Sigh. I'm almost sorry I found this thread. I was looking at building the FG from AoE3 (
www.artofelectronics.com/synthesizer) as my next project. I had already figured to cost reduce it by replacing the two AD9954's ( 2 @ $34.40) with an FPGA (XC3S50A $8.05). I've even gone so far as to write and simulate a good chunk of the FPGA code.
Then you folks show me that FeelTech has already implemented it and is selling it for seventy-five bucks. Even DIY I could not beat that price.
Of course, if I just buy the FeelTech I don't get the "experience" of creating it myself. Or the headaches either. Some features might be different. I'm more interested in FSK/PSK modulation than with arbitrary waveforms, though there's no reason AWs can't be done. The timing analysis of my FPGA design says that it should be able to do 200 Msps so that is about the same. I had not even started to design the UI yet and only just started simulating the filters in LTSpice.
Another difference would be that I would OSHW the whole thing. I'd likely have to lean on you folks some to smooth the kinks out of the analog circuitry since I'm stronger in digital. What might make it worthwhile would be to turn it into a community project and get more folks to contribute feature and design ideas. More eyes on the design would likely improve utility and stability.
So what do you think? Start a significant community project (would anyone really contribute?) or just buy a FeelTech and be done with it?
Thanks,
- Chip