Constructional difficulty: Moderate, but its a big project with many parts.
The current issue 1 board built with 2SC1583 in the filter and CA3080 for the VCA
The TM3030 is a midi controlled bassline clone that is designed to sound good, be easy to build and use no really difficult to get parts. The design features the same controls as the little sliver box we have all come to love: tune, waveshape, cut-off, resonance, envelope sweep, decay time, accent and volume.
Unlike the Oakley TB3030 and TB3031, this project has its own midi interface on board. This interface has been especially designed for us by Sequentix, the creators of the P3 Sequencer and midibass TB303 midi interface. By careful analysis of the original unit, Sequentix have created a midi interface that allows the TM3030 to behave as a real unit would do if you could feed it midi messages. Slides and accents are faithfully reproduced.
This unit contains no internal sequencer. Now we know part of the sound of those famous acid riffs come from the sequencer, but with careful programming on your favourite computer or hardware sequencer, it is possible to create those wonderful fluid lines that are so recognisable.
The PCB contains, in several key areas, places where the builder can chose to use modern or original Japanese parts. We believe that the modern parts sound as good as the originals, but the option is there if you have the parts and want authenticity.
A recently made TM3030 in a 19" rack case with an engraved perspex overlay for the front panel legending. The rear panel houses the audio output, AC/DC input, power switch, midi through and midi input sockets.
The front panel pots are Alpha or Alps 16mm devices. These are available from many places and offer long life and feel good. They can be soldered directly to the board to minimise wiring and errors. Special pot brackets are available to allow the PCB to be mounted on to front panels without any further mounting requirements. The board is designed to fit into either a half rack case, or in a 1U rack case. It would be possible to have two TM3030's side by side in one 1U rack.
Like the pots, the LEDs and switch can also be board mounted. Input and output sockets are mounted to the rear of the case and are connected to the PCB with flying leads.
The front panel LEDs show slide, gate, accent and power on conditions.
The power requirements are 15V AC or 18 to 24V DC. Current consumption is less than 100mA.
The midi interface is controlled by a pre-programmed microcontroller chip.
Board size is 201mm [front] x 130mm [sides].
Sound Samples
Some short snippets of the TM3030 in action. The TM3030 was being driven by a Sequentix P3 and the output of the TM3030 was recorded without any further processing. It has to be said that mp3 are not the best format in which to listen for the nuances of sound design, but you should get the general idea.
Downloads
User's and Builder's Guide Full building instructions and parts list.
TM3030 MIDI specification The TM3030 midi interface commands and specifications
The schematic is provided only to purchasers of the printed circuit board. This will be sent to you as a PDF file with your shipping confirmation e-mail.
For technical support on all Oakley projects please refer to the knowledgeable and helpful Oakley Sound Forum which is hosted at Muffwiggler.com. Tony Allgood and Paul Darlow do not provide building support for Oakley projects, but both and many others are usually available for help via the forum.
Ready Made TM-3030 units
We currently have one 1U racked TM-3030 unit for sale at the moment. Please see our for sale page for pricing.
Parts Prices
TM3030 PCB Issue 1 and pre-programmed PIC
........ 35GBP
TM3030 Pot Bracket Kit
................................................... 2GBP
THAT300P NPN array
..................................................... 6GBP
1K +3500ppm/K temp co resistor ..................................
5GBP
TM3030 toggle SPDT switch (for waveform)
........... 1.50GBP
TM3030 PIC Only ............................................................ 12GBP
Please note the PCB is only available with the pre-programmed PIC. The PCB is not available separately. The TM3030 PIC is available separately for spares purposes only.
The TM3030 pot bracket kit contains seven special pot brackets. The brackets are used to hold the PCB mounted Alpha and ALPS pots safely to the PCBs. They are not required if you are using different types of pots or hand wiring any pots to the board.
Most of the other parts can be purchased from you usual electronic component supplier. However, some of the more special parts can be obtained from Senso at Vintage Planet. Please see the User's and Builder's Guide for more details.
See the prices page for ordering information, shipping charges and payment methods.
All prices include VAT at UK rates. Shipping/postage is additional to these prices. See also the FAQ page.
A close up of the perspex overlay used in this TM3030. Note the oversized holes to completely surround the soft touch knobs used in this model.
Back to the contents page
Back home