Waldeck Interrupter
$7.00 USD – Free Shipping
* New and Improved Design in Stock NOW! *
Waldeck Interrupter is a very simple device that simulates a Dying Battery Effect by limiting the amount of current ( Amps not Volts) in electronic musical devices and in some cases results are glitches and distortions similar to those achieved through circuit bending. Not all devices respond in an interesting manner however, some simply stop working or get quieter. The original concept for this device was presented by Patrick McCarthy at the Bent 2006 Festival in Minneapolis, however Patrick has been the champion of the concept for quite some time before that.
The idea is a very simple one: Insert a resistor between the power source and the device. In this case we are Interrupting the supply in the battery compartment by using double-sided PCB board etched in a manner that the two sides have no electrical contact. Except when the holes are drilled and a Single Turn Trimmer ( Potentiometer ) is inserted to act as the resistor bridging the gap between the two sides. The device can also be built using two pieces of metal with cardboard or some other insulating material placed between the two and wires coming out for the potentiometer that is used to complete the electrical connection.
The potentiometer values found to work best for this are typically below 1,000 Ohm or 1K ( Linear ), with under 250 Ohm being the most optimal. The Keychain form factor for this device proved to be practical and convenient, ready to strike at a moments notice. For those of you who do not wish to get into PCB manufacturing process or having to order the parts, please feel free to order the Waldeck Interrupter from my site. Please note that all units are hand crafted in small batches in my workshop. No 2 are alike and will contain imperfections and gain more character like a nice pair of denim jeans from the wear and tear of aging. Parts of the proceeds also will be directed to support the local Circuit Bending Scene.
Cost is $7.00 USD and that includes free Shipping World Wide.
Good Resource to understand whats going on: Electronics Beginner Tutorial.
This didn;t make it to the front page of the website.
No worries it will soon. I am still working on adding the artwork for the PCB and a schematic.