ALM-017 - ‘Pamela’s NEW Workout’

Manual Version: 0.2

ALM-017

‘Pamela’s NEW Workout’

- Operation Manual -

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Introduction .......................................................................................3
Features --------------------------------------------------------------------4
Technical Specifications ----------------------------------------------------4

Core Operation .................................................................................. 5

Panel Layout ---------------------------------------------------------------- 5
Getting Started -------------------------------------------------------------6
Basic Per Output Modifier Adjustment ---------------------------------------6
Extended Per Trigger Adjustment ---------------------------------------------8

Voltage Control .................................................................................14

CV Assigning ----------------------------------------------------------------14
External Clock Control. ----------------------------------------------------15

Limited Warranty ...............................................................................17

Support .............................................................................................18
APPENDIX ..........................................................................................19
I: Service Mode & Calibration-----------------------------------------------19
II: Firmware Updates ------------------------------------------------------20
III : Expanders -------------------------------------------------------------22
IV: DIN Sync ---------------------------------------------------------------25

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Introduction
'Pamela's NEW Workout' is a compact programmable clocked modulation
source for your Eurorack modular synthesiser system. It provides 8 highly editable
outputs producing various control voltage signals correlated and synced to a BPM
based master clock.

Building on the original ’Pamela’s Workout’, this new evolved model maintains
the original’s form factor and intuitive workflow but improves and adds many new
features with upgraded hardware, a new OLED display and rewritten software.

Each output is now able to provide not just clocked triggers but also rhythmic
waveforms with many parameters controllable directly and via assigning to external
CV control. Pamela has grown beyond a clever clock and now provides almost
limitless synced modulation possibilities.

Improvements have been made to overall clock stability and integration with
external clocks and devices. Also new are dedicated MIDI and Din Sync clock
outputs available via optional expander module(s).

Please enjoy your next generation workout!

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Features
Pamela’s NEW Workout provides a wide range of features in a compact space.
They include;

• BPM based clock with tempo rates 10-300BPM.

• 8 Clocked voltage outputs each with independent adjustable;
• Clock divisors and multipliers from /512 to x48 including various non
integer factors.
• Gated, Triangle, Sine, Envelope & random base waveforms.
• Waveform level and pulse width / skewing.
• Phase, Delay and delay division (for complex swing)
• Euclidean and random step skipping with beat based looping for rhythm
creation
• All output parameters assignable to x2 CV inputs with individual software
offset, attenuation and monitoring.
• Per output and group saving and loading to 200 banks.
• Voltage and direct control of clock stop/start, reset and rate..
• Sync to an external clock input at 48 to 1 PPQN. 
• Realtime intuitive user interface with high resolution LED display.
• Provides dedicated DIN Sync and MIDI clock output via optional expander(s).
• Easy firmware upgrades via USB port.
• Skiff friendly / Reverse power protection.
• Made in England. 

Technical Specifications
• Supply: +12V 50mA Max / -12v 0.5mA
• Size: 8 HP 
• Depth: 22mm (including power header)
• Outputs: 0-5v buffered low impedance. 10 bit res. 500Hz max update freq.
• Inputs: CV 1 0v-5v / CV 2 -5v-5v / Clock, Run - rising edge 700mV min.

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Core Operation
Panel Layout

“Pamela’osrkout ”
NEW!W
External Clock Input Inputs CV Inputs
Clock Pulse
Option ‘Run’ or Reset CV 1 0v → 5v
CV+
CV 2 -5v → +5v

CV/-
Clk

Ru

+
n

2 OLED Display

Program
Program Knob

Start / Stop
Start/Stop Button

Outputs

1 2 3 4
Outputs
0v → +5v
with LED incdication
5 6 7 8

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Getting Started
If you are already friends with the original Pamela then usage of the NEW
workout will be very familiar but hopefully clearer and much more feature rich.

When initially powered on, Pamela’s NEW Workout’s display shows the current
clock tempo setting in beats per minute (BPM). Clicking and then twisting the main
blue program knob highlights and then adjusts this BPM value between its
maximum and minimum values when turned. Clicking again deselects.

