ASM-1 and power supply problems...

[oncken at umr.edu]

   Wow.  Really interesting stuff flying around on this list.  The speech 
synth stuff is very cool.  I'm in the process of getting myself a 
speek-and-spell to modify for wierd fx and vocal noises.    

   I have a whole bunch of comments I've been saving up, along with a 
few questions.  I'll start with the comments first.  

ASM-1:    I have my ASM-1 done now, took me about 3 weeks.  I am very 
pleased with how it turned out, being my first 'kit' and all... I opted 
for banana jacks and small black knobs with aluminum inserts.  I added 
attenuators to almost every output and brought some of the trimpots out 
to pots on the front.  (noise volume and gate level)  I also added a 
switch to link the two envelope generators, so you can trigger them both 
with the same gate.  

   I originally had it set up on a frame made from a 2x4 and a piece of 
pegboard, but just today, it was moved to its permanent home; a beautiful 
walnut briefcase sorta thing.  Everything, including the power supply, is 
mounted inside this gorgeous wooden box.  Place it flat on a table, swing 
the top up, and voila!  Remove the bananna cables, place the power cord 
inside, fold it up and off you go.  The top half contains the ASM-1, the 
bottom half is waiting for a joystick controller, a sequencer, and some 
assorted other cv devices.  Maybe a midi->cv converter...

   Its portable, beautiful, and very fun to play.  I think all proud 
ASM-1 owners should thank Gene for this great bit of circuitry.  I'll 
notify the list when I get some pictures up on a webpage.  You really 
have to see this thing.  I'll put up some patches too.  

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Module of the Month:   I want to say publically that I applaud Paul for 
making the circuit boards for his kits available seperately. Im looking 
forward to reviews on this list.  

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   Now for the questions... I have a +-15 volt power supply for the ASM-1 
It was purchased at a surplus electronics store for $20.  It worked fine 
at first, but after it was installed in the case it started SCREAMING at 
me.  It makes this annoying high pitched whine whenever its plugged in.  
It not only comes through on the audio out of the synth, but you can hear 
it comming from the power supply itself.  The power supply seems to 
power the synth just fine, but the whine changes very slightly in pitch 
in response to the LFO... 
   
   Anybody have ideas about whats causing this?  Have I done something 
terribly wrong?  Is it a common problem with power supplies?  Most 
importantly, can you tell me how to fix it?  

  If anybody can help me out with this, I'm sure it will be somebody on 
this list...

Thank you for your help. 

Christian Oncken.