Bastl Instruments KASTLE v1.3 User manual

last update: 4. 9. 2017
KASTLE v1.3 - Assembly Guide
bastl-instruments.com
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the assembly guide for the Kastle kit - mini modular synthesizer. It is suitable for
beginners. It is good to have basic soldering skills and to be able to identify electronic components
before starting this kit. However if you have never soldered before, check out some of tutorials here or
here. We also included some of the best quality solder to help you solder everything faster and better.
The Kastle kit consists of just one PCB. All the parts comes in two bags separated for the soldering
and assembly parts. Please check all of your parts BEFORE you begin work to make sure you are not
missing anything. See the bill of materials for detailed list.
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BILL OF MATERIALS
qty
value
part
11
1k
R-EU_0204/5
9
100k
R-EU_0204/5
4
470nF
ceramic capacitor
10
Zener diode 5V1
DIODE-D-7.5
2
jack TRS 3.5mm
audio connector
7
B100k
POT LIN
1
difuse green 3mm
LED
1
SPDT TOGGLE
SWITCH 2PP
6
1x2pin
female pinheader
8
1x3pin
female pinheader
2
8 pin DIL
DIL socket - in foam
1
attiny 85 pre-programmed VCO
IC in foam
1
attiny 85 pre-programmed LFO
IC in foam
1
Kastle 1.0
PCB
1
BH-331-3D
1.5V BATTERY HOLDER
1
8mm nut x nut
spacer
1
10mm
screw
1
6mm
screw
1
top
plastic case
2
side
plastic case
1
front
plastic case
1
back
plastic case
10
jumper cables
1
allen key
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BEFORE STARTING THE KIT...
Prepare the following tools:
● Soldering iron (15-20W)
● Flush cutters
● n2. hex screwdriver or allen key (enclosed with kit)
● Needlenose pliers
● Protective eyewear
We suggest to 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.
SOLDERING
Start the soldering with the resistors. There are just two values of them: 1k (11x) and 100k (9x).
Before you will start soldering, check the values by using a multimeter or you can check the color
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codes - the 100k's have the orange stripe. Then snip the leads close to the PCB (be sure to make
this step on all remaining leads in the course of this guide) and set aside a few of them. You will use
them later. Solder also the Zener diodes (10x) - be careful, diodes are polarized! Make sure that
the black stripe on the diode matches the stripe on the PCB. See the photos below for all these steps.
1 https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/how-to-use-a-multimeter/measuring-resistance
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Add the 3,5mm jack connectors (2x).
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Insert the IC sockets (2x; 8 pin DIL). Just be aware of the right direction of sockets - there is a
notch on the sockets that has to match with the ring on the PCB.
Add the ceramic capacitors now. There are just four of them of the same value - 470nF (they are
marked "474" on itself).
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Now let's do the female pinheaders:2 pin ones (6x) and 3 pin ones (8x). It may take a little patience
to insert them well. Be sure to solder them straight.
Go for the switch now. This may be one of the parts that is a little tricky to solder. Here is the
SOLDERING TIP: start with soldering just ONE solder point of the part. Check the part to see if it is in
straight. If there is a problem simply melt the solder and reposition the part.
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Next move to soldering of potentiometers (B100k). Proceed the same way as with the switch: install
potentiometers in straight, solder just one leg, check the position and solder the rest if there is no
problem.
Solder the green LED - be sure to insert the longer lead into the plus (+) hole. Push the LED down to
the PCB.
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You will need the cutted leads from resistors now. Turn the PCB around and give a little bit iron into
the remaining "HOLD”, "BAT_-” and "BAT_+” holes. Re-heat them and insert the leads using
needlenose pliers. The leads can not be connected with the potentiometers on the other side.
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Take your time now and relax for a while. Then do the last double check of all soldered joints at
this point. After next steps it would be MUCH HARDER to do any repairment.
Don’t forget to place the ICs into the sockets (2x; Attiny85). There is a signed notch on each IC that
has to match with the notch on the socket. Be also aware that LFO goes to the socket on the left
and VCO to the right one. Installing ICs can be also a little tricky. You should bend the IC leads in
slightly with your fingers. Then press all the leads into the sockets in one shot.
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Bend the potentiometers legs on the edge of the PCB outwards (see the photo).
Now place the battery holder to the PCB. Watch out for the orientation!
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Mount the holder with spacer and the longer screw. It may be a little tricky. Don’t tighten the screw
too much because you are dealing with plastic material, you know.
And now the last soldering challenge! You have to connect the leads with the lugs. Do not let the lug
heat too much! (it would break the connection of the coil and the lug) Use just the tip of your
soldering iron.
YOU ARE ALMOST DONE...
Unmount the washer and nuts from the switch. Keep them aside.
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Now you can complete the Kastle with the plastic case parts. Start with the side parts (push them just
in the corners). Finish it with the top cover, mounting the nut (to the switch) and screw. Again,
please be gentle, you should not use too much power to put the parts together.
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Here it is, your Kastle is finally completely alive! Congratulations!
TROUBLESHOOTING
Check the F.A.Q. on our website first. If you are still in trouble the best thing is to take a nap!
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Especially late at night! Then you can 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.
2 http://www.bastl-instruments.com/diy-kits-f-a-q/
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