Doepfer

I just saw the Sonic State video that showed the DIY synthesizer PCB and Dieter's home built box for it. One thing that stuck out for me was the shape of the DIY PCB. 
Dieter - Have you thought of making the DIY PCB in a square format instead of the long skinny one? A size that can fit easily in a Eurorack? It can be wide of course but if it's dimensions are more square-like to fit parallel to a Eurorack front panel I think you could sell a lot more of them. Sort of a DIY A-111-5.

-James


James Husted
www.synthwerks.com
james@synthwerks.com
synthwerks@me.com

> I just saw the Sonic State video that showed the DIY synthesizer
> PCB and Dieter's home built box for it. One thing that stuck out
> for me was the shape of the DIY PCB.
> Dieter - Have you thought of making the DIY PCB in a square
> format instead of the long skinny one? A size that can fit easily
> in a Eurorack? It can be wide of course but if it's dimensions
> are more square-like to fit parallel to a Eurorack front panel I
> think you could sell a lot more of them. Sort of a DIY A-111-5.
>
> -James

The DIY project is not planned for Eurorack applications in the first place
and I see no needs to change the format of the pcb. For the wiring of the
controls, sockets and switches it's much easier to have the subunits (VCO,
VCF, VCA and so on) aligned to each other. If you want to built a Euro
module you may arrange the pcb in parallel to the front panel. This
arrangement would make it much easier to wire the pcb to the front panel
controls than a pcb that is at right angle to the front panel.

Best wishes
Dieter Doepfer

I understand the design philosophy for the unit - a stand alone table top unit like a Dark Energy . I just thought that a lot of users would like to incorporate something like that into their modulars. I was thinking of a board mounted parallel to the front panel but the length of the current design looks like it would take up over half or more of the 84hp of a euro rack. If it were 3 times as wide and 1/3 as long it would fit behind a panel on standoffs quite easily - sort of like a SEM's circuit board is mounted behind the pots. I guess I was projecting the perfect layout for me! Like I said a DIY A-111-5. I would one of those but I guess I will get a A-111-5 instead. Looks like you will get my cash either way :-)

-James

James Husted
www.synthwerks.com
thesynthwerks@gmail.com
synthwerks@me.com

On Jan 26, 2010, at 2:13 AM, yahoo@doepfer.de wrote:

> 
> The DIY project is not planned for Eurorack applications in the first place
> and I see no needs to change the format of the pcb. For the wiring of the
> controls, sockets and switches it's much easier to have the subunits (VCO,
> VCF, VCA and so on) aligned to each other. If you want to built a Euro
> module you may arrange the pcb in parallel to the front panel. This
> arrangement would make it much easier to wire the pcb to the front panel
> controls than a pcb that is at right angle to the front panel.
> 
> Best wishes
> Dieter Doepfer



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

> I understand the design philosophy for the unit - a stand alone
> table top unit like a Dark Energy . I just thought that a lot of
> users would like to incorporate something like that into their
> modulars. I was thinking of a board mounted parallel to the front
> panel but the length of the current design looks like it would
> take up over half or more of the 84hp of a euro rack. If it were
> 3 times as wide and 1/3 as long it would fit behind a panel on
> standoffs quite easily - sort of like a SEM's circuit board is
> mounted behind the pots. I guess I was projecting the perfect
> layout for me! Like I said a DIY A-111-5. I would one of those
> but I guess I will get a A-111-5 instead. Looks like you will get
> my cash either way :-)
>
> -James

The main idea behind the DIY synth is not to save money but to have fun with
building your own synth with the type/size/color of controls, switches and
sockets (e.g. even 1/4" or banana) you want to have. From my point of view
it does not make sense to built something like A-111-5 from it. The DIY
board will be in the 100 Euro range and you have to add about 30
potentiometers with knobs, about 30 sockets (or less you don't need access
to all functions) and some switches. And don't forget the case or front
panel. Even if you can get inexpensive parts e.g. from a surplus supplier
the total charges (DIY synth board + controls, knobs, sockets and switches)
will be in the 200 Euro range. And it took me about two days to built the
prototype example shown on the web site (drilling the acrylic glass was the
hell :-). Taking all that into consideration I would buy the A-111-5 instead
of building an A-111-5 "clone" from the DIY synth board. As already said:
only if you have fun to built your own DIY synth and if you have some
experience with electronics and mechanical skills it makes sense to use the
DIY synth board.

