CGS psycho LFO

The CGS Psycho LFO is a bizarre little LFO that produces a wide range of pseudo random effects. It is essentially a reworked version of my 1984 "fluorescent simulator" for model railways, and came about when I was wondering what I could do with a left-over PCB from this project. The effect was so good, I've designed a PCB specifically for it.

How it works
The circuit consists of several distinct blocks. The first is the collection of square wave oscillators, three of which run at fixed though different frequencies. The fourth is variable between much slower than the others to much faster than the others. These oscillators are all based on single Schmitt trigger stages of a CMOS 74C14, 40106 or similar.

The second block is a traditional op amp inverting mixer stage. Signals from the four oscillators are mixed through 560k resistors, the overall gain controlled by a 100k pot in the feedback path of the op amp.

What is interesting here is that in order to keep the output signal of the mixer positive without the need for an additional inverting stage, the chip used to build the four oscillators is powered from the negative rail, it's positive power pin connected to 0V and its earth pin connected to -15V. Take special note of this, because it is an unusual way to power a digital chip, and inadvertent poking with a logic probe powered from the positive rail could cause you grief!

The third stage is a simple glide circuit consisting of a potentiometer, a capacitor and unity gain voltage follower. The glide range is quite adequate with a 100k pot, though some might like to experiment by putting an larger value here. The switch is to allow easy switching in and out of a preadjusted glide setting. It can be omitted, and a link soldered in its place on the circuit board. My prototype had the switch, though the modules I have made since do not.

The power supply is decoupled using a pair of 22 ohm resistors and 10 mfd capacitors. The two unused sections of the chip are tied as per good CMOS practice.

Parts list
This is a guide only. Parts needed will vary with individual constructor's needs.

CC-BY-NC
Readers are permitted to construct these circuits for their own personal use only. Ken Stone retains all rights to his work.

Suppliers

 * CGS03 Psycho LFO, revision 1, Elby Designs