Iron Pumpkin(s) and other smaller vegetable animals, Tips 'n' Tricks thread

Yup…all done.

Rotary now controls source relays as well…”clickity clack clickity clack Easter’s finally here” 🤡

Unfortunately the remote still behaves the same…either I hear a click and no further response or sometimes it power cycles the Logic depending on which button I push.

I’ve got to figure out mounting procedure which I complicated with location of transformers and a few other things now. At least basic functions are there.

We can talk via email about module…maybe I’ll order some F8 kits or something if you have them?
 
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no need to change complete Logic module, if there is an issue (and it is, culprit explained few posts back), solution is - either programming Arduino at your place (all you need is open top lid and connect USB cable to Mega 2560 Pro inside) ... or ZM sending second Arduino, and then all you need is to open top lid, pull out existing and push in new Arduino

first option certainly faster - only if you're willing to mess with that ( download arduino IDE app. , ZM sending necessary libraries and code, explaining few simple steps)

other kits, that's completely your call
 

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No such luck…kiddo has Doctor Appointment…sitting in office ☹️

I’m willing to take a shot at the reflash of Arduino…fair warning, technology hates me…it’s a mutual feeling actually😉.

Whatever can go wrong will…probably starting with pulling my hair out trying to find the right cable.

Then it will be a miracle if I can perform the flash properly with one of my Macs or older Windowz laptops…🤷‍♂️ Fun fun fun
 
procedure is simple ........ as I said - regarding hardware, all you need is cable - regular PC size USB on one end, Micro B on other end

but, you really need to hear it first ........ rest we can do via email

I can even help directly-remotely :rofl:, if you're willing to use Ultraviewer and, Viberrrr or WhatsAppppppp

if you have Windrek laptop, nothing easier ...... I don't even need to engage brain :devily:
 
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Couldn’t do any more work that would make noise last night…the case needs some things ground for clearance etc. for assembly.

I did successfully find a cable that has proper connections…hopefully it carries data and is not just for charging.

I also did search for Arduino IDE. First attempt at download gave me version I couldn’t use…only have Win 10 32 bit on old computer stick which is newest Windoz computer I had around.

Downloaded and installed version 1.8.19 successfully. Hope this will do the job?

Will ping you via email.
 
Yes…going to try to hear it later.

Nothing near bench except crappy test speakers and an eBay chip amp.

I need to be able to have it in one piece and front panel not flopping about.

Problem, as I said, is genius decision to stack all trannies in custom shield can I built for front corner of case (away from Turtle as much as possible).

Well…it makes assembly of faceplate bracket not possible without loosening everything to shift it out of the way…I hope 🤞

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Problem is even once donuts are shifted out of the way I can’t insert bracket hardware past lip on baseplate.

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Baseplate was raised all the way up so power distribution for donuts underneath would have clearance :spin::smash:

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280mm deep case is PITA with all this hardware required for Logic. I had it on hand from that Modushop mis-shipment I bought up…🤷‍♂️
 
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but planning is crucial

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Yes, that’s what I thought I did :rofl:

Us gringos are stuck with the 3 Antek donuts as only reasonable/affordable solution for Logic implementation I think.

Maybe someone will find a source for a sexy multi-tap donut like yours over here some day…

If you want the donuts shielded using the Antek hardware it just takes up too much real estate in the 280 chassis in my opinion.

That’s why I went with stacking the donuts and making my own shielded “Tower of Power”.

Anyway, I got it together after a little “Orange County Chopper” action with the angle grinder on the baseplate 😈

I’m gonna put it into the basement system after I have some lunch 🍕
 
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I have never been afraid to grind my troubles away. I try not to make a habit of it, but when I am in a corner, somethings got to give.

Real estate always seems to be an issue in my builds too. In fact, I got carried away with getting an oversized chassis (think 4U X 19" W X 16" D) for a preamp which I tried a smaller chassis and ended up about an inch short. Now I am starting to wonder what to do with this engine block sized project.

Crap. That stacking donuts idea is starting to tempt me. Good news is that I usually get tempted by an idea too late in the game.
 