Best wishes
Dieter Doepfer

When will the DIY board be available ?

_g


--- In Doepfer_a100@yahoogroups.com, <yahoo@...> wrote:

>
> > I understand the design philosophy for the unit - a stand alone
> > table top unit like a Dark Energy . I just thought that a lot of
> > users would like to incorporate something like that into their
> > modulars. I was thinking of a board mounted parallel to the front
> > panel but the length of the current design looks like it would
> > take up over half or more of the 84hp of a euro rack. If it were
> > 3 times as wide and 1/3 as long it would fit behind a panel on
> > standoffs quite easily - sort of like a SEM's circuit board is
> > mounted behind the pots. I guess I was projecting the perfect
> > layout for me! Like I said a DIY A-111-5. I would one of those
> > but I guess I will get a A-111-5 instead. Looks like you will get
> > my cash either way :-)
> >
> > -James
> 
> The main idea behind the DIY synth is not to save money but to have fun with
> building your own synth with the type/size/color of controls, switches and
> sockets (e.g. even 1/4" or banana) you want to have. From my point of view
> it does not make sense to built something like A-111-5 from it. The DIY
> board will be in the 100 Euro range and you have to add about 30
> potentiometers with knobs, about 30 sockets (or less you don't need access
> to all functions) and some switches. And don't forget the case or front
> panel. Even if you can get inexpensive parts e.g. from a surplus supplier
> the total charges (DIY synth board + controls, knobs, sockets and switches)
> will be in the 200 Euro range. And it took me about two days to built the
> prototype example shown on the web site (drilling the acrylic glass was the
> hell :-). Taking all that into consideration I would buy the A-111-5 instead
> of building an A-111-5 "clone" from the DIY synth board. As already said:
> only if you have fun to built your own DIY synth and if you have some
> experience with electronics and mechanical skills it makes sense to use the
> DIY synth board.
> 
> Best wishes
> Dieter Doepfer
>

Perhaps two boards (and all the knobs, sockets etc.) would fit in that width, justifying the use of HPage.

Cheers, Nick

--- In Doepfer_a100@yahoogroups.com, james.husted@... wrote:

>
> I understand the design philosophy for the unit - a stand alone table top unit like a Dark Energy . I just thought that a lot of users would like to incorporate something like that into their modulars. I was thinking of a board mounted parallel to the front panel but the length of the current design looks like it would take up over half or more of the 84hp of a euro rack. If it were 3 times as wide and 1/3 as long it would fit behind a panel on standoffs quite easily - sort of like a SEM's circuit board is mounted behind the pots. I guess I was projecting the perfect layout for me! Like I said a DIY A-111-5. I would one of those but I guess I will get a A-111-5 instead. Looks like you will get my cash either way :-)
> 
> -James

Hallo Dieter,

kurzer Englischunterricht:
> if you have fun to built your own DIY synth 

das heisst:
"Wenn Sie Spass daranhaben ihren eigenen DIY-Synth zu gebaut"


bauen = to build
Ich baue etwas = I build s.th.
Ich baute etwas = I built s.th.
Ich habe etwas gebaut = I have built s.th.

Florian

Ouch... sorry, this should be a private mail. I did not want to show him up.

Florian Anwander schrieb:
> Hallo Dieter,...

Nice. Looking forward to that.