Main BPM Selection mode Change Value Value Saved

Screen

120
BPM:

120 122 122

BPM: BPM: BPM:

Selection highlights
indicating its editable

Push Twist Push

Clicking the 'Start / Stop' button starts the clock with this selected BPM tempo
shown on the display. With the clock now running, synced voltage are sent through
each of the output jacks, the level indicated by their relevant green LED's.

Clicking the 'Start / Stop' button again stops and resets the clock

Basic Per Output Modifier Adjustment

The timing of each output can be adjusted to varying factors of the set tempo.
These factors or ‘modifiers’ can be either divisors or multiples of the main clock
tempo. For example, a modifier of ‘x2’ means there will be two steps or output pulse
(with a output set to a gate) per beat. A modifier of ‘/2’ means a step every other
beat.

Also outputs can be set to be permanently on or off, to just trigger once at clock
start or stop (for reset external sequencers) or assigned to a CV input for external
control - more later.

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To adjust an output modifier from the BPM display (unselected) twisting the
program knob will now cycle through each of the eight numbered output 'screens'
before returning back to the main BPM screen.

Main BPM Highlight to change

Select output
Screen

120
BPM:

1 /1 1 /1
OUT: MODIFIER: OUT: MODIFIER:

Twist Push

Each output is represented by the output number (on left) together with the
current set modifier value for that numbered output. The modifier value is either a
multiplier, a divider or a special value (on, off, pulse) correlated to the set BPM clock
speed.

Not all modifier values are integers - some are decimal values for triplet and
dotted type timings.

There are also 4 special ‘utility’ types of modifier mainly for working with
external devices; constant ‘on’ and ‘off’ gates, a single initial start pulse and a single
final pulse fired when the stops (both indicated by pulse symbol).

Clicking the program knob will highlight the selected modifier and turning will
then cycle through the various available values. Clicking again will exit.

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Extended Per Trigger Adjustment

Each output can be further adjusted through ‘extended parameter settings’
allowing for very complex clock synced modulations and rhythmic sequences.
These extended parameters can be split into 3 categories; those which alter the
output wave shape with respect to the modifier timing, those which algorithmically
skip or adjust timing steps (allowing rhythms to be built) and the saving, recall and
reset of a full output parameter setup.

Note the extended parameters are not available for the special utility modifier
types.

With an output screen selected, pushing and holding the program knob for just
over 1 second will access the extended output parameter selection.

Select output Access ‘Extended’

Output Parameters

1 /1
OUT: MODIFIER:

Slop 50
OUTPUT:1 %

Twist Push + Hold

The various parameters can be cycled through and edited by use of the program
knob just as when editing output modifiers. Each screen is represented by a
parameter and the corresponding current set value. To exit back up to the main
output modifier screen, click and hold the program knob again for just over 1
second.

Many output parameter values are in percentages of total ‘step time’. The step
time is derived from the selected trigger modifier. For example a divisor of /2 would
have a step time of 2 beats, *4 would be a quarter of a beat.

Any output parameter value can also be assigned to be CV controlled via either
CV input. See the Voltage control section for more info on this.

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The output parameters are as follows:

Wave
Select between Gate / Triangle / Sine / Envelope / Random output waveforms.

A full cycle of a waveform covers a single step.

Level
The voltage output level in percent 0-100% of maximum 5v output.

Offset
Adds a vertical offset voltage to the output in percent 0-100% of a maximum 5v.
Signals over 5v will be clipped at a 5v maximum.

(Feature available only in firmware 189 and above)

Width
A percentage width - applicable to step time but actual function depends on
selected output waveform type;

• Gate - percentage of step cycle that is non zero (at selected level)

• Triangle & Sine - essentially skews the waveform - i.e at 50% a triangle is a
triangle, at 100% is it a saw.

• Envelope - The release time in percentage of total step time.

• Random - no effect

Phase
References the start point on the chosen output waveform. For example starting
the triangle at 50% phase would start it mid way.

Delay
The % of total step time before waveform generation starts, before then, output
level will be 0. The end of the waveform cycle will clipped.

Note the delay divisor must be set for this to take effect!

Dly / (delay divisor)

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Sets which steps the delay parameter (if set) alters. For example a divisor of ‘1’
would delay every step - ‘2’ every other step, ‘3’ every third etc.

Sine Wave

100% Level (5v)

50% Width
0% Phase & Delay

50% Level (2.5v)

25% Phase

75% Width

25% Delay

Effect of output parameter on waveform output.

