LZX Industries BitVision User manual

BitVision Video Synthesizer
LZXINDUSTRIES.NET/BITVISION
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
BitVision is a compact visual synthesizer designed for
audiovisualization. It creates a Composite Video output
signal which displays a 32x32 pixel image using the
currently selected 16-color palette.
Transformations can be applied to the current color palette
and horizontal/vertical display modes in realtime, creating
animation and movement. The manner in which the external
audio and the internal counter transform the image can be
changed via various modulation modes.
The goal of this project was to create a versatile video
generator with a vintage/imperfect response to color and
shape, such as what you might see when playing your Atari
2600 on an old CRT television in 1977. Colors will bleed
and slew due to the voltage-controlled color phase shifter,
giving a degree of chaotic analogue response and noise
missing when viewing simple pixel graphics on a modern
computer.
In addition to generating the video image, we packed in as
many modulation capabilities and controls as we could in
such a small package. In the tradition of the Atari Video
Music, an analogue envelope follower and frequency counter
track external audio signals and can modulate shape and
color via many variable modulation routings. We wanted an
audiovisualizer that could potentially provide live video for
an entire musical performance, so 16 separate preset
image/palette options are stored inside.
Finally, we wanted BitVision to be an expandable and
continually useful tool for creating video art. To this end
we’ve included an AVR-ISP programming header on the
circuit board which can be used to reprogram BitVision with
new images, palettes, or entirely alternate applications.
Adjust GAIN knob
Controls amplitude of the external audio signal and conse-
quently the sensitivity of the peak detector trigger. The LED
in between GAIN & DECAY knobs indicates peak detector.
Adjust DECAY knob
Controls the smoothness of the external audio signal’s
modulation.
Adjust PARAM#1 knob
Controls the frequency of the internal counter (indicated by
the LED between PARAM#1 & PARAM#2 knobs.) Rate is
adjustable between 1 frame (1/30th of a second) and 255
frames (8.5 seconds.)
Adjust PARAM#2 knob
Controls bias level for audio modulation modes. Tip: start
with PARAM#2 turned fully counter-clockwise, and adjust to
control overall intensity of the audio modulation as the song
builds.
Press PROGRAM button
Cycles current image and palette (16 sets).
Press MODE button
Cycles current audio modulation mode. 4 modes: off,
positive envelope, negative envelope, frequency-counter.
Press ACTION button
Cycles current peak detector action. 4 modes: off, horizon-
tal, vertical, horizontal+vertical.
Hold PROGRAM button + Press MODE button
Cycles current counter action. 13 modes: rotate palette,
shift hue (entire palette), shift value (entire palette), random
color (entire palette), random hue (entire palette), random
value (entire palette), invert hue (entire palette), shift hue
(random index), shift value (random index), random color
(random index), random hue (random index), random value
(random index), invert hue (random index).
Hold PROGRAM button + Press ACTION button
Cycles current display mode (all horizontal & vertical
combinations.)
Hold MODE button + Press PROGRAM button
Cycles current palette (without changing image)
WHAT’s NEXT?
Once you’ve become familiar with your new video synthe-
sizer, you may want to dig deeper into its’ functionality.
There is immense potential for reprogramming the BitVision
hardware for many exciting video generation applications, or
loading in your own images and palettes to the current
program. Stay tuned to www.lzxindustries.net/bitvision
for more information on tools and resources.
In order to use the BitVision you will need a standard
wall-wart adapter providing 9VDC power (Negative
Center/Tip) and at least 100mA. Connect the wallwart to the
DC input jack and the other end to the wall.
Connect your audio source (such as a stereo or instrument)
to the Audio In jack using a standard 3.5mm (1/8”) cable.
An 1/8” adapter or adapter cable can be used for sources
with only RCA or 1/4” jack outputs.
Connect the Video Out jack on the BitVision circuit board to
a Composite Video input jack on your television or other
video device.
You should now be seeing video output from the Bitvision.
If you just built your BitVision from a kit, adjust TR1 trimmer
with a small flathead screwdriver for desired color range.
