How about building analog synthesizer modules? Paia and Blacet Research sell complete analog synthesizer module kits with comprehensive instructions, including theory of operation. Paia sells a couple of techno-ambient ready synthesizers with MIDI, as well as a theremin and other audio processing kits. John Blacet has a fine line of compact analog modules that have been well-used for music production and audio processing. It's a good learning experience soldering and assembling their kits, but even greater charge when you get that fine analog sound out of your handiwork . Techno ambient from my Blacet tower can be heard on the Eurock Live! Podcast.
Well, you can use photovoltaics for portable power for other applications around the house and on the roam, without getting into messing with your AC lines and stuff that really needs multikilobuck permitted installation. I have several small photovoltaic arrays set up to charge portable 12 VDC/120 VAC powerpacks. I use 400 and 600 watt Xantrex Xpower units to power lawn and garden tools, hand tools, and utility/emergency lighting. The 600 comes in especially handy for weedwhacking on the hillside >50' from the house. It also goes in the back of the Jeep with a folding PV array for on/off-the-road power (will jumpstart). And oh yeah, even last week, I was recording some improv tracks off of an analog modeling synth and digital recorder, powered by the 400. Down in a basement easy chair, too far from an electrical. outlet... Think distributed power systems.
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How about building analog synthesizer modules? Paia and Blacet Research sell complete analog synthesizer module kits with comprehensive instructions, including theory of operation. Paia sells a couple of techno-ambient ready synthesizers with MIDI, as well as a theremin and other audio processing kits. John Blacet has a fine line of compact analog modules that have been well-used for music production and audio processing. It's a good learning experience soldering and assembling their kits, but even greater charge when you get that fine analog sound out of your handiwork . Techno ambient from my Blacet tower can be heard on the Eurock Live! Podcast.
Well, you can use photovoltaics for portable power for other applications around the house and on the roam, without getting into messing with your AC lines and stuff that really needs multikilobuck permitted installation. I have several small photovoltaic arrays set up to charge portable 12 VDC/120 VAC powerpacks. I use 400 and 600 watt Xantrex Xpower units to power lawn and garden tools, hand tools, and utility/emergency lighting. The 600 comes in especially handy for weedwhacking on the hillside >50' from the house. It also goes in the back of the Jeep with a folding PV array for on/off-the-road power (will jumpstart). And oh yeah, even last week, I was recording some improv tracks off of an analog modeling synth and digital recorder, powered by the 400. Down in a basement easy chair, too far from an electrical. outlet... Think distributed power systems.