Note a divisor of 2 will make a classic ‘swing’ type effect.

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Slop
Percentage indicating the likelihood of timing errors being introduced.
‘Humanises’ the output timing.

Euclidean Parameters
Euclidean rhythms are made from a simple algorithm which takes a numbers of
steps and hits (or triggers) and produces a pattern based the hits being as
equidistant from each other as possible. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
Euclidean_rhythm for more info.

Pamela is able to map euclidean patterns on to an output and to then skip steps
when they are not a hit. Three parameters are available for setting up a pattern.

The parameters are:

EStep

Sets the number of steps used for a full Euclidean pattern.

ETrig

Sets the number of ‘triggers’ or ‘hits’ for Euclidean pattern generation. Must be
less than the number of steps.

ERot

Rotates the defined Euclidean pattern by the specified number of steps.

RSkip
Percentage likelihood of a step being completely skipped. Together with the loop
parameter this can be used to build rhythmic loops.

Loop
Specifies the number of actual beats (note NOT steps) at which the the output is
effectively reset. This can be used to loop both the random waveform and random
skip parameters as well as reset and ‘sync’ euclidean timings.

This is a very useful melody and rhythm generator when used with the random
waveform, ‘Level’ and ‘RSkip' parameters.

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Setting to zero re-seeds the random number generator.

Note the random seed is saved so loops can be recalled.

Output settings muting, saving, loading and resetting.

Pamela will automatically save and remember current output settings between
power cycles. Further to this outputs can be saved to and recalled from individual
banks grouped by letter in sets of 8. Thus there are 26 save banks in all (a-z) each
with 8 output ‘slots’.

Mute

Mutes and unmakes an output .

An output can still be edited whilst muted.

Note an output can have its mute state quickly toggled by clicking and holding the
program knob and then clicking the start/stop button.

(Feature available only in firmware 189 and above)

Save

Saves all set output values to a selected bank.’

Click the program knob to then scroll to a selected bank and then clicking again
will performing the save (‘??’ will be displayed again). Alternatively ‘NO’ can be
selected to abort the save operation.

Saving may introduce timing errors if done whilst clock is running.

Load

Works just like the save operation but rather than save, loads a set of output
values from a selected bank and slot.

Reset

Sets all output parameters to basic initial values.

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Loading, Saving and Reseting ALL 8 outputs at once.

A full bank (i.e 8 grouped by letter) of outputs can be loaded, saved or reset via
the BPM sub menu. Long hold the program knob on the BPM screen and then scroll
to the ‘All outputs’ screens.

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Voltage Control
As well as direct user control, Pamela’s clock and outputs can be assigned to
external voltage control via 4 upper external signal inputs - clock, run, CV 1 & CV 2.

CV Assigning
An output modifier and many of its extended parameters can be externally
voltage controlled by assigning its parameter value to either of the CV inputs.

CV 1 responds to voltages between 0 and 5v, whilst CV 2 responds to voltage

between -5 & +5v (ie with 0 being 50%). Voltages input outside of this range are
safe but will be ignored.

With a value assigned to a CV input, it can be further controlled by setting a per

parameter attenuation and offset value to the incoming CV value. Pushing and
holding the encoder knob whilst a parameter CV option is highlighted (in selection)
will access sub screens to set these values as well as provide the ability to visually
monitor the applied CV value.

Assign to CV Selection mode CV Edit Menu

1 CV 1 Attn 00
OUT: MODIFIER: T:1 CV:1 Mod + %

1 CV 1
OUT: MODIFIER:

Click Push+Hold

The set attenuation value can be either positive or negative which in effect
inverts the CV value (i.e just like an attenuverter)

Multiple parameters can be assigned to the same CV input and each parameter
has its own attenuation and offset parameters.

Note CV 1 only responds to positive voltages.

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External Clock Control.

Pamela can be driven by, and thus sync to, an external clock. This could be
something simple like square wave LFO or something slightly more complex like a
Din Sync signal from external hardware patched into the ‘Clk’ and run inputs. You
can also control the tempo directly with just a voltage level.

For syncing to work, Pam needs to know the external clocks ratio of ticks to a
quarter note - this is known as the Pulses Per Quarter Note (PPQN) value. Pam also
needs to know if it should start the clock automatically when an external clock
signal is detected or wait for an external signal via the ‘Run' input to go high and
then start the clock.

