Doepfer

> I would definitely have chosen slimmer versions of the modules I
> bought, so I could fit a few more into my case.   I chose the
> A-111-3 over the A-110, for that reason.
>
> I noticed a couple of them could have had one or two HP shaved
> off them, without changing the design much, if at all.
>
> It would be nice if Doepfer could stick with the 0.1" grid DIP
> chips in sockets, and axial resistors etc, instead of using more
> SMD to make them smaller.
>
> I have had to repair an A-106-6 filter module I bought second
> hand, and one day I might need to repair another module, or might
> want to make small modifications.  I'm much more confident doing
> that on designs with more traditional sized components.
>
> - Andy

I fully agree. Of course we could use smd parts in the new designs but
whenever it's possible we will continue with the old fashioned thru-hole
parts and integrated circuits with sockets because it's much easier to
modify a module (e.g. changing the sensitivity or levels simply by changing
the value of a resistor) or to service a module. It's our philosophy to
enable the repair of each module - even older ones - with acceptable effort
and charges. We do not want to produce electronic scrap only because of a
broken integrated circuit in smd housing. And from our experience more than
90% of all repairs are broken integrated circuits. If they are equipped with
sockets it takes a few seconds to replace them and can be carried out also
by customers without experience in desoldering/soldering smd circuits.

For the next few months there are plans for slim versions of
bread-and-butter modules like VCFs, VCAs, mixers (manually and voltage
controlled), LFOs, noise. Most of them will be in thru-hole technology. But
for a few we will have to change to smd (e.g. the quad LFO with 4HP or the
quad mixer with 4HP). Slim versions of VCOs (A-111-3), envelope generators
(A-140-2/A-142-2), multiples (A-180-2) and other functions (e.g. A-184-1
Ringmodulator/S&H/Slew Limiter or A-184-2) are already available. Modules in
smd technology will include additional circuits (mainly protecting diodes)
to avoid problems because of the reverse connection to the bus board.

Best wishes
Dieter Doepfer