[sdiy] Variacs and modular synths

[Jay Schwichtenberg]

Daryl,

I wouldn't do this to anything that has a switching power supply or digital
gear. Good chance newer digital gear will have a switcher in it.

Linear power supplies can probably survive. Switchers are pretty complicated
relative to the linear ones and are tricky to design even today with all the
new chips and tools. If they aren't designed right or cheaped out then they
can do some nasty things. I've probably seen more of these blow up than any
other type circuit. In a couple of cases quite dramaticly.

Have fun and just say no to letting the smoke out of chips.
Jay

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-synth-diy at dropmix.xs4all.nl
[mailto:owner-synth-diy at dropmix.xs4all.nl]On Behalf Of daryl groetsch
Sent: Wednesday, January 04, 2006 9:28 AM
To: synth-diy
Subject: [sdiy] Variacs and modular synths


I'm picking up a variac from a friend, going to wire
it up today. i want to experiment with slowly powering
up and powering down synth modules (and other stuff
too). i know my Blacet power supplies will try to keep
a steady voltage going to the modules, but i still
want to see what happens at lower volages. i like the
sound of turning off and on my synth and want to
control that--a switch just isn't enough. must admit i
was inspired by that NPR program on the Barrons and
their soundtrack for Forbidden Planet. they did this
and described it as something like bringing and taking
away life from the circuit.

so, if i keep it below 120 volts, i shouldn't run any
risk of damaging anything, right? anyone done similar
experiments?

thanks a lot,
Daryl


http://synthnoise.com/




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