MOTM

In a message dated 1/25/2000 8:44:05 PM, nate@... writes:

>Hello all, just a few questions about the 300 VCO. Exactly how difficult
>is this module? I worked for 2 years in robotics R&D so I know a good
>amount. Is the difficulty in assembly or calibration?  

I believe Paul rated this his most difficult module to date more due to the 
parts count (something like 100 resistors) and the time it takes to assemble 
it, than due to it being "hard to assemble" in some unspecified way. Also 
there are a few sensitive (and specialized -- i.e., not available at Radio 
Shack) components -- like matched JFET and matched transistor pairs -- which 
might be harmed under Stooge-like assembly conditions. 

As long as you are careful in the assembly process and take a reasonable 
amount of time (making sure all of your components are correct) you'll have a 
great instrument! Of course the main reason Paul wants you to take your time 
and double check everything, is because he's going to be the poor sap on the 
phone that tries to troubleshoot your problems.


I don't have an
>o-scope, is there any way i can get around getting one? (in a pinch I'll
>borrow one) 


I found calibration to be much easier than most VCOs, but a scope would be a 
great help for getting a good sine shape. Borrow one to get a good sine shape!


What is the difference between the 300 and the Micro VCO
>expected later this year?

The 310 micro VCO will be a 1U (X 5U) stripped down (in terms of features, 
not quality) without sine out  or PWM (hey Larry! Do you remember the 
specifics?).

Wondering where Bradley is to give you the five page DoMoaS lecture.
JB