This Pages are especially for the DIY Version

The Kickstarter campaign is online since: 14.Jan.2020 and was sucessfully backed with 250K USD

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/abstraktinstruments/vs-1-polyphonic-analog-synthesizer/description



Table of Contents

Generel Info bit the Kickstarter goals: 


Stretchgoals:

  • 120K - MPE Support
  • 140K - Direct Outputs
  • 160K - Stereo Analog Chorus - We have a hell of an analog chorus designed - we can't add cost & commit resources to implement it unless we reach certain cost targets. 
  • 180K SD Card 
  • all Stretch Goals arrived 




Disclaimer

(warning)   This guide is a best practice guide and I'm not responsible for any damage, or product quality.

Please respect your local laws/regulation for handling of electronics/electricity.

I'm not responsible for damages, failures with your build.

Do not try to build this device without basic knowledge of synthesizers. You need experience in DIY.

BOM:   (officially by Abstrakt Instruments)

VS-1_DIY_BOM(v102).xlsx from 04.Jan.2024

VS-1_DIY_BOM(v103).xlsx from 24.Jan.2024

VS-1_DIY_BOM(v104).xlsx from 09.Feb.2024  please look at t he changeling in the BOM, in case you used the BOM 1.03 previous.

Soldercore

you need 2 solder core types:

  1. water soluble solder core, this is the solder core which you use for resistors,capacistors, IC-sockets, parts which can be in touch in water.

https://www.digikey.de/de/products/detail/kester-solder/24-6337-6403/6048

part nr.  24-6337-6403

     2. no clean solder core - which must be used for trimmers and potentiometer (everything which has to be installed after you washed the pcbs with hot water)

https://www.digikey.de/de/products/detail/kester-solder/24-6337-8809/365521?s=N4IgTCBcDa4CwFoBsBmFB2BAOLAGAnCALoC%2BQA

part nr.  24-6337-8809

Schematics: (copy from 09.Feb.2024)

vs1_schematics.pdf

Build it: 

Please see the Altium 365 Viewer documentation for full details on the cloud-based tool.

Altium links:   (open the links inside of the page every day - do not use a old browser session, the browser do not update the content automatically)

https://abstraktinstruments.com/vs1-diy/


PCB Scans:    (Copyright Patrick)

Build Manual: (officially by Abstrakt Instruments)

Please Note: The VS-1 Build Manual is still in draft form, currently draft v0.83. Formatting may change, and Section 3 on calibration is yet to be completed. There are also a few steps left in section 2 to be completed.

vs1_build_manual_v0.83.pdf


furthermore watch all YT videos on Brians Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/@abstraktinstruments8666



Issues/Failures/Improvements

You have to respect the Build Manual from Brian too. in case of question, contact me by Email or Facebook, Modwiggler, instagram.

IDDateBug/Issue/Improvementaffected part/pcbIssueFix reported byreported to developer

Status/Validation

QM Process

affected versionInfo for the Developer only
1Jan 2024

Silkscreen wrong

Voice Motherboard

diode wrong silksvcreen orientation

D13 

The Silkscreen is correct on the PCB

install against silkscreenmodwiggler userno
diythis was a wrong issue !!
225.Jan 2024info light bulb PSU

check that your PSU is still modified with other regulators

my psu was still modified with the correct parts since it was bought as Partkit from Brian, back in 2020.

perform a visible check and keep in mind to test the psu later without attached Device/pcbs, as described in the YT Videos/guide.Patrickno(tick) diy
325.Jan 2024build infoVoice and Voice Motherboard

you have to respect that the MOLEX connectors on the Voice Motherboard and Voices have to installed in one step.

You cannot start with soldering the molex connectors at the pcb without align it against the opposite part.

do this: 

It's highly recommended to use a ruler or other exact flat precisely tool to allign the Molex Pin headers in a row. This makes things easier.


