple-vc-clock-how/4161/9 "2021-10-31T20:09:31Z")
The most common and fundamental issue with any usb connection is power. Sources, be it pc or some other unit vary in their ability to maintain or provide enough. I solved most of the usb issues I’ve ever had by using a good quality usb hub with it’s own dedicated power supply. ---
**Author:** ![Soundbrigade](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/4af34b/32.png) [@Soundbrigade](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/u/Soundbrigade)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2021, 11:11am UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/simple-vc-clock-how/4161/10 "2021-11-04T11:11:04Z")
Shawt repawt: Hooked up a 7555 according to “learningaboutelectronic” article, and tried various values of the R (33K) and C (10nF). However a bigger C did cause the oscillator to stop, so I went for a 22nF cap and a 47K resistor and then connected the 7555 to a CD4014 (Q6 output). That gives a decent rate though I get approx. a 1:6 frequency response, but that can almost be acceptable. ---
**Author:** ![BlackDeath](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/blackdeath/32/7644_2.png) [@BlackDeath](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/u/BlackDeath)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2021, 7:48pm UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/simple-vc-clock-how/4161/12 "2021-11-07T19:48:00Z")
> [@The UNVERIFIED Stripboard Lounge](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/the-unverified-stripboard-lounge/2829/127): > > Hello, I’ve a designed a simple clock with some frequency division - it’s just some basic building blocks kludged together but I’ve built it and it’s worked fine for a while now (worked first time, too, which is a rarity for me!). This is my first attempt at posting any of my work, so I’ve put it here in the unverified section to start, but it this acceptable for the verified thread as is? Cheers! This just popped up… ---
**Author:** ![Soundbrigade](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/4af34b/32.png) [@Soundbrigade](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/u/Soundbrigade)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2021, 9:49pm UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/simple-vc-clock-how/4161/13 "2021-11-07T21:49:11Z")
> [@The UNVERIFIED Stripboard Lounge](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/the-unverified-stripboard-lounge/2829/127): > > worked first time, too, which is a rarity for me We’re sitting in the same boat, brother… (\*) I snag you design as I also need clocks for various modules in my synth-to-be. There’s no voltage control, but you definitely solved another of my problems. (\*) DIY/HiFi-meeting in Gothenburg yesterday. Hade prepared a 2.1-system with cast concrete left/right speakers and a big sub. Planned to use a Chinese 2.1 amplifier, but when testing it the evening before I found out that the Chinese possibly had solder the amp using no solder … ---
**Author:** ![Cyclic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/46a35a/32.png) [@Cyclic](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/u/Cyclic)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2021, 10:46am UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/simple-vc-clock-how/4161/14 "2021-11-08T10:46:13Z")
If you want an analog rather than digital vc LFO, you should check out a number of hte old posts on [electro-music.com](http://electro-music.com). Its not very busy these days but that is where I learnt most of my stuff. eg, this, by Nicholas Collins himself: [https://electro-music.com/forum/topic-32689.html](https://electro-music.com/forum/topic-32689.html) I’d also look for the super simple 40106 based VCOs eg by a japanese guy whose name I’ve forgotton, or rene schmitz’s 4069 VCO, both of which use basically the same transistor pair voltage control input techniques. then its just a question of getting the right Capacitor to make it an LFO instead of a VCO, because, really, they’re the same thing, just different rates… ---
**Author:** ![Soundbrigade](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/4af34b/32.png) [@Soundbrigade](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/u/Soundbrigade)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2021, 12:20pm UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/simple-vc-clock-how/4161/15 "2021-11-08T12:20:41Z")
I have zoomed in the zuper zimple VZO already - THANKS! And as I have to wire up a simple filter for my concrete speaker, I can as well wire the simple VCOs. Got enuff of vero board. ---
**Author:** ![BlackDeath](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/blackdeath/32/7644_2.png) [@BlackDeath](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/u/BlackDeath)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2021, 1:04pm UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/simple-vc-clock-how/4161/16 "2021-11-08T13:04:33Z")
Would love to know more about your concrete speakers in the thread here 🙂 > [@Sound Systems! Speakers, Cabinets, and Amplifiers, Oh My!](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/sound-systems-speakers-cabinets-and-amplifiers-oh-my/1980): > > This is a thread for soundsystem builders! These are my “Hog Scoops”: hand made “folded horn” speakers, each with 18" drivers, driven by a 6000W iNuke amp. If the picture doesn’t get the point across, these things are MASSIVE - two of them together barely fit in a van. They are also LOUD. They’ll shake the foundations of any building they’re in, way louder than any of that Funktion One crap. slight_smile Currently just usin…