Friday 7 January 2022

Dustwork - self tuning VCO

Some build notes for the Dustwork VCO.
The  official website is here:
 
And the build guide
 
A super easy build since most of the SMD components are already installed
All parts supplied.
 
This is version 2
Its 6HP
A VCO that can tune itself. Imagine  !!!
 



Just 1 PCB
 
 
The way it works is simple. Send it a ‘C’ note over a 1v/oct CV signal, hit the button and the module will do the rest. It will calculate the offset voltage needed to bring that C up to perfect pitch. It’s recommended (as with any analogue synth) to let the module warm up for 10 minutes or so before tuning up.
 
 
The AS3340 chip is Alfa's modern equivalent of the famous CEM3340 voltage-controlled oscillator. It provides Ramp, Pulse/Square, and Triangle outputs, has inputs for oscillator sync, is temperature compensated and stable, and provides excellent 1V/Oct tracking.
 

Look for the bevel on one side of the chip to help orientation.
The bevel is the same side as the dot on the PCB.

For more info

Next add a 300k resistor between pins 15 & 16 of the AS3340 chip
 


2x 10K trimpots
 

The two headers.
A 6 pin and 10 pin.
 

The 10 pin is of course the power supply.
the 6 pin is used in programming


The 3 pots.
they are all B100k
These go on the other side of the PCB
 


two 3.5mm socket jacks

the push button switch


and the LED
short lead = flat side = cathode
 

it’s time to program the module. For this,
you’ll need the USB Tiny programmer, along with AVRDUDESS programming app which you
can find online. 
 
  you need to download the latest firmware (it’s a .hex file) on the product
page on Duskwork.net
 
To be continued....
 
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