Mod In A Matchbox! (MIAM)
A collaborative, open-source, low cost, Dalek voice modulator project, that will fit into a matchbox!
Page coming soon, but some info / chatter on twitter:
Background
The BBC used a device called a "Ring Modulator" to create the dalek voice. The Ring Modulator modulated the actors voice signal with a sinusoidal wave.
A traditional Ring Modulator is built using two transformers, which are not cheap, pushing up the cost of peoples projects.
This Project
It is aimed at Dalek builders / operators, and anyone else wanting to sound like a Dalek.
The driving goal behind this project is to make a modulator as cheap as possible, so it's accessible to people on all budgets.
The designs will be released open-source, so anyone can have a go at constructing one themselves. Also a personal goal of mine is to make it as compact as possible, fitting into an average matchbox!
Targets
The plan is to produce three versions:
- MIAM-A: Analogue audio line-level output for feeding into an amplifier.
- MIAM-D: Direct speaker output via Built in Class-D amplififer.
- MIAM-H: Handheld unit with inbuilt speaker and battery for fun.
Technology
The heart of the project is an Atmel ATTiny85 microporcessor, which cost less then £1.00 each.
Credits
The software was developed by Mike Harper, Oregon, USA, using the Arduino IDE. Mike also has to take credit for the circuit design as he's been a great help along the way. Both Mike and I admit to being inspired by the previous Arduino work by Andy Grove, Colorado USA, which I had working on an Arduino UNO. I've learnt a lot from both Mike and Andy, of which I'm very thankful.
Collaboration and sharing of information behind this project happened on the projectdalek forum.
Project Status
06-04-2016: Currently prototyping / early design stages.