These are my build notes for the Steiner MicroCon (Eurorack format).
The original Microcon was a full voice module.
It's very rare & was first produced between 1977 & 79 as a complete synthesizer in a single module with its own power supply less keyboard. It has its own LFO, Filter, EG & VCO.
The original module measured 4 x 6 inches.
I purchased this modern eurorack kit from SynthCube.
The circuit/PCB was recast by David Ingebretsen in 2012, with permission from Nyle Steiner.
The euro format panel is designed by Clarke Robinson and produced by synthCube.
Muffs has a very useful thread here:
https://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=1047995&sid=d261297539ec4b711819800a9b1a5c93
David's L's Microcon post is here:
https://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=42415&highlight=micr ocon
It might me fun to install the PCB in a box of the same dimensions as a homage to the original
module, though for the moment, I'll keep this in Eurorack format.
Install the resistors first.
There are 10 Diodes - Switching vR/100V Io/150mA (standard 1N4148)
And two 1n4001 Rectifiers (Vr/50V Io/1A T/R)
Headers & caps next.
The two trimmers and that tempco .... needs to be in contact with the IC.(SSM2210).
It's a dual matched transistor.
The Microcon uses two vactrols : VTL5C3/2. These are the same type used in my Buchla.
The original BOM uses a 74c14n Inverter - It's a Schmitt trigger.
This part is obsolete and has been replaced with a CD40106.
It's time to wire everything up.
More Links:
1. SynthMuseum
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For more Euro DIY builds click here:
http://djjondent.blogspot.com.au/2017/12/diy-index.html
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Showing posts with label Eurorack. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Eurorack. Show all posts
Sunday, 23 August 2015
Friday, 21 August 2015
The Putney and the Video Synth
This is a bit of an experiment running some EMS VCS3 video through a LZX video synthesizer.
The video synth is a whole new world.
Lots of scope for art & experimentation. I just love it.
My synth case so far.
I'm experimenting with lots of modules. As you can see there are some standard Eurorack
modules in this mix that work quite well with the LZX & Brown Shoes Only video modules.
The LZX visual cortex is very useful. It's becoming the heart of the system.
The video synth is a whole new world.
Lots of scope for art & experimentation. I just love it.
My synth case so far.
I'm experimenting with lots of modules. As you can see there are some standard Eurorack
modules in this mix that work quite well with the LZX & Brown Shoes Only video modules.
The LZX visual cortex is very useful. It's becoming the heart of the system.
Thursday, 20 August 2015
Acid waves - 4Seq remix
A remix using the Metropolis (Intellijel) & 4seq (NLC).
The VCOs used were a VC303 (for the acid baseline) and a Piston Honda (The Harvestman)
The VCOs used were a VC303 (for the acid baseline) and a Piston Honda (The Harvestman)
Tuesday, 18 August 2015
NLC DP Filter - Build notes.
Th Nonlinearcircuits DP Filter is a really interesting beast.
It takes ideas from the TB303 & Moog ladder and combines this with the EMS Diode ladder.
(The TB303 is a four stage diode ladder filter achieved with transistors where the collectors are connected to base. The Moog is a straight transistor ladder filter).
This DP circuit replaces the diodes and transistors of these 3 ladder filters with opto-isolators
Opto-isolators (also called optical couplers or optocouplers) are basically a LED & a photo transistor in a light tight package. They use light to transfer electrical signals between circuits to keep them electrically isolated from each other. In this module the TLP521-2 is used.
Andrew's Build notes are here:
http://www.sdiy.org/pinky/data/Double%20Penetration%20Filter%20build%20notes.pdf
More useful links:
1. Large schematic
2. Module description.
3. Muffs thread
4. NLC blog - pics of the module
This module is probably not the easiest one to start with if you are a beginner.
There are lots of surface mounted components, though on the bright side there is only one SMD IC.
(a 074).
I like to get the ICs out of the way so I'll solder the 074 first then the rest of the caps & resistors
The back side of the PCB also has SMDs. It's not the cleanest of SMD soldering efforts but should still work. Fingers crossed.
There are two SMD pads marked "c" on the rear side of the PCB....They are for 100k resistors.
Also, I'm using 0805 sized SMD components (its what I had in my store). The pads on this PCB are sized
1206. If you are using smaller ones like me, be careful when soldering the capacitors - let them cool down before soldering the other pad.
There are 2 versions of this filter - the standard using 100nF for C2,C3,C4 & C5 vs the TB-303
acid version which uses a 33nF on C2,C3,C4 & a 18nF on C5.
I'm building the standard version today.... all 100nF.(104).

The trannies next. Six BC547, and two BC557s.
