ELKLIK
CV Controlled Relay for Eurorack with Built-in Comparator
Features
Synchronise and control external electronics from Eurorack signals
Integrated comparator for triggering the relay via a threshold
Plug and play with Eurorack 3.5mm jacks or use included adapters to switch electronics outside a Eurorack system
Generate complex patterns with the CV Threshold Input
We launched ELKLIK on Kickstarter and are greatful to the backers who supported us in bringing ELKLIK to life! If you’d like to view the original Kickstarter Campaign, you can find it here.
What is ELKLIK?
ELKLIK is as CV controlled relay, with built-in comparator. A relay is an electromechanical device which uses an electric current through a coil to change the state of the output contacts. You can think of the relay output contacts like a switch. In the case of ELKLIK, this is a Single Pole, Double Throw (SPDT) configuration. So, you can use ELKLIK in place of a manual toggle switch to automate performance features, such as lighting or other electronics.
ELKLIK provides electrically isolated relay connections with Common, Normally Open and Normally Closed contacts and a control circuit with a built in comparator to activate the relay with incoming control voltages.
No voltages are generated by the module at the relay terminals. You will get out what you put in! Since a relay is an electromechanical device, it does make an audible KLIK when switching.
This is ELKLIK!
How it works
ELKLIK’s built in comparator is the key to having maximum control of the relay output. Whenever the Threshold is passed, a change of state is triggered on the relay. The following graph shows the relay function (red) when a sine wave (yellow) is applied to the CV In. In this case, the threshold is set at 0V. Whenever the input signal passes the threshold, a change in the relay state occurs.
The relay contacts (Common, Normally Open, Normally Closed) are electrically isolated from the Eurorack control voltages.
i.e . no voltage is present on these terminals unless you connect a voltage to them from an external source. If you apply a voltage to the relay terminals from an external source, it will not affect the control circuit.
What's in the box?
Every ELKLIK will ship with:
ELKLIK Eurorack module
2 x 3.5mm mono plug to screw terminal adapters
1 x 10-Pin IDC ribbon power cable
Elk Elektronik sticker
In an effort to reduce the amount of paper we use, the ELKLIK User Manual will be available online only.
Due to the different Eurorack rail formats and individual preferences for screws, we have decided not to include screws with ELKLIK to help reduce waste in shipping unwanted hardware.
Applications
Switching Eurorack Signals
You might be familiar with a Sequential Switch. You can use ELKLIK like a simple Sequential Switch and use the comparator to trigger a change in state. Use the standard 3.5mm relay sockets to switch any Eurorack signal.
In the following example we bring 2 different sequences into the normally closed/open contacts and take the common as an output to the oscillator while ELKLIK alternates between the two sequences.
You could also wire it up in reverse and route 1 source to 2 destinations.
Interfacing with external devices
In this example, we are demonstrating how we can control external electronics and synchronise them with Eurorack signals.
Each solenoid is connected to a ELKLIK module and the LED strip is also connected to an independent module, for a total of 5 modules.
With a programmed sequence, we are able to synchronise these external electronics with the VCO tones being generated from the Eurorack system.
Use ELKLIK as a clock translator
Sync gear with different voltages using ELKLIK. Set up your CV In to produce a 50/50 duty cycle at the relay contacts.
Connect a DC voltage compatible with the receiving equipment to the common terminal (for example +5V). When ELKLIK is triggered, an alternating +5V signal will be produced on the normally open/closed contacts. Take the output from the other contact for an inverted clock.
Complex Patterns
Try cascading several ELKLIK modules for complex switching arrangements. You can try different combinations of routing common, normally open/closed to different contacts on each module. Send the same CV control for unison operation, or provide different control signals to each module for super complex patterns!