ASM modules and the electronically challenged

[gstopp at fibermux.com]

     Assuming the documentation for an electronic kit is correct, there are 
     really two requirements to guarantee that a kit will work correctly:
     
     1. Use the proper and appropriate components
     
     2. Assemble the components without damaging them and without creating
        electronic shorts or opens
     
     For the ASM-1 kit, the first requirement is very important because I 
     sell only the circuit board and none of the components. In my 
     documentation I do specify what components can be swapped out for 
     others as much as possible. I believe that there is definitely an 
     aquired artistry to knowing and buying the right components, that 
     takes a while to nurture, and a kit like this is exactly the kind of 
     learning tool to help this process out!
     
     As for the second requirement, you just need some good soldering 
     skills and awareness about ESD damage. Normally ESD isn't much of a 
     problem with analog circuitry but the ASM-1 does use the CA3140, which 
     is a CMOS input op-amp, and quite easily blown up.
     
     It may be that, as the designer, it's hard for me to assemble one of 
     these as if it was my first project, but I did manage to assemble one 
     just by going by my assembly drawing, and it worked fine on first 
     power-up. So I think that I can safely say that if the right 
     components are soldered in the right places with good technique, the 
     board will function 100%.
     
     Boards are available, and looks like I'll send out for another batch 
     of 50.
     
     - Gene
     gstopp at fibermux.com
     
     p.s. yes it's $60 USD.


______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: ASM modules and the electronically challenged
Author:  keithw at cix.compulink.co.uk at ccrelayout
Date:    7/28/96 9:30 PM


Hi list,
     
I have only recently joined the list and am delighted to find so much 
going on, I have been into synths since hearing 'popcorn' as a child and 
seeing the large bloke on the back of the 'Hot Butter' album tweaking the 
moog! (sad but true).
     
I am very interested in the ASM board from Gene, and also in the face 
plates and mods from Christopher, (I would like to hear more about the 
small analog sequencer as well). The problem I have is I am not very 
experienced in electronics, sure I can get the odd faulty synth going 
again if it is just a case of replacing a chip or so, (I have a lovely 
Roland SH2 as proof of that). I am very good at soldering but how much 
technical knowledge and equipment do I need to build an ASM module? I 
could assemble the board easily enough, I have a soldering iron, a simple 
multimeter and know one end of a component from the other, but I am not 
sure about setting it up and getting the power supply right. I don't know 
how complicated the kit is and how much setting up is required. Is it 
just a case of assembling the board and wireing up the knobs and sockets? 
I would like some feedback. I might be able to get one of my friends over 
here to help me set it up (loads of experience of big analog modulars), 
but would like to attempt it myself an not hassle him!
     
Any comments welcome     -be kind!
     
I hope to be ordering a board soon, I hope there are some left Gene.  I 
am just figuring out the best way to get  $60 to you from Manchester UK.  
 (is that price correct?)