Electrosmith 2164 VCA User manual

Electrosmith 2164 VCA Build Guide
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Contents
Overview of the included parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Build................................... 4
1.PowerHeader ......................... 5
2.JacksandPots......................... 8
3.LEDs .............................. 14
4.Submodule........................... 16
Test ................................... 21
Finish .................................. 23
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Overview of the included parts
•x2 10k Potentiometers
•x6 Eurorack Jacks
•x2 5mm Amber LEDs
•x1 Electrosmith 2164 Submodule
•x1 Electrosmith 2164 VCA 4hp PCB
•x1 Electrosmith 2164 VCA Front Panel
•x1 2x5 Male Header
•x2 1x8 Male Header
•x2 1x8 Female Header
•x2 Knobs
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Build
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1. Power Header
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The short pins should be pointing through to the top-side of the PCB, while
the plastic and longer side of the pins should be visible on the back of the
PCB.
The side of the PCB with the red stripe notated is the bottom side of the
PCB.
The holes for the power header are offset slightly in both positions so that
once inserted, the power header will stay in position while you solder it.
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2. Jacks and Pots
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Populate the PCB with the 2 - 10k Potentiometers. They should be seated
onto the top side of the PCB (easily verified by the boxes indicating the
"M-10K-B pots).
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Populate the 4hp PCB with the 6 Eurorack Jacks. They should be seated
onto the top side of the PCB (easily verified by box shapes around where the
jacks will be placed).
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Install the front panel so that all of the jacks and pots fit into their holes.
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Flip the module over, and place the front panel on two objects of equal height
to ensure that gravity is holding the PCB against the jacks.
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On the bottom side of the PCB all of the connections that need to be soldered
are highlighted with white circles to visually assist in the build process.
In total there will be 28 solder joints to hit on the bottom side of the PCB.
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3. LEDs
It is helpful to do the LEDs separate from the other controls to get an ideal
height.
Insert both LEDs noting the polarity. The long lead must be inserted to the
hole marked with a “+” sign.
Once the LEDs are inserted, place the faceplate on the module, and flip it
over.
The easiest way to achieve your ideal LED height is as follows:
1. Let the LED sink into the front panel hole farther than you want it to
be once finished.
2. Solder one leg.
3. After one leg has been soldered on each LED, you can apply heat with
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one hand, and use your finger to push the LED to an ideal height from
the bottom.
4. Once the LEDs are at a height you like, solder the second leg of each
LED.
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4. Submodule
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Connect the female and male headers together.
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With the board face down, resting on the pots, insert the female headers into
the 4HP PCB.
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Place the Electrosmith 2164 submodule with pin 1 (indicated by a square
pad) aligned with the marker on the 4hp PCB. The trim pot, and logo should
be pointing up.
Solder the submodule onto the headers.
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Flip the module over, leaning the now connected submodule against a surface
that will keep all of the headers flush with the 4hp PCB.
Solder the female headers into the 4hp PCB.
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