Aries 300 Series User manual

ARIES WARRANTY
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ARIES WARRANTY PROTECTS YOU TWO WAYS
FIRST- If you complete an ARIES Kit., followin our instructions,
and it fails to perform according to our published specifications,
we will repair it for a handlin fee of $15. 00, or 10% of the kit
price, whichever is greater.
SECOND: We will replace any compnent of an ARIES unit which becomeB
defective in normal service.
BOTH PROVISIONS ARE EFFECTIVE FOR 120 DAYS FROM DATE OF
SHIPMENT.
II
WHAT YOU MUST DO: t .„„,„
FHIST: To validate the warranty, fill out and return the ARIES warranty
card within 5 days of receipt of the equipment.
SECOND: Pack and wrap all returned equipment VERY CAREFULLY.
THIRD: Enclose the proper handling fee.
FOURTH: Return the package prepaid and insured to:
Service Department
ARIES, Inc.
119 Foster Street
Peabody, MA 01960
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W H A T W E W I L L D O : "
ARIES will restore your kit to published specifications, charging only
for components which, in our opinion, were damaged by the kit builder.
ARIES will return serviced equipment prepaid anywhere in the continental
United States. Other areas will be billed shipping costs, or the package
will be sent freight collect.
We reserve the right not to honor warranty unless the proper
solder is used in construction. This must be specifically
electronic solder, ROSIN CORE FLUX ONLY. (NOT acid core.)
We strongly recommend 60/40, and suggest #22 as a convenient
size. In our labs, Ersin and Kester are the two brands used.
nATTENTION
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1
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ARIES WARRANTY CARD MODEL AR.
Shipment date:
NAME:
( ) Kit ( (Wired
ADDRESS:.
Where did you learn of this product?-
Application: ( ) Home ( ) Hobby ( ) Ham Radio ( ) Commercial
( ) Industrial ( ) O. E. M.
Comments:

SYSTEM300
GENERALASSEMBLY
ARIES MUSIC SYNTHESIZER KIT SYSTEM..300
GENERALASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
THS ARIES Music Synthesizer is both an extremely versatile musical
instrument and a highly flexible research laboratory for
experimentation with electronic sound production.lt may also
' be used as an audio sweep frequency generator, waveform analyzer,
and signal processor.In addition, it can modify external
sounds.
The ARIES Music Synthesizer has functions found only in modular
synthesizers costing many thousands of dollars, and is-not
limited by the fixed interconnections of lower cost instruments.
Any one of our inputs and outputs may be connected to any other
one, or more, resulting in literally billions of different
connections.When you consider that even one set of inter
connections (called "patches") can produce many different sounds,
the total number of sounds available becomes astronomical.
These sounds can be as different.from each other as a saxophone
is from a volcano.
|| .'■■■ '■'
The synthesizer consists of a cabinet with built-in power supply,
a choice of up to ten modules( each providing a different
function), and, if desired, a 5 octave dual-voice keyboard.
The ARIES Music Synthesizer performs with standards of accuracy,
stability, and reliability equal to or better than those of any
other synthesizer, regardless of cost. Yet, the synthesizer
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can be assembled from kits,either all together or one module at
time.
IMPORTANT! Read this manual THOROUGHLY! Assembly is not
difficult and requires no knowledge of electronics or music,
but every component and connection must be treated with care.
Every step should be checked off (7)with a pencil.
Aries stands ready to assist you if you have any problem with
assembly or operation. Cimply write :
Customer Service
ARIES, Inc.
P 0 Box 8 08
Peabody, Ma 01960
Fully describe the difficulty and return any defective
components. If the prohlem is simple(or you cannot be dejyyed
by.time consuming written correspondence), call 617-532-045U
during regular business hours for immediate assistance.
Our unique two-step warranty protects you if you cannot
successfully complete this kit. Please read our complete
warranty at the back of this manual. , ,
Ei ' . ■" ! ■
-A 1-

