(Part 2) Top products from r/synthdiy

ah I see. Well you definitely are on the right track by doing mesurements while you are building. I am not really the right person to ask because Im still in the beginning stages but I also bought: Boylestad https://www.amazon.com/Introductory-Circuit-Analysis-Robert-Boylestad/dp/0133923606 (a much cheaper older version that I found for about $10 I think you are aware one nice thing about learning electronics from scratch is that the basics, the most important things, were discovered a long time ago so you can get a great wealth of information for very cheap....) This is pretty much, well like exactly what youd use if you took a college course on circuit analysis, much great information on the physics and basics of linear and non-linear circuits, it can be pretty dry though, but that is what you probably really need if you want to really "grok" what is going on in a circuit, i.e. using OHMs/Thienevin laws etc and Loop analysis, looking at the numbers from and finding missing values when you only have say the voltage and current etc
This one https://www.amazon.com/Make-Electronics-Journey-Amplifiers-Randomicity/dp/1449344046/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=1P86DOCJID6WO&keywords=make+electronics+2nd+edition&qid=1557865653&s=books&sprefix=make+elec%2Cstripbooks%2C159&sr=1-1-spons&psc=1 which is definitely very good because it includes actual images of breadboards (which are not always intuitive even though very simple to impliment, really that has to do with human error, thats why its all about trying it out/getting yr hands dirty!) and some other stuff. I know there are a TON of people out there why swear by the Ray Wilson websites and books, I bought one and just have been into other things but when I get back into it I know I am going to go back to those Wilson projects...

Another REALLY awesome thing I just remembered: EveryCircuit App, super great becasue it shows live demonstration of signal flows...

Glad to hear it, thank you! And yeah I can think of a few books that really helped me.

For analog, the best book I've read is "A Practical Introduction to Electronic Circuits" (https://www.amazon.com/Practical-Introduction-Electronic-Circuits-ebook/dp/B01MSEO5HX). It's actually a terrible introduction, so the title is dumb, but if you already have a basic knowledge this book will take you to the next level. Also one of the best resources for analog is Dave Jones' YouTube channel EEVBlog (https://www.youtube.com/user/EEVblog). He's an excellent presenter and a real analog pro.

For digital, after you have a good grasp of C, I'd recommend Musimathics Vol. 2 (https://www.amazon.com/Musimathics-Mathematical-Foundations-Music-Press/dp/026251656X/ref=asc_df_026251656X/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312152840806&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=13200640003814220797&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9021581&hvtargid=pla-645450504952&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=61316181319&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=312152840806&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=13200640003814220797&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9021581&hvtargid=pla-645450504952). The first volume can be skipped cause it's mostly acoustics and music theory related, but it's a good book too. The second volume is by far the best explaination of DSP and digital audio synthesis I've come across. If you want something a bit lighter, this is a great book as well (https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Programming-Book-MIT-Press/dp/0262014467/ref=asc_df_0262014467/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312140868236&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=9994434488221753680&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9021581&hvtargid=pla-330509287619&psc=1).

By far the most important part is your iron. There's lots of good choices out there, but if you can swing it I highly recommend this one made by Weller. It's expensive, but is the best iron I have ever used. It has interchangeable tips including some super fine ones that are great for SMDs, 3 selectable temperature settings you can program, digital variable temperature with a real time temp display, it heats up in seconds, has an auto shutoff if you leave it on and in the stand for too long, and has a grounded tip to help prevent issues with static discharge. You can do it with a cheaper iron for sure, but this one is my first choice.

I havent built that model but to answer your second question...Be cautious of build guides (or lack thereof). The one you linked has a really good guide. Step by step, clear pictures, and in color. So far, I've found Befaco, AI Synthesis, and Trogotronic to have really good guides.

Also, take your time. Its better to go slow and be sure of your work than rush. Tape! Tape helps me a lot by holding small pieces in place. If you can, get this circuit board holder. I got this magnifying headband for free (that style, not that specific one) and its been really helpful as well.

Here are my go to recommendations for beginners.

Trogotronic VCA

Trogotronic Power System

AI Synthesis

Brain dump if you don't mind:

UPS store has magazine paper they can print on. They'll usually sell you blanks for pennies. That stuff it the absolute best transfer paper. It transfers perfect, and practically melts in water. Get a cheap laminatior and use that for the fusing. I use a piece of scotch tape on one edge and run it through four or five times. Use a green scotchbright to clean it under the sink with dish soap before you try to adhere it. Only use acetone to remove it after the etch. These three things made my toner transfer process %100 reliable. I can etch smaller traces now too.

For etchant you should try 2 parts %70 peroxide mixed with 1 part muriatic acid (always add acid to the peroxide, not the other way). It's cheap, less toxic, and etches fast. Easy to get locally too since it's just hardware store and walgreens stuff. You also can see the etch better. Mix it in a glass container outside. It gets hot and off-gasses for a couple minutes when mixed, but it's pretty safe after that. It also looks like lime koolaid. Do not drink it.

