[sdiy] AMORE - an interesting concept

[Magnus Danielson]

From: Tom Wiltshire <tom at electricdruid.net>
Subject: Re: [sdiy] AMORE - an interesting concept 
Date: Sat, 7 Jun 2008 15:02:03 +0100
Message-ID: <B1FDCFC7-DF34-4FB6-984C-AB2404DFAE39 at electricdruid.net>

Tom,

> On 7 Jun 2008, at 12:24, Magnus Danielson wrote:
> 
> > Jörgen Bergfors (of the Bergfotron fame) has created a new module concept which
> > seems very well thought thru. Please check it out.
> > http://hem.bredband.net/bersyn/amore.htm
> >
> > In short, it is a form of standardised format (three sizes) and module pinning.
> > While this is a limitation for a few modules, it should allow a bulk of modules
> > to use the same panels and same test-platform.
> 
> This looks like a really good idea. I love the 'amore exerciser'! Sounds almost kinky!

You have a dirty mind Tom, 

> I especially like the possibility of expansion to polyphonic systems or programmability. A programmable synth becomes an obvious next step when everything is controlled by CVs.

Indeed. Some generic S/H mux boards would do the trick. I think those would
require a different type of module interface thought.

> There is an oddity on the list of connections though; -1V. Why is that included? Also -10V?

I personally would like to see -10V as replacement, if not using that pin for
+5V instead. If you need -10V then a precission inverter using +10V as
reference would be used.

I think one should clearly state the intended use of the various pins. +10V I
see as a reference voltage, so it should not be loaded. +15V and -15V should
allow for higher ratings thought.

> I'd also like to see a +5V supply for uP-based modules. My own PIC-based Env Gen and LFO would fit into this format beautifully.

Actually, there are much more stuff that needs +5V than micro-processor.
You have logic functions, EPROM based waveshapers etc.

Providing +15V, -15V, +5V and GND from the powersupply is usually a good thing.
Providing a common +10V reference is a good thing.

Actually, providing a "clean" ground might be usefull. A separate ground
network for clean reference. In combination with the clean +10V reference I
think you have all that you need to get clean references on both positive and
negative side, except all the way up to +15V and down to -15V which in such a
system would always be considered "dirty" along side with +5V.

In this context "dirty" is still pretty clean.

> Good work Jörgen!

Indeed. I think we still are in the process of improving it as more people
reflect on it from different perspectives.

Cheers,
Magnus