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: SYSTEM 3UU^. jl
f j G E N E R & A S S E M B L Y : '
The synthesizer modules each contain a number of miniature
components to be soldered onto a printed circuit board. Although
the components are heat resistant, a minimum of heat should be.
used to make the required connections. Accordingly, use only a
small, low wattage, "pencil" type soldering iron;a 10 to 30 watt
iron with a 1/32 or 1/16 inch tip is ideal. Use only 60/40 grade
electrical solder with a non-corrosive rosin core flux.If you
are not sure what kind of solder you have, don't take the chance.
Solder is inexpensive, and use of the wrong type, such as acid
core solder,or a paste flux, may severly damage the boards and
components and void the warranty.
TOOLS A small pair of wire cutters, needle-nose pliers, wire
strippers, and small and medium screwdrivers complete the list
of tools you will need. These are standard electronic tools
available at most supply houses.
INSTALLATION OF COMPONENTS The main assembly job consists of
soldering several types of small parts, called components, onto a I
printed circuit board. Parts are carefully packed at our 2, '
factory. However, if you find parts to be missing or damaged,", please '. .;
wrire our customer service office, describing the part carefully ■
so that we can replace it.; All-parts will be installed on the
blank side of the board with their leads extending through to the
foil side. In attaching components to the board use the following
procedure. , . :
1. Bend the leads of the component to align them with the .
holes in the board...
2. Insert the component into the board, double checking to be
sure the part is aligned properly with respect to polarity
ifif required) and to be certain it is correctly located.
3. Using a minimum "of heat * s\d solder, solder the component; to ' \
the foil pads. Be sure the solder does not flow over onto an ;
, ■... adjacent pad, as this could possibly result in damage when
. ^ power is applied to the circuit. — ...--.---.•• -
4. Clip the'excess leads ol£ at-ore" ,rpeak"af the solder joint,
and inspect the joint to be certain that it is "good"
(rounded and shiny,flowing smoothly over the pad and the
lead) and that no solder has run over onto nearby pads or
leads. ,. •••'..'• ."• 'V' ix; - .'• >■"•!'■t\
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PARTS ORIENTATION (POLARITY) IMPOSTANT-§ome parts must be
installed in the proper direction, while others, such as'resistors,
do not matter, AN INCORRECTLY INSTALLED PART WILL NOT FUNCTION,
MAY BURN OUT, AND MAY DESTROY OTHER PARTS! Here is a general
outline for proper orientation. Refer to this section during
assembly,,
-A 2-