I didn't bother to match these.
Click here to return to the NLC Build Index: http://djjondent.blogspot.com.au/2015/03/non-linear-circuits-ncl-index.html
It takes ideas from the TB303 & Moog ladder and combines this with the EMS Diode ladder.
(The TB303 is a four stage diode ladder filter achieved with transistors where the collectors are connected to base. The Moog is a straight transistor ladder filter).
This DP circuit replaces the diodes and transistors of these 3 ladder filters with opto-isolators
Opto-isolators (also called optical couplers or optocouplers) are basically a LED & a photo transistor in a light tight package. They use light to transfer electrical signals between circuits to keep them electrically isolated from each other. In this module the TLP521-2 is used.
Andrew's Build notes are here:
http://www.sdiy.org/pinky/data/Double%20Penetration%20Filter%20build%20notes.pdf
More useful links:
1. Large schematic
2. Module description.
3. Muffs thread
4. NLC blog - pics of the module
This module is probably not the easiest one to start with if you are a beginner.
There are lots of surface mounted components, though on the bright side there is only one SMD IC.
(a 074).
I like to get the ICs out of the way so I'll solder the 074 first then the rest of the caps & resistors
The back side of the PCB also has SMDs. It's not the cleanest of SMD soldering efforts but should still work. Fingers crossed.
There are two SMD pads marked "c" on the rear side of the PCB....They are for 100k resistors.
Also, I'm using 0805 sized SMD components (its what I had in my store). The pads on this PCB are sized
1206. If you are using smaller ones like me, be careful when soldering the capacitors - let them cool down before soldering the other pad.
There are 2 versions of this filter - the standard using 100nF for C2,C3,C4 & C5 vs the TB-303
acid version which uses a 33nF on C2,C3,C4 & a 18nF on C5.
I'm building the standard version today.... all 100nF.(104).

The trannies next. Six BC547, and two BC557s.
I didn't bother to match these.
The 2 caps marked C22 & C23 near the power connection are 10uF electros.
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Click here to return to the NLC Build Index: http://djjondent.blogspot.com.au/2015/03/non-linear-circuits-ncl-index.html
Sunday, 16 August 2015
NLC Timbre - Build notes
These are the build noted for the NonLinearCircuits (NLC) Timbre module.
This is based on the Buchla Timbre circuit which can be found in the Buchla Easel / 208 panel
and the Buchla 259 oscillator.
It's a awesome wavefolder that can convert a simple wave (eg: a triangle or sawtooth) into a complex waveform rich in overtones.
Andrew F has added a simple tri2sine converter input, along with the regular input, and buffered output.
The NLC build notes are here:
http://www.sdiy.org/pinky/data/Timbre%20Gen%20build%20&%20BOM%20v2.pdf
As usual, install the IC & power headers first.
Resistors & diodes next.
I've replaced the100k* with a 120k which should give approx.5V peak to peak.
If you're installing this in a Buchla system you may want to fiddle with this value (maybe 240k) to give 10Vpp.
Capacitors:
IC's in.
Along with the J112 transistor & that 15uF cap. I've used a 50V one.
Insert the pots (B100k) & the 5 jacks.
I haven't soldered the grounds yet in the above photo.
You're done!
Links:
1. ModularSynthesis - the Aaron Lanterman adaptation of the Buchla Timbre/Crossfader
2. Aaron Lanterman schematics
3. Electro-Music.com
4. Ecalpemos/nl
5. Ken Stone (CGS 52) - simple wave folder
6. Ken Stone (CGS 29) - Wave Multiplier
7. JHaible - wave folder
8. Oakely Sound - Discontinuity
9. Muffs thread on troubleshooting the Timbre
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Click here to return to the NLC Build Index:
http://djjondent.blogspot.com.au/2015/03/non-linear-circuits-ncl-index.html
This is based on the Buchla Timbre circuit which can be found in the Buchla Easel / 208 panel
and the Buchla 259 oscillator.
It's a awesome wavefolder that can convert a simple wave (eg: a triangle or sawtooth) into a complex waveform rich in overtones.
Andrew F has added a simple tri2sine converter input, along with the regular input, and buffered output.
The NLC build notes are here:
http://www.sdiy.org/pinky/data/Timbre%20Gen%20build%20&%20BOM%20v2.pdf
As usual, install the IC & power headers first.
Resistors & diodes next.
I've replaced the100k* with a 120k which should give approx.5V peak to peak.
If you're installing this in a Buchla system you may want to fiddle with this value (maybe 240k) to give 10Vpp.
Capacitors:
IC's in.
Along with the J112 transistor & that 15uF cap. I've used a 50V one.