Patrickno(tick)  valid - tested by Patrick

427.Jan.2024BOM failure Voicecard

Voice Cards BOM lists 1.5M resistor for R7 and R45, but those are already filled with 49.9K resistors as per the BOM and the schematic

wait on validation, DO NOT INSTALL R7/R45

do not populate R7 and R45

Stuck and Patrick
not validated nowBOM 1.0.3
527.Jan.2024Bom failure ?Output board

On the Output board - R22 isn’t listed on the BOM, schematic says 2.2K

wait on validationFacebook Sduck
notvalidated nowBOM 1.0.3
627.Jan.2024Info light bulb Output board

C22 is DNP - do not populate

C22 is DNP - do not populateFacebook Sduck
notvalidated nowBOM 1.0.3--
727.Jan.2024BOM failureOutput Board

Q15, 16, 17, 18 aren’t listed on the BOM

is  2SC2878Facebook Sduck
not validatedBOM 1.0.3change the BOM
828.jan 2024info light bulb Voicecard

"Note that R140 and R141 are the preinstalled smt resistors on the back."


Facebook Sduck
valid (tick) BOM 1.0.3change the BOM
928.jan 2024info light bulb Voicecard

"Brian for some reason doesn't list parts that are back in the "Rare Parts" list, so A3 is an CA3086N; A10, A12, A13, A14, A15 are all AS3080E; and A18 and A19 are AS3310."


Facebook Sduck

BOM 1.0.3change the BOM
1028.jan 2024info light bulb Voicecard

"There is one wrong sized hole on the bottom row of holes for the molex connectors. In one of the videos Brian suggests using a dremel tool to grind down the size of the affected pin, which I tried and it was relatively easy and worked well. I suppose you could also drill out the hole, but you would then also drill out the solder pad, and would need to run a wire jumper from the affected pin to one of the vias to make that work."


Facebook Sduck
valid (tick) BOM 1.0.3Brian change on Voicecard
1129.Jan.2024info light bulb Voice MOBO

30k resistor bag is labeled with quantity of 32 - in Altium is 24.

24 are required - BOM 1.03 correct, just the bag is wrong Patrick
valid (tick) 

1229. Jan.2024info light bulb Voice MOBO

100nF caps 20 in bag and labeled with quant. of 20, BOM is quant. of 18 and in Altium

18 required - Bag is wrongPatrick



1329.Jan.2024Important Info (warning)  light bulb Voice Mobo

don´t remove the pcb stripes (from pcb fab - panelized pcb) in case you use a solder frame. otherwise the traces can be damaged


Patrick
valid (tick) 

1429. Jan 2024improvementVoice Mobo

use 1/4W 0.5W watt 0207 Format resistors for R66/R67 to improve thermal noise

use 1/4W 0.5W watt 0207 Format resistors for R66/R67 to improve thermal noisePatrick



155.feb 2024bug (warning) Voice Mobo

U2 wrong silkscreen orientation


install in this way

Patrick
valid (tick) batch 01/2024 from kickstarterBrian - change the Silkscreen
1607.feb 2024Important Info (warning) Output Board

Install

R7, R11, R37, R41, R48 & R73

 with few millimeter distance against the PCB to avoid Thermal Issues

Install

R7, R11, R37, R41, R48 & R73

 with few millimeter distance against the PCB to avoid Thermal Issues.

Look in. the Buildguide

Brian

valid (tick) 

Yutube video

and build guide

all Versions
1707.Feb.2024Important Info (warning) Voice

Since we have to trim the Voices by Trimmers from Top, its not possible for 2 Trimmers when you have installed IC Sockets for A3 (Expo CA3086/CA3046)

Do not install a IC Socket in A3

in case you still installed a IC Socket, desolder 2 pins of T3 and pull the trimmer out as shown

Patrick

valid (tick) 

all Versions
1707.Feb.2024Important Info (warning) Voice

Since we have to trim the Voices by Trimmers from Top, its not possible for 2 Trimmers when you have installed IC Sockets for A10