_g


--- In Doepfer_a100@yahoogroups.com, <yahoo@...> wrote:

>
> > -----Ursprüngliche Nachricht-----
> > Von: Doepfer_a100@yahoogroups.com
> > [mailto:Doepfer_a100@yahoogroups.com]Im Auftrag von Guy
> > Gesendet: Mittwoch, 27. Januar 2010 11:25
> > An: Doepfer_a100@yahoogroups.com
> > Betreff: Re: [Doepfer_a100] The DIY synthesizer shown at NAMM
> >
> >
> >
> > When will the DIY board be available ?
> >
> > _g
> 
> About April 2010
> 
> Best wishes
> Dieter Doepfer
>

> -----Ursprüngliche Nachricht-----
> Von: Doepfer_a100@yahoogroups.com
> [mailto:Doepfer_a100@yahoogroups.com]Im Auftrag von Guy
> Gesendet: Mittwoch, 27. Januar 2010 11:25
> An: Doepfer_a100@yahoogroups.com
> Betreff: Re: [Doepfer_a100] The DIY synthesizer shown at NAMM
>
>
>
> When will the DIY board be available ?
>
> _g

About April 2010

Best wishes
Dieter Doepfer

Hi Dieter,

When the boards will be available will they come with information on how to set up a main set of pots & switches to control maybe 5 or 6 synth modules simultaneously - so it will be possible to build a polyphonic synth? It does not seem to be that simple...but at the same time so very tempting ;-)

Cheers,
pulsquare

Hi pulsquare

> When the boards will be available will they come with information on how to set up a main set of pots & switches to control maybe 5 or 6 synth modules simultaneously - so it will be possible to build a polyphonic synth? It does not seem to be that simple...but at the same time so very tempting ;-)
We had this already. Te thread subject was "DOEPFER at NAMM 2010". The 
direct answer to your question is:

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: [Doepfer_a100] DOEPFER at NAMM 2010
Date: Mon, 25 Jan 2010 11:13:35 +0100
From: Florian Anwander <fanwander@mnet-online.de>
To: Doepfer_a100@yahoogroups.com

Hello David

 > Assuming that each board is set-up the same is there any reason why 4
 > boards can not be wired to single set of controls and sockets?
Only the VCF Cutoff, and the VCO tuning are direct voltage controlled
parameters. All parameters of envelope, LFO, and all modulation-amounts,
levels mixing potentiometers, switches are direct parts in the circuitry
and cannot be controlled by a CV (which is essential for a single
controlset).

You might use fourfolded potentiometers, but these are around $20 each...

Or you would build a huge pcb with additional VCAs and CV Switches.

Florian

So we need exact information on how to do it and if it is possible anyway considering the way the synth board is built. Maybe it could be realized by a Doepfer daughter board or DIY board with 'how to' instructions by Dieter. Anyhow this would be awesome.

Cheers
p.

Hello Pulsquare


> So we need exact information on how to do it and if it is possible anyway considering the way the synth board is built. Maybe it could be realized by a Doepfer daughter board or DIY board with 'how to' instructions by Dieter. Anyhow this would be awesome.
You should read the complete old thread (you can do this at the yahoo 
web site: 
http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/Doepfer_a100/messages/20261?xm=1&o=0&l=1 
beginning with message 20272).

It is not possible with adequate effort. For the control of several 
voices with the same potentiometer all parameters MUST be voltage 
controlled (the potentiometer creates a voltage and this voltage is 
received by the different voices). But at the diy board only a few basic 
parameters are voltage controlled. The major part of parameters depends 
direct on the resistance of the potentiometer. You would have to add a 
lot of VCAs and VCRs. If you would be able to do this, you would be able 
to create a real fully voltage controlled synth on your own, and would 
not need the doepfer voice (and also you would not ask here, because you 
would know this already ;-) ).

The only kind of a polyphonic synth you can build with the diy-synths is 
something like the old Oberheim Fourvoice, where each voice has its 
complete set of potentiometers.

Florian

Well, I still think it depends on Doepfer if and how polyphonic control could be arranged. I have read the thread you mentioned and it is totally making sense but still I think the extra expense would be worth it. I am curious about Dieters thoughts about this...