Insert the pots (B100k) & the 5 jacks.
I haven't soldered the grounds yet in the above photo.
You're done!
Links:
1. ModularSynthesis - the Aaron Lanterman adaptation of the Buchla Timbre/Crossfader
2. Aaron Lanterman schematics
3. Electro-Music.com
4. Ecalpemos/nl
5. Ken Stone (CGS 52) - simple wave folder
6. Ken Stone (CGS 29) - Wave Multiplier
7. JHaible - wave folder
8. Oakely Sound - Discontinuity
9. Muffs thread on troubleshooting the Timbre
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Click here to return to the NLC Build Index:
http://djjondent.blogspot.com.au/2015/03/non-linear-circuits-ncl-index.html
Saturday, 15 August 2015
4seq - Piston Honda & VC 303
The nonlinearcircuits 4SEQ is a 4 stage sequencer with a forwards/backwards control (the u/d or up-down jack) allowing the development of
quite complex sequences and patterns.
There are two CV outputs that are the reverse of each other. Eg if outX is counting 1,2,3,4 then outY counts 4,3,2,1. There are also gate outputs that are /2, /4, /8 & /16 divisions of the clock signal.
I'm not sure if you can buy the 4seq fully made. I built mine from PCB. The build notes are here.
http://djjondent.blogspot.com.au/2015/08/4seq-nlc-sequencer-build-notes.html
The piston honda is a wavetable oscillator. It has 2 ROMs , each with 256 waveforms.
I'm using the 4SEQ to morph through the wavetables. It's all clocked to the intellijel metropolis.
The tip tip drums are also clocked to the metropolis.
The acid sequences are Metropolis - VC.303bass synth
There are two CV outputs that are the reverse of each other. Eg if outX is counting 1,2,3,4 then outY counts 4,3,2,1. There are also gate outputs that are /2, /4, /8 & /16 divisions of the clock signal.
I'm not sure if you can buy the 4seq fully made. I built mine from PCB. The build notes are here.
http://djjondent.blogspot.com.au/2015/08/4seq-nlc-sequencer-build-notes.html
The piston honda is a wavetable oscillator. It has 2 ROMs , each with 256 waveforms.
I'm using the 4SEQ to morph through the wavetables. It's all clocked to the intellijel metropolis.
The tip tip drums are also clocked to the metropolis.
The acid sequences are Metropolis - VC.303bass synth
Bools - NLC build notes
These are the build notes for the nonlinearcircuits Bools Eurorack module.
It's of course, as the name implies, a Boolean Logic module
Very useful for generating gates, envelopes, and CVs that can be sync'd with everything going on in your patch. You can patch lots of things into the bools --- audio signals, LFOs, CVs from sequencers & envelope generators, etc etc. The inputs can be any signal crossing 1V.
4011 NAND
4071 OR
4081 AND
4077 XNOR
4030 or 4070 XOR
"AND and NOR gates tend to create sequences with gaps of silence especially at the beginning of the song and get far more active later in the song. It’s the opposite for NAND and NOR gates, and XOR and XNOR gates tend to be active all the time, with no gaps at all or very few" (Reinventor).
The 4 inputs drive the chained logic gates.
The gate outputs give the boolean logic result of the signals on inputs 1&2, 2&3, 3&4 and 4&1.
There is also a additional resistor ladder (R/1, R/2.R/4/R/8) which feeds into a sample & hold circuit and a slew to give a smoothed CV out.
To use Bools as a EG, you need to first choose an input to determine the height (1 = low, 4 = high), then set the slope with the slew & feed the S/H input with signals to vary envelope shape.
There are SMDs to solder on both sides of the PCB
Do the SMDs first. They are all passive components- caps & resistors.
Headers next:
For this build I'll use a 4011 NAND gate
Links:
1. Muffs thread
2. 4x4 logic manual - NLC panel
3. Boolean sequencer basics
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Click here to return to the NLC Build Index:
http://djjondent.blogspot.com.au/2015/03/non-linear-circuits-ncl-index.html
It's of course, as the name implies, a Boolean Logic module
Very useful for generating gates, envelopes, and CVs that can be sync'd with everything going on in your patch. You can patch lots of things into the bools --- audio signals, LFOs, CVs from sequencers & envelope generators, etc etc. The inputs can be any signal crossing 1V.
The outputs are 5V
gates that are all related to each other.
The different combinations of gates will depend on the chips you use.
Suitable chips are
4001 NOR4011 NAND
4071 OR
4081 AND
4077 XNOR
4030 or 4070 XOR
"AND and NOR gates tend to create sequences with gaps of silence especially at the beginning of the song and get far more active later in the song. It’s the opposite for NAND and NOR gates, and XOR and XNOR gates tend to be active all the time, with no gaps at all or very few" (Reinventor).