By default Pam is setup to follow a Din Sync like clock. This has a PPQN of 24
and uses the run input to start and stop the clock. (NOTE: You can use an ALM004 -
D.S.G or adapter cable to connect to a Din Sync style connector - see Appendix IV)

To change these settings - select the top level BPM clock screen and then press
and long hold the program knob for just over 1 second. The ‘external’ Clock sub
menu will be displayed. From this sub menu you can change both the expected
PPQN value or assign it to ‘CV” where a voltage level (Patch to to CV1) controls
tempo.

If you sync to an external clock and the BPM gets set to 10, then you very likely
have an incorrect PPQN value set, which is too high

The next ‘Run?” screen allows you to set if the run input is used to start the clock
(‘Y’) or ignore and start the clock automatically when a clock input is detected (’N’).
The Run input becomes a reset input if Run is set to ‘N’.

The two external clock sub menu screens will also display the BPM of a detected
external clock (if present) and will display a warning if the external clock tempo is
not constant and thus unstable. This may well likely mean the external is clock is
unable to provide a workable clock to sync too.

It is not recommended you sync Pam to computer sourced MIDI clocks. Modern
computers tend to give MIDI hardware (particularly over USB) a low priority
compared to other system events. This notoriously leads to timing errors in

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generating the midi clock and thus any slave devices will not sync correctly. For
syncing to a computer it is recommend an audio track based clock is used or you
use Pamela as the master with MIDI clock from the expander to DAW.

Always use as higher PPQN value as possible (24 recommended) for best sync
accuracy. Use of a Run signal is preferred as there is less guesswork involved as to
what speed to start the clock at and when to stop it.

If an external clock is sloppy then Pam will be too! It can't fix an external clock. It
is HIGHLY recommend you use Pamela as your master clock as this is what Pamela
was primarily designed for! It is EXTREMELY stable. Through use of the optional
expanders both dedicated Din Sync and Midi clock outputs can be gained (See
Appendix III)  

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Limited Warranty
From the date of manufacture this device is guaranteed for a period of 2 years
against any manufacturing or material defects. Any such defects will be repaired or
replaced at the discretion of ALM. This does not apply to;

• Physical damage arising for mis treating (i,e dropping, submerging etc).
• Damage caused by incorrect power connections.
• Overexposure to heat or direct sunlight.
• Damage caused by inappropriate or mis-use.
• Use of incorrect or non official firmware

No responsibility is implied or accepted for harm to person or apparatus caused

through operation of this product.

By using this product you agree to these terms. 


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Support
For the latest news, additional info, downloads and firmware updates please
visit the ALM website at http://busycircuits.com and follow @busycircuits on
twitter.

Questions? email help@busycircuits.com .

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APPENDIX
I: Service Mode & Calibration
Holding down the program knob whilst powering the unit will access the service
menu. This mode allows subtle calibration of the core internal clock (lower value
slower, higher faster. Default 16), clearing and resetting of the internal saved
outputs, and testing of the OLED display. The service mode will also display current
firmware version.

Pressing the start button will exit and Pamela will start as normal.

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II: Firmware Updates

Pam is able to receive firmware upgrades by connection to a computer via the
mini usb slot on the side of the unit. You should disconnect the Eurorack power
connection when performing a firmware upgrade, just the a usb cable should be
connected.

To perform the upgrade you need to install the ‘dfu-util’ program on your
computer. It is available from http://dfu-util.sourceforge.net/ for Windows, Mac OS
and Linux. It is a command line program that needs to be run from the terminal. It is
highly recommended you perform the upgrade from Mac or Linux. Very limited
support is available for windows.

Mac Install
The easiest way to install dfu-util on mac is to first install ‘brew’ by following the
instructions at http://brew.sh . Then in the Terminal App run ‘brew install dfu-util’ .

Windows Install
Download win32 binaries from http://dfu-util.sourceforge.net/ - version 0.8 is
recommended,

Install Zadzig from http://zadig.akeo.ie/ and launch.

Remove Pamela from your modular system and disconnect power.

*UNPOWERED* connect Pamela to you computer via the mini usb jack at the side.
Ideally with no other usb devices connected.

