Bastl Instruments 60 KNOBS User manual

last update: 20. 7. 2017
60 KNOBS - Assembly Guide
bastl-instruments.com
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the assembly guide for the 60 KNOBS kit. 60 Knobs is a midi-controller, designed
specifically for the Sonic Potions’ LXR drum machine. For all the features see the manual here.
This kit doesn't require too much experience. However, it is good to have basic soldering skills and to
be able to identify electronic components before starting it. We have also included some of the best
quality solder to help you solder everything faster and better.
60 KNOBS kit consists of just one big printed circuit board (PCB), soldering components and
mounting components for both enclosure versions. The plastic enclosure is sold separately. Please
check all of your parts BEFORE you begin work to make sure you are not missing anything. See the
bill of materials (BOM) for detailed list.
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BILL OF MATERIALS
60KNOBS_V.1.0 SOLDERING BOM
qty
value
part
2
220R
resistor
2
100k
resistor
1
1k
resistor
1
1N4148
DIODE-D-5
1
1N4007
DIODE-D-7.5
14
100nF
ceramic capacitor
1
330nF
polyester capacitor
1
47uF
electrolytic capacitor
1
7805
voltage regulator
1
100mA
fuse
1
8 pin DIL
DIL socket - in foam
9
16 pin DIL
DIL socket - in foam
1
28pin DIL
DIL socket - in foam
9
CD4051BE
IC in foam
1
6N137
optoisolator
1
ATMEGA328-PU-ND / w software
1
16mHz
resonator
2
5 pin
DIN MIDI Connector
1
PC-GK 2.1mm
power barrel connector
1
12mm
small button ANGLED
60
POT LIN w B100k 25mm
linear potentiometer
1
Switch 2 P B
2p 45angled switch
1
20 pin
male pinheader
1
LED white
1
PCB
60KNOBS_V.1.0 MOUNTING BOM
qty
value
part
5
20 mm
spacer nut x nut
1
18 mm
spacer nut x nut
5
M3 x 11,5 mm
spacer nut x screw
4
8 mm
spacer screw x nut
5
M3 x 6 mm
mushroom head screw
5
M3 x 6 mm
countersunk head screw
4
M3 x 12 mm
mushroom head screw
4
M3
small nut
1
allen key
4
rubber standoffs
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BEFORE STARTING THE KIT...
Prepare the following tools:
● Soldering iron
● Multi-meter
● Flush cutters
● n2. hex screwdriver or allen key (enclosed with kit)
● Phillips screwdriver
● Isopropyl alcohol + smaller and clean brush (optional)
● Protective eyewear
● … and also a sufficient amount of time and patience.
We suggest that you work in a clean and a well lit and ventilated environment to avoid accidents or
losing any of the small components.
Also briefly go through this guide and make sure that you understand all the steps.
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SOLDERING
Start with the smallest parts - resistors and diodes. There are three values of resistors: 220R (2x)
and 100k (2x) and 1k (1x) - take your time and check those values using a multimeter (or you can
check the color codes if you are seasoned enough). After soldering snip the leads close to the PCB
(be sure to make this step on all remaining leads in the course of this guide).
Solder also the diodes. There are just two values of them: 1N4007 - the bigger one (1x) and 1N4148
(1x). Be careful, diodes are polarized! make sure that the marking ring on the diode body matches
the marking on the circuit board.
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Add the ceramic capacitors now. There are fourteen of them of the same value - 100nF (they are
marked "104" on itself).
Insert the IC sockets: 8 pin DIL (1x), 16 pin DIL (9x), 28 pin DIL (1x). Just be aware of the right
direction of sockets - there is a notch on each socket that has to match with the marked notch on
the PCB.
5

Bend the legs of the 7805 regulator to make them right angled and solder the regulator.
Move to soldering the switch now. You can solder just one leg first, adjust it by reheating and do the
rest then. Just be sure to solder it at the right angle and flat with the PCB. (IMPORTANT NOTE: If you
are going to clear the PCB with the isopropyl alcohol, do soldering of this part AFTER the cleaning.
The alcohol could damage the switch.)
6

Do also the right angled button. Keep the same quality of position as with the switch.
Add the rest of capacitors. There is 47μF electrolytic one which is polarized! The longer lead goes
to the plus (+) hole on the PCB. Solder also the polyester capacitor (330nF) which is not oriented.
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Let's solder the resonator and the fuse as well. These parts are not oriented.
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9

Now you can add the power connector. Just push it down to the PCB and solder it straight.
Insert the male headers now. Be sure to solder them straight and flat with the board. Again, you can
solder just one leg, do the adjustment and solder the rest.
10

Turn the PCB around now. Insert the white LED according to its orientation - the longer lead goes
to the plus (+) hole. Solder it almost down to the PCB.
Finally, move on to the funniest part - potentiometers. There are (surprisingly!) SIXTY of them. Pots
take a little care and patience to install correctly. Push the pots on the place and look closely to see if
they are in straight. Solder just ONE leg on each pot. Do the check. Solder another leg. Do the
double check. Once they look perfectly in a row you can finish the soldering.
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And now the last parts for soldering - MIDI connectors. You have to do a little adjustment before
soldering. You should adjust the plastic corners (see the photo) of the connector by cutting. You can
also cut the legs of pots. Then just be sure to solder them straight and flat with the PCB.
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13

ASSEMBLY
Before you begin to place the enclosure on, you might want to clean your PCB. You can use e.g.
isopropyl alcohol. Put some of the liquid all over the PCB using the brush, let it act for a while and
sweep it off. Then just let it dry. You can repeat these steps until you are satisfied with the result.
After this step you can finally add the switch and mount the 6 mm mushroom head screw with the 18
mm spacer on the regulator.
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At this point, don't forget to insert all ICs in the sockets: Atmega (1x), CD4051BE (9x) and 6N137
(1x). Watch out for the orientation for particular IC. There is a little half circle notch or dot on one side
of each IC that should match the notch drawn on the PCB. Installing the ICs can be a little tricky. The
IC leads are flared out a bit wider than the socket will accept. Bend them in slightly with your fingers,
and then try to press all the leads into the sockets in one shot.
15

ENCLOSURE (FLAT VERSION)
First install the spacers into the corners. The longer ones goes to the bottom side.
Put the top enclosure on and secure it with the four 6 mm mushroom head screws.
16

Turn the unit around and place the side enclosures on.
Now you can also add the rubber standoffs.
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Finally, place the bottom enclosure on and secure it with the five countersunk screws.
Your 60 Knobs is completely done now, congratulations!
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TROUBLESHOOTING
Check the F.A.Q. on our website first. If you are still in trouble the best thing is to take a nap!
Especially late at night! Then you can send the detailed description of the problem with enclosed
high-resolution photos on [email protected]. Consider our “Come to Daddy” service if you
think that you are unable to make the instrument work on your own.
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