--- In Doepfer_a100@yahoogroups.com, Florian Anwander <fanwander@...> wrote:

>
> Hello Pulsquare
> 
> 
> > So we need exact information on how to do it and if it is possible anyway considering the way the synth board is built. Maybe it could be realized by a Doepfer daughter board or DIY board with 'how to' instructions by Dieter. Anyhow this would be awesome.
> You should read the complete old thread (you can do this at the yahoo 
> web site: 
> http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/Doepfer_a100/messages/20261?xm=1&o=0&l=1 
> beginning with message 20272).
> 
> It is not possible with adequate effort. For the control of several 
> voices with the same potentiometer all parameters MUST be voltage 
> controlled (the potentiometer creates a voltage and this voltage is 
> received by the different voices). But at the diy board only a few basic 
> parameters are voltage controlled. The major part of parameters depends 
> direct on the resistance of the potentiometer. You would have to add a 
> lot of VCAs and VCRs. If you would be able to do this, you would be able 
> to create a real fully voltage controlled synth on your own, and would 
> not need the doepfer voice (and also you would not ask here, because you 
> would know this already ;-) ).
> 
> The only kind of a polyphonic synth you can build with the diy-synths is 
> something like the old Oberheim Fourvoice, where each voice has its 
> complete set of potentiometers.
> 
> Florian
>

> Hi Dieter,
>
> When the boards will be available will they come with information
> on how to set up a main set of pots & switches to control maybe 5
> or 6 synth modules simultaneously - so it will be possible to
> build a polyphonic synth? It does not seem to be that
> simple...but at the same time so very tempting ;-)
>
> Cheers,
> pulsquare

First of all I want to emphasize that the DIY synth kit will be for
experienced users only. It is definitely unsuitable for beginners ! We will
not be able to offer the service to repair a customers assembly if it does
not work as it should or to make individual suggestions how to wire the
board for special applications. It is contradiction to offer a kit for
experienced users and then explain how they have to handle a soldering iron
:-)

We will point out to this fact very clearly on our website to avoid
unsatisfied customers who will have problems getting the synth to run.

Of course we will publish a detailed list that explains the function of each
pin and a suggestion how to use this pin (e.g. to connect it to the center
terminal of a potentiometer that is connected to GND and +5V).

In any case the kit is not suitable for polyphonic applications as each
parameter would have to be voltage controlled (e.g. all ADSR parameters, all
modulations depth's , VCF resonance, VCO waveform and so on). You would need
a lot of additional VCAs to make every parameter voltage controlled !

Best wishes
Dieter Doepfer

Hi Dieter,

thanks for clearing this up. Depending on how well the DIY synth board will sell would you maybe also like the idea of a polyphonic DIY synth board as a successor?

Naturally DIY stuff is for experienced users and I did not mean to sound naive with my questions. 

All the best
pulsquare

--- In Doepfer_a100@yahoogroups.com, <yahoo@...> wrote:

>
> > Hi Dieter,
> >
> > When the boards will be available will they come with information
> > on how to set up a main set of pots & switches to control maybe 5
> > or 6 synth modules simultaneously - so it will be possible to
> > build a polyphonic synth? It does not seem to be that
> > simple...but at the same time so very tempting ;-)
> >
> > Cheers,
> > pulsquare
> 
> First of all I want to emphasize that the DIY synth kit will be for
> experienced users only. It is definitely unsuitable for beginners ! We will
> not be able to offer the service to repair a customers assembly if it does
> not work as it should or to make individual suggestions how to wire the
> board for special applications. It is contradiction to offer a kit for
> experienced users and then explain how they have to handle a soldering iron
> :-)
> 
> We will point out to this fact very clearly on our website to avoid
> unsatisfied customers who will have problems getting the synth to run.
> 
> Of course we will publish a detailed list that explains the function of each
> pin and a suggestion how to use this pin (e.g. to connect it to the center
> terminal of a potentiometer that is connected to GND and +5V).
> 
> In any case the kit is not suitable for polyphonic applications as each
> parameter would have to be voltage controlled (e.g. all ADSR parameters, all
> modulations depth's , VCF resonance, VCO waveform and so on). You would need
> a lot of additional VCAs to make every parameter voltage controlled !
> 
> Best wishes
> Dieter Doepfer
>