LZX Cadet I - Sync Generator

Some pics from the build of a LZX cadet module for video synthesis.
I must thank the entire team from LZX for making this DIY system possible.
Building these modules from scratch is a great way to learn.
I am an independent builder and have nothing to do with LZX industries. 

The original system 21 collection has the ideal amount of modules to get started :
1x sync
1x video input
1x ramps
1x encoder
1x scaler
4x processor
4x fader
4x hard key
4x VCO

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I've read that there are more modules in development.
Cadet XI Noise Generator
Cadet XII Wavefolder/Freq Doubler
Cadet XIII 3-Input Mixer
Cadet XIV Gamma Shaper  
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For the moment, I'm just building one of each as I already have a  LZX system and just wish to complement it.

This is the first ... a Sync Generator. It's one of the basic / essential modules.

This module produces the master synchronization signals for your videosynth (in both PAL and NTSC so that the signal stays steady on screen. The camera and monitor must be synchronized.

Syncronization can be divided into horizontal & vertical sync.
"Horizontal sync maintains the horizontal lines in step; without horizontal sync the picture will break up into diagonal lines. Horizontal sync tells the camera and monitor when each horizontal line begins and ends. 
Vertical sync also keeps the picture stable; without this, the image will roll. 
Vertical sync tells the camera and monitor when each field begins and ends. Both together are essential to a stable rectangular shape. Sync then can be conceived of as an electronic grid which provides horizontal and vertical orientation to the image." ETC

I understand you can also use this to sync external "audio" oscillators.

The LM1881 is the IC that provides the Hsync & Vsync (from pins 1 & 3 I think).
These signals are processed by a ATMEGA microprocessor

These aren't official build notes, just my records to help me trouble shoot.
Do let me know if you spot any errors or omissions.

I will possibly need to remove these IC sockets. I recently read that socketing ICs aren't good in video module applications.

LZX VI Fader assembly notes:

"We recommend you avoid socketing the ICs. Capacitance in the sockets can affect higher bandwidth
circuitry more than it would in audio applications."

IC sockets add capacitance to the connections to the pins in the circuit.
It could potentially limit bandwidth or add ringing/oscillation to the circuit.

 iNSTALLING jacks, etc.
Ive gotten rid of those IC sockets.

 Making do with a SPDT (on-on) switch I had on hand.

 R13 calls for a zero-ohm resistor. I've ordered some, but in the meantime will test with some wire.

Re the power header:
This first sync generator module must be built using a 2 x 8 header.
+5 V isnt connected, however pins 15 & 13 which usually carry CV & gate signals in audio modules are used to transmit VSYNC & HSYNC in a LZX modular. 

ICs used in this build:

LM6172IN/NOPB
LM1881N/NOPB - video sync generator
SN74HC14N
CD74HC4538E
CD74HC4046AE

Links
+ Cadet modding - LZX  community Help


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