For suggestions on where to buy cables or a wall-wart
power adapter, visit www.lzxindustries.net/bitvision.
SETUP
OPERATION & ASSEMBLY MANUAL
INTRODUCTION
VERSION 1.2

Diodes
D1, D9 1N4730A
D2 1N4148
D10 1N4001
D3*, D4*, D5*, D6* SMV1255
D7, D8 3MM LED
Resistors
R14 330 ohm
R21 360 ohm
R10, R11, R12, R13, R27 470 ohm
R16 820 ohm
R24 953 ohm
R33, R34 1K
R20, R29 1.15K
R7, R15, R23, R26, R30, R35 5.1K
R3, R4, R5, R6, R8, R9, R18, 10K
R19, R22, R25, R28, R31
R32 27K
Ceramic Capacitors
C14, C15 22pF (220)
C12 27pF (270)
C13** NO PART
C1, C2, C3, C5, C6, C8, 0.1uF (104)
C16, C18, C19
Electrolytic Capacitors
C7 2.2uF
C17 100uF
Crystal
Q1 14.1818MHz Crystal
Integrated Circuits (ICs)
IC1 TLC074
IC2 74HC14
IC3 74HC4053
IC4 Atmega328
IC5 7805
Jacks, Headers, Potentiometers & Switches
VR1, VR2, VR3, VR4 100K Potentiometer
S1, S2, S3 12MM Tactile Switch
J1 1/8” Audio Jack
J2 RCA Video Jack
J3 2X3 Pin ISP Header
J4 DC Power Jack
Other Hardware
(4) 1/2” Aluminum Standoff
(4) 4-40 1/4” Machine Screw
* Pre-soldered surface-mount components
** Optional capacitor, makes edges more sloped/fuzzy
Try different values!
ReSISTOR IDENTIFICATIONKit ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS BILL OF MATERIALS (V1.2)
This DIY kit assembly guide assumes that the builder is
familiar with basic thru-hole soldering techniques and has
the ability to identify and mount the electronic components
included. A resistor color-code and capacitor code cheat-
sheet has been included for ease of reference. A complete
bill of materials are included on the opposite column
If you’re new to DIY electronics kits or find anything
confusing about these directions, please visit
www.lzxindustries.net/products/bitvision for links to
helpful resources and videos about soldering and compo-
nent identification.
1) Mount D1, D2, D9 and D10 diodes, ensure that the black
band on the diode matches the orientation of the white band
shown on the PCB layout. Solder and clip leads.
2) Mount all resistors, solder and clip leads. We recommend
doing a few at a time.
3) Next mount IC1, IC2, IC3 and IC4. Ensure that the notch
on the top of each chip matches the orientation of the notch
shown on the PCB silkscreen. Solder and clip leads. Take
care to not overheat IC pins while soldering, and to not
disturb the pre-soldered surface-mount diodes near IC2’s
pins.
4) Mount Q1. Solder and clip leads.
5) Mount IC5, bending pins so that the protruding metal
portion of the TO220 package is flat against the circuit
board. Solder and clip leads.
6) Mount D7 & D8 LEDs, taking care that the shorter of the
two leads (the cathode) is oriented towards the left side of
the PCB (while oriented as shown on the previous column.)
Solder and clip leads.
7) Mount all ceramic capacitors, solder and clip leads. We
recommend doing a few at a time.
8) Mount both electrolytic capacitors, ensuring that the long
lead (positive side) is placed thru the square solder pad with
the + sign next to it. Solder and clip leads.
9) One at a time, mount jacks, headers, potentiometers and
switches and solder in place. We recommend to solder only
one pin first, then check to make sure the part is resting
flush against the PCB. If not, the joint can be reflowed and
the part repositioned before soldering in the remaining pins
and mounting tabs.
10) Install a resistor lead clipping as a wire bridge across
the pins shown under the resistor diagram to the right.
You’re done!
STEP BY STEP
Wire bridge (see step 10):