All posts by david

ダンケルクに日本語レッスンをできます。 Cours de japonais à Dunkerque 2018 – 2019
Il est possible de suivre des cours de japonais – débutants ou confirmés – 23 scéances de 1h30 par semaine, d’octobre à mai, grâce à l’association Des savoirs à Dunkerque.

Les cours sont dispensés dans les locaux du lycée Jean Bart, le mardi de 18h15 à 19h45 pour les débutants, et le jeudi de 18h15 à 19h45 pour les confirmés.

L’inscription pour l’année s’effectue le 20 septembre 2018 à 18h à la MVA, lors de l’assemblée générale de l’association.
Il est également possible de s’inscrire après cette date.
Les cours débuteront la première semaine du mois d’octobre.

Pour plus de renseignements, il faut contacter :

Des savoirs à Dunkerque – Maison de la Vie Associative
Terre Plein du Jeu de Mail – 59140 Dunkerque
desavoirsadunkerque@free.fr

KiCad 3D Library – BOURNS-3296

News, ,

I’m updating all my current designs in order to incorporate WRL/STEP 3D models. They provide a convenient way to check mechanical issues, especially with cases and front panels.

Bourns 3296 Trimpots
The Bourns 3296 3/8″ Trimpots are missing from the official KiCad 3D Library, so I decided to create my own.

It’s also a useful way to learn how to use FreeCAD and Github.
I’m also using kicad StepUp for model conversion, alignement and scaling.

You can find my 3D lib on GitHub here: https://github.com/dhaillant/kicad-3dmodels

Eurorack Stripboard – Power Supply Tips

Eurorack Stripboard,

Eurorack Stripboards have a dedicated zone layed out for Power Supply connection. You will find here some useful informations on how to use it.

About the power connector, I personnaly recommend to use boxed IDC Headers (HE10 style). They prevent from reverse and misaligned connections. But you can also use simple pin headers (breakable strips).

You also have the choice between 10 and 16 pin connectors. Both ways are fine. You can just use what is the most convenient to you. If you have plenty of 16/10 pin cables, then choose a 10 pin connector. If you have more 16/16 cables, then use a 16 pin connector…
It is customary to use a 10 pin connector if your module only requires -12/+12V rails. When you see a 10 pin connector on a module you immediately understand the module doesn’t require the +5V rail.

The 10 pin connector is soldered as on the picture below:

Simply align pin 1 on pin 1.

The capacitors are recommended only on rails where you actually draw current. Especially on modules with switching components (blinking LEDs…) who can create noise on your rails. 1 to 10µF is ok. The voltage rating should not be under 25V.

Diodes protect your module. Wire them as shown on the picture below:

Pay attention to polarity!

Or you can just skip them and use jumper links instead. The diodes are only for protection purpose. They block reverse voltages in case of bad Power Cable or incorrectly powered Bus.
Any 1N400x is ok. Use Schottky Diodes instead if you require lower forward voltage drop. Silicon Diodes such as 1N400x will lower the power rail by, at least, 0.7V: 12 – 0.7 = 11.3V only. Schottky Diodes have a forward voltage drop of roughly 0.4V, giving you 11.6V on your rail.

NB, the diodes should have been placed before the capacitors to create an effective LP filter… and help protect the filtering caps too in case of reverse Power supply polarity. So I encourage you to add a capacitor on each rail after the diodes instead of the initial dedicated area.

Debugging MFOS SLMS

MFOS Sound Lab Mini-Synth, , , , ,

I made some scope measurements to help understand and debug faulty MFOS SLMS in SMT version.
My scope is not very accurate and the tested unit is far from perfect, but at least, it gives a pretty good idea of expected signals on the Test Points.

VCO1

First signal to check is VCO1 (TP201). Put VCO1 Frequency pot in middle position (50%), LFO and AR switches on Off position:

VCO1 Test Point (TP201) shows a Clean Sawtooth, from 0 to 4V.

Continue reading Debugging MFOS SLMS →

MFOS Sound Lab Mini-Synth in SMT

MFOS Sound Lab Mini-Synth, , ,

Ray Wilson was the guy behind Music From Outer Space. He was a huge contributor to the Synth DIY scene. He designed a lot of cool projects, offered kits, schematics and a huge amount of tips and tricks for beginners. He even wrote a book on how to build an Analog Synth. MFOS kits and PCBs are still available through various resellers (see synthcube).

Eurorack MFOS SLMS clone

Continue reading MFOS Sound Lab Mini-Synth in SMT →