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Yes, that’s what I thought I did :rofl:

Us gringos are stuck with the 3 Antek donuts as only reasonable/affordable solution for Logic implementation I think.

Maybe someone will find a source for a sexy multi-tap donut like yours over here some day…

If you want the donuts shielded using the Antek hardware it just takes up too much real estate in the 280 chassis in my opinion.

That’s why I went with stacking the donuts and making my own shielded “Tower of Power”.

Anyway, I got it together after a little “Orange County Chopper” action with the angle grinder on the baseplate 😈

I’m gonna put it into the basement system after I have some lunch 🍕

e-mail with files and howto just sent

anyhow, troubles with Donuts and what-not did urge me to sorta change approach in future with preamp- kits

all 4 preamps (each having two iterations - SE and Bal) kits are going to be with all parts going to pcb, including mains Donuts; those being custom made (Trafomatic, who else), with both static and magnetic shields ........ just right in both size and VA

in the end, maybe prices are going to look steep, but ZM Omnimodesty, sure that bang for the buck is awesome ........ like for anything of My Drek......... and everything is sounding just the same, even if names are different

:devilr:

anyhow, that train is sorta already been in your station, you don't need to worry now
 
It’s all good amigo.

To be honest, overcoming the hurdles is what makes the project more satisfying in the end…plus it allows me to be creative👍…that has kind of always been my goal in this hobby. I like to make pretty things that make pretty sound.

Sometimes it can be very frustrating when you feel like you made a lot of stupid mistakes…but hopefully you learn from them a little and make fewer mistakes next time!

So now I’m at that point where I get to sit back and contemplate all the blood, sweat and tears that went into this project and enjoy the fruits of my labor.

This baby has been a LONG time coming for me.

Hell…I ordered the original Pumpkin boards from you back before we ran into each other out at BAF 2019!

So I guess it’s time for some more gratuitous porn…

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What is my first impression?

In a word…nothing.

There is nothing in my way.

The combination of the Iron Pumpkin/Turtle and the Babelfish J2 in this system is ruthless. It just plain exposes everything in the recording.

It’s not harsh, it’s not warm…it is just plain veracity.

Excuse me…I have to wipe some of Coltrane’s spit off my face…
 
"May Day Give Away"

When I built my Iron Pumpkin I had to order a handful of parts as part of a "completion kit". I ordered more than I needed for one kit and built up an extra kit of parts while I finished off my Iron Pumpkin......

With that said, I'd like to offer a "give-a-way" to someone who has in hand, or has recently ordered an Iron Pumpkin kit from @Zen Mod and will benefit from a premade "completion kit" of the small passive components. This offer doesn't include transformers or distribution blocks, just the passive resistors, capacitors, and such to save time and energy seeking out the remaining necessary components.

If anyone falls into this category (you have a recently acquired kit, or have recently ordered a ZM Iron Pumpkin kit), the opportunity to get the remaining parts needed as a give-a-way should make a post here that you're planning to build a Iron Pumpkin and will benefit from the pre-assembled "completion kit".

I'm opening this "give-a-way" up through Wednesday, April 30 midnight pacific standard time. I will pick the top entry after a randomization to receive the kit as a "May Day Gift". I will ship free within the USA, or anywhere in the world for shipping cost (minus $5 from total shipping cost) as a thank you to Zen Mod for designing and providing such a wonderful preamplifier. Just know the value of the parts of this kit may make international shipping costs not worth entering. We're talking about probably less than $30 in parts, but it is hours in energy figuring out what parts you need beyond what's provided by Zen Mod in his kit.

Although I thought my Iron Pumpkin had knocked down a 100ft Douglas Fir in my back yard back in November of 2024, I was told it was actually not the Iron Pumpkin that knocked down the tree, but some "Cyclone Bomb" storm that did it. I haven't told the Iron Pumpkin that it wasn't it's fault because I think it was pretty proud of itself at the time, so please don't tell my Iron Pumpkin it didn't have that kind of "tree tipping" power. Best to leave bygones be bygones.
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