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ORIENTATION--(cont)
1. Fixed Resistors
SYSTEM 300 ;^*: i
GENERAL.ASSEMBLY
m
i :A**carbon composition
B=metal-film precision -—/VA/V\r"
Resistors are not polarity sensitive- that is, they
can be installed in either direction. However, for
precision resistors which have the value number on'
them, mounting should be done so that the number is <£e
facing up , for purposes of checking.
Disc(ceramic) Capacitors- also not polarity sensitive
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3. Mylar, paper, or polystyrene capacitors are not
(A) . % \aaV
polarity sensitive. However, if they have a band at one
end, as in B above, it should be installed in the
direction shown in the assembly drawing. If there is "-■. ■
no band, as in A, it can be installed either way.
ELECTROLYTIC OR POLAR CAPACITORS (also Polar Tantalum
Capacitors) \„ '"• ■■ k. ,
A13 Q JVWOOL
These must be installed correctly. The + sign near one
lead indicates a polarity sensitive capacitor.
5. DIODE OR RECTIFIER ..... V '
JU" AMobft *+ OATHO&M
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Diodes are polarized. Land indicates".+ end {cathode)
integrated circuit • ^
Stop view
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TYPICAL ffYMBC
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'■J GENERAL ASSEMBLY
INTEGRATED CIRCUIT(cont.) Pins are numbered counter
clockwise when viewed from above the case. Observe
tab (round case) or indentation (rectangular case).
The number of pins ma?/ vary, typically being 8, 14,
or 16.. NOTICE ! The name "Integrated Circuit" just
refers to any small package containing circuitry.They
may, however, be called by the name of their specific
function, as, for example, an"ODerational Amplifier"
(op-amp for short) /'Comparator", "And Gate", "Nor Gate",
etc.This need not be of any concern, however. Merely
correct part number,for example, "LM301A"
be certain to install the pins (bend
according to the assembly drawing.
Several types of semiconductor devices
of the ARIES kits. Included here are
check for the
or 74122, and
if necessary)
TRANSISTORS some
are used in
transistors, dual transistors, field effect transistors
(FET's) and dual FET's. Like integrated circuits, they
are all polarity sensitive, and must be installed
correctly.However, there are so many different types
of pin configurations that each type of semiconductor
used here must be pictured separately.NOTE: Integrated
circuits and transistors are marked with part numbers
Sometimes there are other numbers, too, usually for
manufacturing information. Disregard any additional
numbers or symbols.Example of Transistor Installation
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GENERALASSEMBLY
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SYSTEM 300
GENERALASSEMBLY
2N4870
UNIJUNCTION TRANSI
8. TRIMP"0"T5" These are variable resistors mounted on the
board. Mount as shown on assembly drawing
TOP VIEW BOARD
q. FRONT PANEL POTS . These usually have 3 terminals which
must be wired correctly. Refer to this numbering diagram.
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SYSTEM 300' §
GENERALASSfclpi,
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Pin 1 is sometimes called CCW (counter clockwise) or low,
Pin 2 is sometimes called ARM or WIPER.
Pin 3 is sometimes called CW (clock wise), or high
10. FRONT PANEL SWITCHES There are many types of switches,
The exact one used will be pictured in the Assembly
Section, but here is an example.
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DPDT (Double-Pole. Double-Throw) Toggle Switch
Notice that if the switch is
rotated upside down, Pin 1 now
becomes Pin 6, because what matters
is which pin is up and which is
down.Therefore, switches like this
should be fastened to the front
panel before wiring so that the pins
do not get mixed up.
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SYSTEM 300
GENERALASSEMJLT
10
11
(cont.) Switches may also be mounted sideways.In that case,
pin 1 is at the upper left (viewed from behind), .
■JACKS There are three kinds of jacks used in the
ARIES Synthesizer.
A) Miaijacks-used for patching various modules together.
They have 3 terminals. •5 H 0 w T
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3) Phono (RCA) jacks-used for connecting the.synthesizer
output to an external amplifier.Used only on OUTPUT/
POWER module.
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C) Stereo Phone Jacks-' Used only on OUTPUT/POWER module for
plugging in stereo headphones.
JUMPERS These are plain wires, used to connect two
holes on the board together. THEY MUST BE INSULATED EXCEPT
A T T H E E N D S ! Q o ^ ^ ^
Jumpers are indicated by a "J" and a number.
NOTICE ANY PART NOT DESCRIBED IN THIS SECTION WILL BE SHOWN IN
THE ASSEMBLY SECTION.
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a u t pi' T
5 T E P-EJ?
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SYSTEM'JUU
GENERALA3 SI
COMPONENT IDENTIFICATION
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1, RESISTORS Bands indicate resistance value. Band 1 is closer
to the end than any other.
symbol for OHM NOTE:
lK-lOOO-**-
1 Meg(lM)=l,000,000
also, 1M-1,000K
EXAMPLE = 4 70 0 ohms = 4.7 k ohms
Bands 1 and 2 indicate the first two digits of the resistance
and band 3 is the multiplier. The fourth band, provides the
accuracy range (tolerance) of the value.
Band 1 Band 2 Band 3 " Band 4
COLOR
BLACK
BROWN
RED
ORANGE
YELLOW
GREEN
BLUE
VIOLET
GRAY
WHITE
GOLD
SILVER
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
MORE EXAMPLES:
BROWN, ^LACK, oLACK,
BROWN, GREEN, JROWN,
RED, VIOLET, ORANGE,
ORANGE, WHITE, GREEN,
3ILVER=10-~A-» ,10%
SILVER=150-A» ,10%
GOLD=27K, 5%
JROWN= 3.9M, 1% -
1•
10 1%
100
1000 .
10,000
100,000
1,000,000
10,000,000
100,000,000
1,000,000,000
mult, by .1 5%
mult, by 0.01 10%
■' l
■A 9-

SYSTEM 300
GENERALASSEMBLY :'I
Some 1% resistors may not be color coded. The will either say
the value ("100K") or have a number like "1003F". This number is a
code. The first three numbers are the first three digits of
resistance., and the fourth represents the multiplier.or how
many zero'a to add. In some cases, 5% resistors may be supplied
in place- of the 10% value as shown on the parts list. This is
a valid substitution.
CAPACITORS Disc capacitors can have a number from 5 to 820,
if the value is in picofarads (pf's). Numbers from .001 up to
'.■5 'indicate microfarads (mf).NOTE: 1000pf=.OOlmf.
Other capacitors, such as mylar, paper, or tantalum, have the
value in microfarads. The value may normally differ by 10%
without affecting the circuit. For example, although the parts
list says "33pf% we may supply a 30 pf disc capacitor. Or
a .5mf capacitor may replace one with a value of .47. Also, the
tolerance may be lower than in the parts list, or the voltage
rating higher, neither of which would affect the results.
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-A .10-