In my opinion, the MOTM-300 is not a "difficult" kit. It is a
*time-consuming* one with the large amount of parts (relatively), and there
is one particular step that requires seating a delicate component on top of
another with heat sink grease (not included) that must be done correctly the
first time. The instructions warn you in big letters to take your time and
do it right. It's not brain surgery, you just have to keep an eye open and
do it properly.
In my own experience, calibration of this unit was a snap. I think you will
find that calibration ease will depend on what you're using as a voltage
source. The only keyboard that I have that puts out v/oct control voltages
is my Korg Monopoly, which always sounded "in tune" to my ear. But when I
measured the CV out with a digital volt meter, I was astounded how "off" the
voltages were (voltage should double every octave. Instead, I used a MIDI
keyboard driving an Encore Expressionist which puts out very stable
voltages. Using that setup, I calibrated three MOTM-300s in about 20
minutes. Rock solid, what a joy. I didn't need an oscilloscope, but I have
an accurate frequency counter built into my DVM ($99). I was able to tune
the 300 VCO to three-decimal accuracy over five octaves using the above
setup. Please note that your power supply makes a big difference in the
stability, and therefore calibration and tuning ease, of your oscillator.
The MOTM-900 is very stable.
I, too, come from a Paia/Heathkit background. I think you will find the MOTM
kits a very pleasant experience. If you've built kits from those other
vendors, you should have no trouble with MOTM kits. My first two were a
power supply and VCO. The power supply comes nearly built (it takes about 15
minutes to physically put it together); the VCO took me about six hours to
build the first time (as opposed to an hour for the MOTM-800 envelope
generator). Now I bang out 300s in about 4 hours, still taking my time and
doing it correctly.
Hope this helps.
Show quoted textHide quoted text
-----Original Message-----
From: andy@... [mailto:andy@...]
Sent: Friday, 26 May, 2000 2:12 PM
To: motm@egroups.com
Subject: [motm] Newbie question
The different MOTM kits are marked with difficulty easy, medium, and
difficult. In particular the 300 is labeled difficult. From those
folk who have assembled one, is the difficulty in the assembly or in
the calibration or both?
I have assembled many HeathKits in the early 70's, and PAIA kits from
the mid 70's into the 80's, and some of the newer PAIA kits recently.
I do not own an oscilloscope, and I have used one in the past in
various college labs, however I will not claim to know how to use
one now.
If I order a 300 kit, what am I in for to get it working?
By the way, Fred B. and Celeste H. met at my house a short ways back
at the first Bay Area MOTM club meeting. I have no MOTM stuff now,
but that will change soon.
Thanks in advance
Andy Miller
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