What is it?

Cndlabra is a a voltage generator that uses leds, RGBs that rotate color, to give you oscillation and yields true chaotic behavior (in the mathematical sense). By adjusting the gain of the voltage to one of the three chained pairs of transistor/LED the oscillations move around two or three different regions. All the components are symmetrical and identical (until you hit the gain section or switch). Some settings will give you 3 lfos running in sync. Some settings will get you 2 lfos in sync and a chaotic lfo, also in sync ;) There are a number of variations.

Some background information can be found at cndlabra

The CV outputs, x, y and z, are each directly tapping the LED anode and have a voltage swing of from 0v to 4.3 volts. There is generally a voltage and descent to 0 is infrequent and short in duration. These are fairly fast oscillators. Depending on the gain setting you may have swings from under a second to just under 5 seconds.

The CV input allows you to muck up the peaceful life of the cndlabra at will.

The switch takes the device from having 3 identical sections to having one LED/Transistor pair running somewhat faster than the other two. So, generally faster behaviour.

cndlabra consumes 65mA on the +12v rail. It is 35mm deep at 4hp width.

cndlabra is open hardware. The first prototyping run was sponsored by the kind folks at PCBWay THANKS!

Why did you make it?

I made this because it's fun to experiment with chAOS!

What makes it special?

This is a novel circuit for chaos generation, though the original idea is derived from some high frequency experiments undertaken by others. I have seen something that looks similar on etsy recently :)