[sdiy] SBM - Recommend Panel Pots & Knobs? Is a 'fake' Scope Risky?

[vitreousflux]

Thanks to all who replied to my questions!

These links helped a lot, I printed that guide out today and studied it
closely. I think I can do that project without too much trouble - the fact
that each module is wired separately will help. Adding a few small
additional protoboards on top for the additional modules I want shouldnt be
too much trouble.

Panel Design: I think hi-res color inkjet with a laminate should be ok, if
adhered properly (and if it avoids sunlight). Any thoughts on this? How
about sources for panel material (aluminum?)

Pots and Knobs: I really like the quality pots on my Mackie mixers, so I
called them for pricing on parts. 79 cents and 1.59 each, depending on the
pot. How does that compare to pricing of other quality pots & knobs that
people have used?

Fake Scope: I don't have a 'real' oscilloscope anymore, but I have a
roundabout/poor man's version that has worked in the past (being very very
careful of course). It is limited, in that I can only measure signals that
are within a line-level audio input. What I do is first check the signal
with a meter to see if it's within what I can connect to my mixer, then I
route that into my computer with an oscilloscope program - it has a pretty
accurate measurement if I calibrate the mixer gain first. Am I a complete
idiot for even attempting this? It has worked for me in the past, especially
for calibrating waveshapes and such.

Modding my old MiniKorg has been a good break-in project, as it is almost
entirely discrete components. In designing what/how to modify it, I dragged
out my old EET books and cleaned the rust off my schooling. Now I'm
refreshed and ready to dive into a bigger project. (if you want to see
pictures of the modded MiniKorg, visit my web page at
http://zap.to/vitreousflux and click on the synths link.)

I'll post some images of my finished panel pics to my web page if people
want to see it.

Thanks again, guys - I'll check the EFM list too.


Rob

----- Original Message -----
From: "tomg at efm" <efm3 at mediaone.net>
To: "vitreousflux" <vitreousflux at wwnet.net>; "Synth DIY Maillist"
<synth-diy at node12b53.a2000.nl>
Sent: Tuesday, February 27, 2001 12:00 AM
Subject: Re: [sdiy] Anyone built a EFM SBM?


> > Hmm well, I'm not really a newbie to electronics and soldering. Also I
> have
> > much experience using the PC softsynths, designing modular synths from
the
> > ground up - some of them very complex. This is where the DIY project
comes
> > in, as I would like to break into hardware now that I've "gone modular
and
> > can't go back"....
>
> We understand. It's ok,  you're among friends here. I should warn you that
> full blown addiction is quite fast and unexpected....before you know it
> you'll be
> shopping for frequency counters and oscilloscopes...;-)
>
> > The Fatman was one I was considering but it really seems sonically
limited
> > for what I want. Viewing the ASM-1 and SBM PCB's, that should be ok (yet
> > still a large project) for my soldering skills.
>
> Ok.
>
> > Ummm well the TB303 sound is not really of much interest/usefulness to
me,
> I
> > mostly use 1 and 2+ osc synths with a lot of slow, flowing filter
> modulation
> > and such, customizing is the key. The main idea I have for adding a
> modular
> > synth to my studio is the flexibility, control and integration with
> existing
> > gear.
>
> The BassAce is 1 VCO w/sub-oct generator but the 303C is 1 VCO lean, mean
> and much more useful than you might think. A didicated midied analog bass
> synth that you never have to patch is a killer thing to have for bass
parts.
> Modulars
> tend to be mono or occupied doing other things.
>
> You'll understand when you see/hear it later this/next week. Maybe
not...You
> have to face a pile of  patch cords for a while before normailzed stuff
> starts
> looking like a great idea!!
>
> > Probably the only thing I don't want to jump headlong into is etching my
> own
> > PCB's. I have no problem adding small protoboards if I decide to mod or
> > change the modular (again, provided I go the route of designing the
panel
> > myself)
>
> Here's something to think about. I uploaded a 2r normalized idea today.
How
> much SBM can you get on a 2r panel?
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EFM_Synth/files/SBM/sbm2r.gif
>
> And here is the assembly manual to look over. If you're game so are
we...;-)
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EFM_Synth/files/SBM/sbm-assembly-manual.pdf
>
> You might have to join the EFM list to get these files.
>
> Tom
>
>