Nervous Squirrel — Conway's Game

• Manual PDF

Conway's Game Eurorack Module Manual (PDF)
(Based on images provided above)

Conway's Game Eurorack Module Cheat Sheet

A pattern generator using Conway’s Game of Life, and a 64-output MIDI-to-trigger/gate converter.

Inputs & Outputs

Inputs

• MIDI IN:
• Accepts standard MIDI (5-pin DIN).
• Responds to notes C2 (36) – E7 (100)

• Controls which outputs are triggered in MIDI mode.

• CLOCK IN:

• Accepts gates/triggers or audio-rate signals to set simulation speed.

• Internal clock: 10Hz default, external up to ~270Hz (can operate "weird" above this).

• RESET:

• Button input (likely can be used with external trigger/gate).
• Clears current Game of Life loop and all stuck MIDI notes.

Outputs

• 64 TRIGGER/GATE OUTPUTS (8x8 grid):
• One output per Game of Life cell.
• Voltage: 8V (trigger/gate)
• Trigger Length: 20ms (in trigger mode)
• Used for sequencing drums, envelopes, or other modules.

Controls / Switches

• MIDI/LIFE Toggle:

• Switches between MIDI mode (manual trigger control) and Game of Life automaton mode.

• TRIGGERS/GATES Toggle:

• Sets all outputs to either:

  • Trigger Mode: Fires a 20ms trigger pulse on every event.
  • Gate Mode: Output remains HIGH (8V) as long as cell is alive.

• RESET Button:

• Manually resets simulation/start conditions and clears stuck MIDI notes.

Usage Summary

• Game of Life Mode
• Select random start (auto or via RESET).
• Cells evolve per GOL rules, driving 64 output jacks.

• Simulation resets when cells die out or stabilize.

• MIDI Mode

• Incoming notes C2–E7 each trigger corresponding output.

• Can trigger all 64 outputs via MIDI.

• Clock Control

• Use internal or external clock (LFO, VCO, audio) for step timing.

• Very high rates (>270 Hz) may yield experimental behaviors.

• Output Function

• All 64 jacks output TRIG or GATE signals per pattern/mode.
• Patch directly to drums, envelopes, sequential logic, etc.

Technical Details

• Width: 20HP
• Depth: 43.5mm (behind 2mm panel)
• Current Draw:
• +12V: 80mA (GOL mode typical), max 215mA (all LEDs lit via MIDI)
• -12V: 0mA
• Outputs: 8V, 20ms (trigger), 64 outputs

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