Tick ‘list all devices’ from the ‘options’ menu. From the devices drop down menu
select ‘STM 32 BOOTLOADER’ . Then select ‘WinUSB’ from the driver list and click
install driver.

You should now be ready to follow dfu-util instructions below.

Linux Install
Dfu-util should be available in your distribution's of choice package manager.

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Update Procedure
Remove Pamela from you modular system and disconnect power.
*UNPOWERED* connect Pamela to you computer via the mini usb jack at the side
of the unit. Ideally with no other usb devices should be connected to your computer.

Then run the following command in the Terminal (on single line);

dfu-util -a 0 -d 0x0483:0xdf11 --dfuse-address 0x08000000 -D firmware.bin

Replace ‘firmware.bin’ with the location of the firmware you wish to install. All
should be on a single line. For example, on mac, if you had downloaded
‘alm0117-167.bin’ to your home downloads directory, you would run (on single line);

dfu-util -a 0 -d 0x0483:0xdf11 --dfuse-address 0x08000000 -D ~/Downloads/alm017-167.bin

And then press ‘Enter’.

The update process should take just a few seconds. Do not unplug whilst the
update is happening. When completed disconnect the usb and plug back into your
Eurorack system with power now connected. Note Pam’s display will remain blank
during the update process. You should see something like;

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Updating the firmware is likely to clear all saved outputs.

Please use only official firmware files when made available from the
BusyCircuits website.

A nicer UI program for firmware upgrade is planned!

III : Expanders
There are two optional expander modules available for use with Pamela’s NEW
Workout (not the original Pamela!). Both extend Pamela’s functionality adding
primarily a midi clock and other extra outputs. Only a single expander is supported
at any time.

Both modules connect to the 5 pin header on the back of Pamela via the cable
supplied with the expander. Match the respective ‘<’ and ‘o’ symbols by the
connector;

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Pexp-1

“Pexp-1”

DIN SYNC
clock out

Din Out

MIDI Clock out.

MIDI Out

Gates Out

x4 x2

Fixed gates
(50% duty)
x1 /4

4HP module Provides Din Sync and MIDI clock outputs with DIN type connectors.
4 further fixed buffered gate outputs - x1 / x4 / x2 / /4 (5v / 50% duty) are also
provided with LED indication. Everything is synced to the main Pamela clock.

Note use of expander increases +12v rail current requirements by 25ma.

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Pexp-2

“Px2”

24 PPQN clock out

x24

Gate high when

clock running
Run

MIDI Clock out

(3.5mm jack stereo
MIDI style connector)
Out

2HP module featuring 3.5mm jack type midi clock output and a x24 clock and
run jack outputs.

The jack outputs can be used to sync a second Pamela, derive a Din Sync output
signal via an ALM D.S.G or adapter cable. The 3.5mm jack can be switched between
differing 3.5mm MIDI configurations by reversing the jack connector on the rear of
the module. Matching the connector indicator to the ‘*’ on the board will work with
Arturia devices whilst reversing will work with Korg and Make Noise.

15ma extra current requirement.

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IV: DIN Sync

‘DIN Sync’ is an interface introduced by Roland in the 1980s for the timing
synchronization of synths, sequencers and drum machines etc. The interface uses a
5 pin DIN connectors but by means of a simple jack plug adapter (purchased or DIY),
Pamela’s NEW Workout can be used with DIN Sync devices.

GND

Clock Start/Stop
Trigger Trigger

5 Pin DIN Rear View

By connecting a DIN Sync clock to the clock input (with a setting of 24 PPQN -
the default) and the start/stop to the run input Pamela will run as a DIN Sync slave
syncing to an external clock signal.

By using two trigger outputs, one set as a 24 multiplier connected to the DIN
Sync clock trigger and the other set as a constant gate connected to the DIN Sync
Start/Stop trigger Pamela can act as a DIN Sync master and drive external DIN
Sync devices.

ALM004 - ‘D.S.G’ provides such an adaptor in eurorack module format. Also a

suitable adaptor cable is made by ‘Expert Sleepers’ with the code’ ‘DJ-1200’ .A

Further to this the 2 outputs can be freed up by using either of the expander
modules Din Sync output - the EXP 1 also include a Din Sync socket (Output only!)
so an adaptor may not be needed.

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