[sdiy] How accurate?

[epeasant at telusplanet.net]

> If you don't want to spend $20 to get the stable, 
accurate DAC that's 
driving your VCO CV, it's 
> time for a new hobby. 

Why do some people feel the need to be so critical of 
others? This elitist attitude really bugs me, whether it's 
over precision, quality, or methodology. I will spend my 
money however I like, and if I think a DAC is too expensive 
at $20, I will look for a cheaper solution. It's MY hobby, 
MY business, and if somebody doesn't like that, then TOO 
BAD for them. Maybe you have unlimited funds for your 
leisure activities, but most DIYers do not, and that can be 
a big reason for them to choose DIY in the first place. 
Building a cheap synthesizer is just as valid a pursuit as 
building a precision synth.

When I started this hobby I was 14 years old, with no 
(ZERO) funds for it and no (ZERO) credibility with 
electronic suppliers. When I would call up my local parts 
depot, as soon as they heard my young-sounding voice they 
would instantly dismiss me and my needs. I was once kicked 
out of a Rat Shack store because I couldn't decide how to 
spend the measly $2.00 that I had scraped together, and the 
owner thought I was just loitering or shoplifting. Too many 
choices and not enough money.

I was forced to improvise for parts, and this included 
salvaging parts from defunct equipment. If your goal is to 
build the highest quality precision equipment using top 
quality parts, I think that's great, a fantastic 
accomplishment if you are successful. But if you want to 
build a synth from "old parts from TVs" that is just as 
challenging, and if anything, a much greater 
accomplishment. I certainly believe that there is much more 
potential for learning with the latter method.

> I find it ironic that many people that "complain" about
> being "broke" have piles and piles of
> "stuff" (I talked to one person that complained 'MOTM was
> way too expensive' but he owned over 30
> stomp boxes, proudly stating "and I didn't pay over $15
> for any of them!")

I suggest that this person gets way more functionality and 
enjoyment out of his stomp box collection than he possibly 
could from the equivalent $$ spent on MOTM. Isn't that the 
point?

> Trust me: you are better off...

I refuse to trust anybody with this type of elitist 
attitude, especially when they try and tell me how to best 
spend my time and money.

Sorry for the rant, I just couldn't help myself.

Take care,
Doug
______________________
The Electronic Peasant

www.electronicpeasant.com