The 4 inputs drive the chained logic gates.
The gate outputs give the boolean logic result of the signals on inputs 1&2, 2&3, 3&4 and 4&1.
There is also a additional resistor ladder (R/1, R/2.R/4/R/8) which feeds into a sample & hold circuit and a slew to give a smoothed CV out.
To use Bools as a EG, you need to first choose an input to determine the height (1 = low, 4 = high), then set the slope with the slew & feed the S/H input with signals to vary envelope shape.
Andrew's BOM & Build Guide are here:
http://www.sdiy.org/pinky/data/BOOLs%20BOM%20guide%20vers1.pdf There are SMDs to solder on both sides of the PCB
Do the SMDs first. They are all passive components- caps & resistors.
Headers next:
For this build I'll use a 4011 NAND gate
Links:
1. Muffs thread
2. 4x4 logic manual - NLC panel
3. Boolean sequencer basics
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Click here to return to the NLC Build Index:
http://djjondent.blogspot.com.au/2015/03/non-linear-circuits-ncl-index.html
Monday, 10 August 2015
4SEQ - NLC Sequencer - Build Notes
The NonLinearCircuits Bindubba 1 & 3 are some of my favourite sequencers.
The 4Seq eurorack module combines aspects of both. It has just 4 stages but the direction can be controlled by a gate to go forwards or backwards, so you can end up with some very complex patterns. It also gives CV outputs that are the reverse of each other, if outX is counting 1,2,3,4 then outY counts 4,3,2,1. The gate outputs are /2, /4, /8 & /16 divisions of the incoming clock signal.
Here are some pics of the virgin PCB & panel:
Most of the components are through the hole but there are 32 resistors & 3 caps that are SMD. These passive SMDs can be 1206 or 0805
This is a great project if you need to get your SMD soldering skills up to scratch. All ICs are thru-hole.
so it is a very easy build.
Andrew's BOM & build notes are here:
http://www.sdiy.org/pinky/data/4SEQ%20BOM%20&%20build%20vers1.pdf
The Bindubba 1 was a 4 stage shift sequencer. (A cross between a ASR & CGS sequential switch)
The Bindubba 3 was a 16 stage vertical/horizontal, bi-directional matrix sequencer.
First solder those SMDs. The solder I used was a standard 0.7mm thickness.
Next, IC & the power headers:
The ICs are a CMOS counter (4029), a dual 4 channel multiplexer (4052), and two op-amps (TL072 & TL074)
Resistors, diodes & trannies. The transistors are all NPN BC547s. Diodes are standard 1N4148s
Finally, install the LEDs.
You're done :-)
Links:
1. Muffs thread.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Click here to return to the NLC Build Index:
http://djjondent.blogspot.com.au/2015/03/non-linear-circuits-ncl-index.html
The 4Seq eurorack module combines aspects of both. It has just 4 stages but the direction can be controlled by a gate to go forwards or backwards, so you can end up with some very complex patterns. It also gives CV outputs that are the reverse of each other, if outX is counting 1,2,3,4 then outY counts 4,3,2,1. The gate outputs are /2, /4, /8 & /16 divisions of the incoming clock signal.
Here are some pics of the virgin PCB & panel:
Most of the components are through the hole but there are 32 resistors & 3 caps that are SMD. These passive SMDs can be 1206 or 0805
This is a great project if you need to get your SMD soldering skills up to scratch. All ICs are thru-hole.
so it is a very easy build.
Andrew's BOM & build notes are here:
http://www.sdiy.org/pinky/data/4SEQ%20BOM%20&%20build%20vers1.pdf
The Bindubba 1 was a 4 stage shift sequencer. (A cross between a ASR & CGS sequential switch)
The Bindubba 3 was a 16 stage vertical/horizontal, bi-directional matrix sequencer.
First solder those SMDs. The solder I used was a standard 0.7mm thickness.
Next, IC & the power headers:
The ICs are a CMOS counter (4029), a dual 4 channel multiplexer (4052), and two op-amps (TL072 & TL074)
Resistors, diodes & trannies. The transistors are all NPN BC547s. Diodes are standard 1N4148s
These are the three "d" resistors... they are 10K.
c = 100K
1 = 1K
The four 100k pots: (B-type)
Finally, install the LEDs.
You're done :-)
Links:
1. Muffs thread.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Click here to return to the NLC Build Index:
http://djjondent.blogspot.com.au/2015/03/non-linear-circuits-ncl-index.html
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