Erica Synths POLIVOKS EG User manual

GUIDE TO ASSEMBLY OF ERICA SYNTHS POLIVOKS-INSPIRED EG
If you are reading this, most probably, you are about to build Erica
Synths DIY Polivoks-inspired Envelope generator. This module is
30mm deep, skiff friendly, has solid mechanical construction and
doesn’t require wiring. The core of the Envelope Generator is
borrowed from famous Russian synth Polivoks , but we significantly
updated schematics:
1) the original Polivoks has negative gate, therefore we made the
EG work form eurorack standard positive gates,
2) we adjusted envelope amplitude for eurorack modular
requirements,
3) we introduced inverted envelope output,
4) we updated looping feature (looping on gate on),
5) most importantly, we added Gate Delay feature –the module
outputs delayed gate signal after Attack stage. Chain up several (4-
5) Envelope Generators, each with delayed gate to create evolving
polyphonic synth-like pads!
The DIY Envelope kit comes in three versions:
1) PCB,
2) PCB + panel,
3) Full kit.
FEATURES:
•Full ADSR envelope
•Direct and inverted envelope outputs
•Gated and independent looping modes
•Gate delay (after Attack stage) output
•Skiff-friendly design
SPECIFICATIONS:
•Envelope amplitude 0…10V
•Attack time 0…3”
•Decay time 0…12”
•Sustain level 0…10V
•Release time 0…12”
•Panel width 8HP
•Module depth 30mm
•Power consumption 20mA@+12V, 10mA@-12V
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Adjust Attack time from 0 to 3”!
Adjust Decay time from 0 to 12”!
Adjust Sustain level from 0 to 10V!
Adjust Release time from 0 to 12”!
Select between normal ADSR and looping AR
mode! If patch cable is patched in Gate jack,
looping will occur only if the Gate signal is
present.
This is Gate Delay output. High Gate signal
appears here after the Attack stage.
This is Gate input.
This is inverted envelope output.
9This is main envelope output.
9

Take precautions with regard to electrostatic discharge (ESD) safety. Handling components should be done in
electrostatically safe environment. Use personal and workplace grounding. Any discharge (even a minor one) from
body to a component may permanently damage it.
Our PCBs have silkscreened both component values and designators nevertheless we highly recommend you to print
out files with component placement before you start assembly of the module. And, please, at least take a look on this
manual!
Some components are marked as NU (not used) –leave those unpopulated! Some components are market as OPTION
(those are for optional modifications) –leave those unpopulated for now.
ASSEMBLY
1In order to save space and make the module more compact, most or resistors are installed vertically (you also may want
to replace them with 0805 smt resistors). See the close-up for correct installation! Pay attention on resistor placement –
don’t accidentally install them in the testpoint hole! Also solder diodes! Pay attention on orientation of diodes!
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GUIDE TO ASSEMBLY OF ERICA SYNTHS POLIVOKS-INSPIRED EG
Solder IC socket
and ferrite beads!
3Solder transistors and electrolytic capacitors! Pay close
attention on transistor orientation and capacitor
polarity and do not misplace NPN and PNP transistors!
4Turn the PCB around and solder
potentiometers (B100k is for sustain), jacks
and a switch!
This is negative
lug of the
electrolytic
capacitor

GUIDE TO ASSEMBLY OF ERICA SYNTHS POLIVOKS-INSPIRED EG
5Solder capacitors, resettable fuses (you may replace
them with wire jumpers on your own risk) and power
cable connector! Install the IC in the socket!
6Insert LEDs in relevant places (mind polarity
and do not solder them yet), install the front
panel! Push LEDs in the front panel and
solder them!
7Tighten the nuts of potentiometers, jacks and switches
and install potentiometer knobs. 8Congratulations! You have completed the assembly of Erica Synths DIY Envelope
Generator. If assembly is done correctly, the
module should work straight away and
doesn’t need calibration.
ENJOY!