Do not install a IC Socket in A10

in case you still installed a IC Socket, desolder 2 pins of T9 and pull the trimmer out as shown

Patrick

valid (tick) 

all Versions--
1807.Feb.2024Tip light bulb all PCBs

do not clean the Styrene Cap with Isopropyl - the Capacitor is glued and can be damaged


 

Patrick

(tick) valid



1907.Feb.2024Tip light bulb all PCBs

Do not wash the Trimmers, install the Trimmers and styrene Cap on Voice Card at the end and 

 

Patrick

(tick) valid



2007.Feb.2024Tip light bulb Voicecard

for better Installation and to avoid a broken capacitor due to mechanical stress bend the pins for C19 and C12

on left original, on right bend style



Patrick

(tick)  valid


@Brian

change the Voicecard Pinout for C19/C12

2110.Feb.2024BUG (warning) Controlpanel PCB

from my experience it can happen under Mechanical stress situation that the Potentiometer Chassis/body comes in contact thru the PCB solderstop with the traces..

This was happen on TTSH, DDRM and other devices and the users wasn't able to Troubleshoot easily the root cause !

use a tape or other isolation on 2 Potentiometers as shown here:

Patrick

(tick) valid 

DIY rev.A

@Brian

change the routing of the trace


2210 Feb.2024BOM failure and Kit failureVoice PCBs

in the full kit comes for the Voice Pcbs only 6,8uf.

but no 10uF caps for the power rails.

6.8uF should be fine for the VCA out from the original schematic

wait on Brian

Patrick


DIY rev.A

@Brian please give an info about the 6.8UF caps - why are no 10uF caps in the Voicecard bag ?

2312.feb.2024BOM failure Output Board

affect 1.04 version Output Board C31 is wrong in line 203 must be C30

typo in BOM correct is 150pf C30 instead of c31

Patrick

(tick) 

DIY revA

at Brian pls. fix it in BOM rev 1.05

2412.Feb.2024 Major Bug (warning) Panel board 

there's a potential risk that the L bracket comes in contact with the diode

furthermore is a trace on the right side - which can cause a problem under mechanical stress


 

file down the L bracket and use a tape as shown

   

Patrick


DIY rev A


2514.Feb.2024BOM failuresBOM - ALTIUM

make sure to re-open every day Altium from the link on Brians website.

The Browser session in Altium do not update automatically the content in case of changes by Brian.

For example reported 2 users a mismatch between BOM and Altium - R83 and R133 must be 12K as stated in BOM 1.03 and 1.04 and Altium.


always use this Altium links:

https://abstraktinstruments.com/vs1-diy/

its a voltage divider and 12K should be correct - wait on validation from Brian







Pictures from kickstarter (link) - not for REFERENCE 

    




Own Pictures from my Build. Some changes aren't implemented yet . not for reference build !!




