Constructional difficulty: Moderate, but its a big project with many parts.
A simple render of the suggested front panel layout.
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 silver box we have all come to love: tune, waveshape, cut-off, resonance, envelope sweep, decay time, accent and volume.
Unlike the older 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 and Cirklon sequencers and the 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. And new to issue 2 the TM3030 features optional modulation wheel control of filter cut off frequency.
The TM3030 contains no internal sequencer. Of course, 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 issue 2 board built with a matched pair of BC550B in the filter and CA3080 for the VCA.
The PCB contains, in several key areas, places where the builder can chose to use modern or original Japanese parts. I think that the modern parts I have chosen sound as good as the originals, but the option is there if you can get the original parts and want authenticity.
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].
A close up of the VCO, slide and DAC of the TM3030. Note the PCB mounted pots and switches for ease of construction.
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.
Webnote: On the Acidvoice website there are some sound samples of a rather striking yellow TM3030. However, I and others do not feel they represent the TM3030 that well. Indeed, there is a good chance that that particular unit has either been built incorrectly or it has a fault.
Prices
TM3030 PCB Issue 2 and pre-programmed PIC
............. 36GBP Temporarily sold out. A new run of
boards will be available in March.
TM3030 Pot Bracket Kit
................................................... 1.75GBP
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 should be able to be purchased from you usual electronic component supplier. Please see the Builder's Guide for more details. Some of the more special parts, including temp co resistors, can be obtained from Senso at Vintage Planet. Click on 'Other Brands' and scroll down to Oakley and TM3030.
See the Oakley Sound ordering 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 front panel of a completed TM3030. Here I have used a clear perspex over panel with oversized holes to completely surround the soft touch knobs.
Downloads
Construction Guide Our handy guide to building Oakley DIY projects
Parts Guide Our handy guide to buying parts for Oakley DIY projects.
TM3030 MIDI specification The TM3030 midi interface commands and specifications.
Issue 1 User's and Builder's Guide
Use 'save as...' button to download and view the files. IE users need to right hand mouse click and then choose 'save as'.
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.
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