A rugged AE Modular interface that harvests retro DB9 controllers and I2C sensors, translating them into precision CV, gate, and raw audio.
This is the foundational README.md for the Clectric Conduit. It is designed to be developer-friendly, clear on the "Boneyard" mission, and precise about the Arc and Flux specifications.
The Boneyard-to-Modular Interface. The Clectric Conduit is a high-speed translator for the AE Modular ecosystem. It is designed to harvest control signals from "Boneyard" hardware (Atari/C64 joysticks, NES pads, and retro-peripherals) and bridge them into your rack as precision CV, Gate, and Audio signals.
NOTE: The following is Gemini's summary of a brainstorming session. It's subject to safe harbor, open for discussion, and subject to interpretation.
The Conduit operates on a tiered system of hardware and software:
- THE CONDUIT: The physical module. A 3U (or 2U) AE module featuring a rugged DB9 front-port and internal Arc-Gaps.
- THE ARC: The physical connection.
- I2C Arc: 4-pin JST-SH (1.0mm) for sensors and the Arc-Rail.
- SPI Arc: 6-pin Pmod standard (2.54mm) for high-speed internal expansion.
- THE FLUX: The firmware. Written for the ATtiny1616, the Flux handles the translation of messy boneyard signals into clean modular voltages.
| Jack | Type | Function (Default Flux) |
|---|---|---|
| CV-X | 0-5V DC | Joystick X-Axis / D-Pad Horizontal |
| CV-Y | 0-5V DC | Joystick Y-Axis / D-Pad Vertical |
| GATE | 5V Pulse | Fire Button / "A" Button (Pew-Pew) |
| AUDIO | AC Out | Raw 555-Timer Drone (Pitch modulated by X/Y) |
The Conduit is "Boneyard-Safe." All input pins are protected by a BAT54S diode clamping circuit and 10\text{k}\Omega current-limiting resistors. It can safely handle the \pm12\text{V} logic spikes found in 1980s computer peripherals and industrial modems.
On the rear of the PCB, you will find the Primary Arc-Gap.
- Standard: JST-SH 1.0mm (STEMMA QT/Qwiic compatible).
- Protocol: I2C (3.3V Logic).
- Expansion: Designed to be arced to the Clectric Arc-Rail or The Spark (Daisy Seed).
The Conduit is built on the ATtiny1616 and is fully compatible with the Arduino IDE via the megaTinyCore.
- DAC Out (CV-X): PIN_PA2
- PWM/Analog (CV-Y): PIN_PA3
- Gate Out: PIN_PA4
- I2C SDA/SCL: PIN_PB0 / PIN_PB1
Found a weird DB9 device at a swap meet?
- Check the pinout.
- Write a new Flux profile.
- Upload via the UPDI header on the back.
- Share the code with the community.
CERN-OHL-S