Analogue systems

helojonny1984 wrote:

> companies modules work together?

On a functional basis, Blacet running off of 15 volts is fine with A. Sys or
any 12 volt system.  In that the Blacet's 15 volt supply lines allow for
hotter DC output (such as from the processor or EG1),  the net effect is a
slightly hotter CV response when Blacet's controlling A. Sys and a slightly
lesser effect when A. Sys is controlling Blacet. But the 'sing' together
just fine. 

My system has 12 Blacet modules (although disguised somewhat as I've redone
the faceplates) and a ton or A. Sys and Doepfer (along with MOTM, Oakley
Serge, Wiard and or course Plan B) and there are no 'dangerous'
interconnects as a result of the two supply voltages level used to power the
modules.   Go here:

http://www.buzzclick-music.com/franken.html

Another thing to remember is that all of the Blacet DC generators have
attenuation pots...you can adjust their range to match the A. Sys' output
range if you care to.

If the question is in regards to running Blacet off of 12 volts instead of
15 - in most cases this will work and in some cases it's stated as
acceptable in the Blacet owners manuals,  but some of tbe Blacet products
may have resultant problems - the VCO for instance run on 12 volts may not
want to track at 1V/oct all that well in that the circuit depends on +15 as
a reference.  It all depends on range of the 1v/oct adjustment trim pot. The
plan B VCO will track at 1V/oct from both a 12 and 15 volt supply without
component changes - but I use a 5k twenty turn trim pot - which is
considered somewhat large for a 1V/oct tracking adjustment - but the net
result is it can be adjusted for 18mV per octave at the input of ther expo
converter (the magic number for 1V/oct tracking) when run by either 12 or15
volts.

As far as the other way around, A. Sys was designed for a 12 volt supply -
don't run them off of 15 volts. One, you're going to blow your warranty, and
two there are 16 volt electrolytic caps in some of those modules that *may*
become firecrackers if run so close to their voltage rating.  It depends on
the cap manufacture and where they are used.  It's common practice to slap
electrolytic caps in as what's called decoupling or filter caps at the
voltage inputs.  These serve to quiet supply irregularities which occur when
a synth is doing a lot of stuff, which does play havoc on any power supply
(although Doepfer and A Sys, with a power supply per rack, have less of a
problem with this).  Some cap manufacturers can handle constant 15 volt
loads when rated at 16V, some will heat up and in time, literally blow up.
This usually does not damage the module functionally as far as the explosion
itself, but in that they have aluminum cases, there is the risk of shrapnel
causing shorts or whatnot, not to mention the insulating material in the cap
itself which becomes a thick dusty cloud of debris around the surrounding
area.  It's a pain that should be, and can be, avoided (not using 15 volts!)

Now, if you comment above was in regard to each manufacturer working
together as companies, that would be truly appreciated on all counts!

hope this helps,

- P