DIY synthesizer - prototype 3: one voice

This is the third prototype of my DIY synthesizer. I'm using a 82c54 16-bit timer chip for the voice (one chip has three timers, so three voices should be possible). This chip divides a master clock signal (usually in the Mhz range) through a programmable 16-bit value to create a audible frequency.

An Arduino Duemilanove interprets the midi (CNY17) and feeds a divider value via a shift register (74hc595) to the 82c54 voice. The crystal oscillator clock ticks at 8Mhz so for a 440Hz pulse waveform (central A) the division value is 18182. This prototype cannot produce notes below midinote 47 (B) because of it's maximum divider value (16-bit = 65.536). Future prototypes will use a clock divider (arduino itself?)

Oh, my synth-playing-skills are well below par ;)

Very much inspired by the Roland Jupiter / Juno series.

Check sinneb.com for more details!