Version Published Changed By Comment
CURRENT (v. 47) Feb 14, 2024 07:30 LED-man
v. 46 Feb 14, 2024 07:29 LED-man important note about Altium and usage
v. 45 Feb 12, 2024 20:26 LED-man major bug - Panel board PCB
v. 44 Feb 12, 2024 07:20 LED-man
v. 43 Feb 10, 2024 18:40 LED-man
v. 42 Feb 10, 2024 18:38 LED-man 6.8uF caps voices
v. 41 Feb 10, 2024 18:14 LED-man typo correction
v. 40 Feb 10, 2024 13:44 LED-man
v. 39 Feb 10, 2024 13:44 LED-man new modwiggler link added
v. 38 Feb 10, 2024 13:26 LED-man page layout
v. 37 Feb 10, 2024 13:24 LED-man
v. 36 Feb 10, 2024 13:19 LED-man
v. 35 Feb 10, 2024 13:18 LED-man
v. 34 Feb 10, 2024 13:17 LED-man
v. 33 Feb 10, 2024 13:17 LED-man New issue added
v. 32 Feb 10, 2024 12:59 LED-man new BOM and first Buildguide
v. 31 Feb 07, 2024 11:38 LED-man tips added
v. 30 Feb 07, 2024 11:34 LED-man
v. 29 Feb 05, 2024 11:16 LED-man do not populate R7 and R45 on voice card
v. 28 Feb 05, 2024 10:03 LED-man u2
v. 27 Jan 29, 2024 15:47 LED-man voice Mobo bag 100nf wrong quantity
v. 26 Jan 29, 2024 14:54 LED-man Isssue ID 1 is invalid
v. 25 Jan 29, 2024 14:45 LED-man issues added
v. 24 Jan 29, 2024 14:38 LED-man
v. 23 Jan 28, 2024 14:08 LED-man new issues and link to solder core
v. 22 Jan 27, 2024 11:41 LED-man issues added
v. 21 Jan 25, 2024 09:22 LED-man
v. 20 Jan 25, 2024 08:00 LED-man psu info
v. 19 Jan 25, 2024 07:45 LED-man modwiggler link
v. 18 Jan 25, 2024 07:44 LED-man issue 1 diode D13
v. 17 Jan 25, 2024 07:27 LED-man bom 1.03 added
v. 16 Jan 04, 2024 12:09 LED-man
v. 15 Jan 04, 2024 12:07 LED-man
v. 14 Jan 04, 2024 12:06 LED-man
v. 13 Jan 04, 2024 12:05 LED-man
v. 12 Jan 04, 2024 12:02 LED-man
v. 11 Dec 27, 2020 16:57 LED-man
v. 10 Jul 26, 2020 13:26 LED-man
v. 9 Jul 26, 2020 13:25 LED-man
v. 8 Feb 17, 2020 09:25 LED-man
v. 7 Feb 17, 2020 08:48 LED-man
v. 6 Feb 17, 2020 08:47 LED-man
v. 5 Feb 17, 2020 08:45 LED-man
v. 4 Feb 17, 2020 08:44 LED-man
v. 3 Jan 22, 2020 18:02 LED-man
v. 2 Jan 15, 2020 10:57 LED-man
v. 1 Jan 15, 2020 10:55 LED-man


14 Comments

  1. Hi,

    Looking forward for the rare parts special order.

    Is the power supply a torrid transformer? What's the spec?

    1. Hi,

      it’s a switched PSU inside plus some regulators.

      but I will replace the switcher because the ripple is 150mVPP.

  2. Could I use a torroid if I have one available?

    1. Yes, but let’s see the how many current we need.

      i have to look in the oldcrow crowbx project here on my website.

      we used a power one psu there.

  3. In my CrowBX build I used a torroid plus a +-19v Oakley Synth board. I believe CrowBX 4 board uses about 500ma on each rail.

  4. Hi

    I'm interested in the group by for rare parts, some of the parts are difficult / very expensiv to source in small amounts, so it would be easier in a group by.

    Thanks in advance

  5. I'm interested in the group buy as well. 

  6. I´m interested in the group buy too, from Germany

    Thank you very much in advance! 

  7. Latest update from abstrakt was, that they offer rare kits and fullkits for a discounted price (cheaper than we source byself)
    So let’s wait for the price from abstrakt.

  8. Hi Guys,

    please order from abstrakt the Full parts kit for 999USD.

    i can’t offer it byself for this (cheap) price 

    https://www.abstraktinstruments.com/product/vs-1-synth-full-parts-kit/

  9. Hey Guys,

    Just bought the BOM from Abstrakt. Any news lately? Happy Holidays!



    1. what do you mean ? you ordered the Full parts kit from Abstrakt ?

      the last news about the shipping, is estimated for February.

      1. Yes, the full parts kit. Thanks for the shipping update.


  10. I was going to contact you about issue #1 - looks like you checked the schematic about the same time I did!

    Still trying to find a source for the C&K SER2LBKRDRDAU0A switches - the dual LED ones. If anyone finds these, let us know where!