Surplus Synthesizer PCBs on offer

#1

Hi,

I’m ready to get my synth PCBs manufactured, and I will have a surplus as minimum order quantity is 5 and I only need one set (maybe two in case I screw up the assembly :wink: ).

Is anyone here interested in a set of PCBs of the following circuits:

  • 2x Yusynth VCO
  • 2x Yusynth “Minimoog” VCF
  • 2x Yusynth VC LFO #2
  • 2x Yusynth ADSR
  • 4x Yusynth VCA, DC version

These come on 2 boards measuring 200mm x 150mm each.

If you’d like a set you please let me know, and I’ll also privately provide the BOM and some other design details. Unfortunately I cannot publish the complete designs of the synth (especially the EDA files) since they are based on Yves’ (Yusynth) design and there is not a clear license for doing so other than “non commercial use only”.

The price of a set would be “buy me a beer sometime” :slight_smile:

I also have some (actually, about 20) compatible PSUs available for these; they are switch mode +12/-12/+5. I’ll update here later with exact make/model.

I’ll be ordering these probably some time in the coming week or two.

Cheers,
Doug.

1 Like
#2

Hi Doug,
If be interested if they’re eurorack compatible. Happy to chip in towards your costs.
I’ll be doing an order of some module boards in future so I will probably make the extras available with those too.
M

#3

Hi @mikekelly - the boards are eurorack voltage compatible (+/- 12V) but not in size/form. Reason being that my synth build project is not truly modular (the modules will not be removable/replaceable).

Also in line with the circuit designer’s wishes, I have to make this a non-commercial exchange, so perhaps a board swap in future would be the way to do it? :slight_smile:

Cheers,
Doug

#4

OK, got you. I’m up for board swaps but as these are too big for Eurorack I should let someone else jump in and get your spares this time.
It’d be good to see how your system turns out, give me a shout if you need any help with the build.

#5

Hi @doug!

This is something I would be interested in! I don’t really know what I’m doing with hardware synths, but I’ve programmed a few in software before, and have messed around with electronics a bit - analog synths is something I’ve been looking to get into for a while now :slight_smile:

I’d be interested in one of those psus as well. Happy to reimburse for those.

Cheers!

#6

Hey,

That’s cool. This project of mine started some years ago for the same reason… looking at pictures of cool looking old fashioned synths and thinking that I would like to have one :slight_smile:

The PSUs are “Advanced Power NA055P300”; 55W; +5V @ 3.5A, +12V @ 3A, -12V @ 1A. I can’t find anything about them on the internet, seems like a small time UK company made these some time ago and there’s little trace left of them.

I suggest you first read here: http://yusynth.net/Modular/index_en.html as he does have some basic explanations of each circuit.

I’ll post back here when I’ve got the PCB order in. I have a few small tweaks still to make to the design though to ensure it all matches up with the required panel wiring.

Doug.

#7

Hi,

The boards are ordered! :smile:

Once I have them I will bring the surplus and a couple of PSU to a Thursday evening at SLMS, I’ll let you all know when that will be.

Doug.

1 Like
#8

Look what arrived :grin:

IMG_20190610_181712
IMG_20190610_181712.jpg3024×4032 4.15 MB

3 Likes
#9

Hi,

I haven’t forgotten about this - I’ve just been busy assembling the thing! I will come by the space in the next few weeks and deliver on my promise of bringing stuff to share. I might also even have a working synth to show at that point :slight_smile:

Cheers,
Doug.

synth-2-IMG_20190626_225652
synth-2-IMG_20190626_225652.jpg1158×868 320 KB

synth-1-IMG_20190701_214251
synth-1-IMG_20190701_214251.jpg1225×917 297 KB

2 Likes
#10

I’ll be popping into the space this evening with PCBs and PSUs … finally :slight_smile:

1 Like
#11

looks incredible!

#12

It’s coming alive…

synth-3-IMG_20190907_171854
synth-3-IMG_20190907_171854.jpg1223×917 339 KB

Working so far:

  • 2x VCO (except sinewave outputs, level is 1/10th of expected)
  • 2x LFO
  • 2x ADSR

Wired up but not working correctly:

  • 1x VCF (no output)
  • 1x VCA (output being held at constant +12V)

Still in development

  • Digital interface

If anyone wants to see, test, help etc I will come for electronics night this Thursday.

Doug.

1 Like
#13

Hi,

I have fixed successfully fixed a couple of the issues on my own :slight_smile:

  • VCF had a transistor inserted back to front
  • VCA had an opamp with +/- inputs reversed

I’m waiting for some PCBs to arrive for the digital section, then I think I will bring it to the space to show off demonstrate what it can do :wink:

If anyone has any thoughts on these remaining points, I would be grateful:

  • How to secure the top panel in place
  • Suitable mains switch and wiring

synth-4-IMG_20190911_222146
synth-4-IMG_20190911_222146.jpg1228×921 335 KB

Cheers,
Doug.

4 Likes
#14

hi doug nice work i woul d kike to see the ciecuits can u send a link oe some more info on the pcbs yes bill of materials i have octave a midi to cv unit now ineed a vco white pink so on been runins simulatio ever seen the transedent 2000 on te web an obsolete uk kit i have one n circuits in peotes isis circuits from some old books mark space and sawtooth

#15

Hi Mark,
I took all the circuits for this project from http://yusynth.net/Modular/index_en.html - you will find there the schematics and BOM for many common modules.

Doug.

#16

yes thanks i looked at the link i have a midi to cv and adsr
now need a sound scourse
ssm chip is expensive

so any bords left ?

#17

Hi Mark,
Yes I have 4 sets of boards left, but I currently put them into storage as I have now packed up the materials I used for this project so I can move on to the next.
Next time I’m at the storage I will fetch a set and deliver them to the space in due course - it might take a few weeks, but feel free to remind me if you don’t hear back.

Doug.

#18

Hi Doug, I’m getting started in modular, would I be able to nab a set of boards at some point? Your project looks great, have you made anything with it yet?

#19

Hi Sia,

I’ve mostly only played with it interactively as a sort of noise machine; I still haven’t finished the digital interface to be able to play actual notes or melodies on it.

I will pick up a couple of sets of boards this weekend, I can subsequently drop them off at the space probably on the following electronics night (Thursday 30th).

There’s a couple of errors on the PCBs I need to document as well, they will require minor modification to work correctly - but this is easy enough to do and takes a few minutes.

Doug.