Attention

This is the documentation stub to the upcoming TBD V2 release.

It is incomplete and subject to future changes.

System¶

WIFI¶

Note

The following does not apply to the AEM TBD version

Initially, the TBD creates its own WIFI with the SSID ctag-tbd (no password). You can join that network, open a browser and enter “http://ctag-tbd.local”. This should open the main control page of TBD. Here you can set your plugins and their parameters. If you enter the “Edit configuration” page, you can make adjustments to your WIFI settings:

WIFI mode:
- Access point (AP) → TBD creates its own network which you can
  join, no additional router is required, you can secure the network with a password
- Station (STA) → TBD will join an existing network
SSID: The network name TBD will create or join
Password: The password for the network
mDNS Name: The domain name which will used to access the TBD
Example use-case for live scenario with multiple TBDs:
- Set one TBD as AP
- Set other TBDs as STA and join network of first TBD in AP mode
- You can now access all TBDs through the primary TBDs network in AP
  mode → no external wireless network needed, no router needed

Other settings¶

Setting	Description	Remarks
CV0\|1 Config	Allows for uni- (default, 0..5V) and bi-polar (-5..5V) CV input	Only available on MK1 V1+2, and AEM HW versions
POT0\|1 Config	Allows for uni/bi-polar Pot config, some plugins may allow for some parameters the range from 0..1 some others from -1..1	Only available on MK1 V1+2, and AEM HW versions
Input Noise Gate	Applies a noise gate to audio inputs
CH0 To CH1 Daisy Chain	Internally routes output CH0 to input CH1	Can be used to run two mono plugins in a chain (serial)
CH0\|1 To Stereo	Allows to output single channel on both channels or route CH0 out to CH1 (mix) and vice versa	Can be used to run two mono plugins with parallel output
CH0\|1 Soft Clip	Applies a soft clipping algorithm to output	Avoids digital distortion when a plugin level is too high
Codec Output Levels	Allows to adjust output level of audio codec	Use this to adjust output levels e.g. to modular (58) or line
Backup	Allows to download and upload backup data	All preset and configuration data are downloaded, all.json is a JSON file which includes all data and can be used to restore module data

Firmware update¶

Warning

before you start make sure

you have a stable, uninterrupted power supply
you have a stable wifi connection with the module
download the correct firmware files for your hardware version.

Warning

Note that after a firmware update, all your patches, calibration data and other settings such as WIFI credentials are being overwritten. You may be able to recover them by creating a backup prior to firmware update and restoring it, this can be done from the “Edit configuration” tab. If you use a custom firmware with custom partition sizes, you cannot use the method mentioned below. The same holds true for the AEM hardware version as this is connected through a serial USB bridge, emulating the web ui. For AEM you have to follow specific instructions on the AEM TBD Github fork.`

You can upload firmware releases and your own firmware through the web ui. This is a fast and easy process. 1) Download a release e.g. from here https://github.com/ctag-fh-kiel/ctag-tbd/releases 2) set the ctag-tbd.bin and storage.bin files (one is the firmware with all the dsp plugin code, one is the storage data partition, including web and patch data) 3) Hit the “upgrade firmware” button 4) wait until the update is complete, TBD will then reboot and create a wireless network called ctag-tbd, where you can make all you settings.

In case you brick your TBD in this process, you can always manually flash it through a USB connection (see https://github.com/ctag-fh-kiel/ctag-tbd#how-to-flash for details).

Calibration¶

If you own a TBD which has 2 control pots (+2 audio in level pots) and 2 CV inputs, it likely uses the ESP32’s (the microcontroller which powers TBD) analog to digital converters (ADCs). These ADCs are rather imprecise and noisy unfortunately. You may notice issues with pitch tracking over 5 octaves and some faint but possibly noticeable jitter on whatever you control with the CVs. The accuracy of the ADC can be improved by applying a simple calibration procedure outlined in the following. This almost certainly leads to better pitch tracking. Note however, that the calibration likely will not improve above mentioned jitter noise.

Note that TBD allows for uni-polar CV 0..5V range (default) and bi-polar CV -5..5V, configurable in the configuration page. Calibration can help to improve both modes. In order to calibrate bi-polar operation, you need a stable -5V voltage source.

Calibration Procedure:

Preparation:
- Make sure you have a well calibrated 1V/Octave CV keyboard
  available
  - 0V corresponds to C0
  - 2.5V corresponds approx. to F#2
  - 5V corresponds to C5
  - -5V may not be achieved, in this case your TBD cannot be
    calibrated for bi-polar CV use
- Or have a CV generator available which can be adjusted to precise
  voltages
  - Elektron Analog 4 or ornament and crime
    work well for this purpose
- An adjustable lab voltage source together with a precise
  multimeter does the trick as well
- Allow for TBD two CV ins to be connected at the same time to the
  calibration voltage source
Procedure:
- In the main menu, hit the “Edit configuration” button to enter the
  configuration tab
- Hit the “Reboot, calibrate CVs” button → TBD will reboot in
  calibration mode, the LED blinks red

Turn CV pots all left, apply 0V to CV in jacks → single press trig0
Turn CV pots mid position, apply 2.5V to CV jacks → single press
trig0
Turn CV pots all right, apply 5V to CV jacks → single press trig0
Turn CV pots all left, apply -5V to CV in jacks → single press trig0
Turn CV pots mid position, apply 0V to CV in jacks → single press
trig0
Turn CV pots all right, apply 5V to CV in jacks → single press trig0

TBD is now calibrated and will reboot to operating mode
Backup / Restore
- You can backup and restore your calibration data e.g. prior to a
  fresh calibration or system update by hitting the “Calibration Backup” in the Configuration page. A new page will pop up, here you can down/upload calibration data (JSON format).