Checkout the little dremel drill press. It's great for PCBs.

PCB/Schematic Capture

>To jump right into schematic / PCB layout, I'd use EasyEDA because you can finish that layout and order boards directly from their sister company JLCPCB. EasyEDA is super easy to use, and usually has all the schematic libraries you'll need.
>
>Moving on from EasyEDA, go to KiKad definitely. I believe EasyEDA is more user friendly for the basics, so definitely start there to get a good grasp.

Learning

>For learning electronics, start by diving into some informational YouTube channels. Ease yourself into all the jargon and terms. It will be very overwhelming at first, don't be too hard on yourself. Try to learn what most components generally do (i.e. transistors are just switches, capacitors act like batteries, etc.) GreatScott has some good beginner videos iirc.
>
>Buy Make: Electronics and go through every exercise. This will really help you understand how certain things work, and improve your troubleshooting.

Regarding your comment about understanding circuits, it can be very difficult - especially in your position as your are looking at these rather intricate synth circuits. Music From Outer Space generally has great write ups on how his circuits operate, but man sometimes those explanations go over my head and I'm an EE. Read slowly, and google any concepts or words you don't know. Break down the circuit in chunks and analyze chunk by chunk - what does each chunk do? Reading and understanding schematics is a skill that will develop over time most definitely.

22 AWG stranded wire is pretty standard for wiring anything.

i usually buy these, as they're a good price, 2 day shipping w/ prime, and its a nice multi color kit, which helps when wiring...in case you have to trace the wire back to the board when debugging. plus everyone likes colors:

http://www.amazon.com/Electronix-Express-Hook-Wire-Stranded/dp/B00B4ZQ3L0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1418566941&sr=8-1&keywords=wire+kit

http://www.amazon.com/Electronix-Express-Hook-Wire-Solid/dp/B00B4ZRPEY/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1418566941&sr=8-2&keywords=wire+kit

use shielded wire (with the 'shield grounded') for any audio signal inputs/outputs if you get noise. not 100% necessary, but might be worth it in the end for the sound quality and reducing any noise.

i also recommend you get a real wire stripper. this one is the bees knees:

http://www.amazon.com/Tools-VISE-GRIP-Self-Adjusting-Stripper-2078300/dp/B000OQ21CA/ref=sr_1_2?s=power-hand-tools&ie=UTF8&qid=1418567132&sr=1-2&keywords=wire+stripper

You might really enjoy reading (Electronic and Experimental Music by Thomas Holms)[https://www.amazon.com/Electronic-Experimental-Music-Technology-Culture/dp/0415896363]. I found it at my college library when I was looking for anything to keep the high of my Moog factory tour going. I'm really glad I stumbled upon it, and am still debating adding it to my bookshelf at home.

It thoroughly documents the history of electronic music, which Holms roughly describes as the history of music that does not need a human to be performed. It starts off in the late 1800's I believe and continues until contemporary synthesis. There's a lot of discussion about early researchers, organized by country of origin, and recording outputs of function generators onto tape reels and splicing tape to compose. The second half is then about synthesizers and techniques that are more akin to what is used today, in the modular to keyboard style machines.

Really a phenomenal history book, and a pleasant read, with interesting diagrams and photos of the old equipment, and diagrams of concepts being discussed.

I use this Weller Soldering Station. Weller's are pretty tried and true but are not top of the line. But for synth DIY, I find this station more than capable and a good deal too.

Here are 2 that have been useful to me...

https://www.amazon.com/Make-Analog-Synthesizers-Electronic-Synth-DIY/dp/1449345220/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=make+synthesizer&qid=1569440610&s=gateway&sr=8-1

https://www.amazon.com/Handmade-Electronic-Music-Hardware-Hacking/dp/0415998735/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=make+synthesizer&qid=1569440643&s=gateway&sr=8-6

What do you mean by responsive? Do you mean that it doesn't trigger the envelopes when you press a key?

Assuming you are using a cable that is 1/8" stereo to 1/4" mono like this one you should be able to plug the 1/8" jack into CV output port 1 on the QuNexus.
Then the 1/4" "tip" jack would plug into CV in on the soundlab, and the "ring" jack should plug into the Gate in. Is this how you have it set up?

Thank you. I actually need to update that, as I no longer suggest that supply. Did you already buy the supply? If so, you would need two. What I would actually suggest is either (a buy my Eurorack power supply and use that as bench supply (total cost would be ~$30 if you source your own parts from my BOM build guide) or get a linear dual power supply, which ould have to be something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Extech-382213-Digital-Triple-Output/dp/B00023RVMU/ref=sr_1_17?s=industrial&ie=UTF8&qid=1504037400&sr=1-17&keywords=dual+supply+bench+power+supply

Maybe a desolder vacuum hand pump tool. Like
Wemake Solder Sucker- Desoldering Vacuum Pump https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0002KRAAG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_d9luDb9E68W8N

I'd say there are at least two sides to debugging: technical knowledge and mindset/approach. In many situations, technical knowledge is less important than your approach. This is a great book on how to debug anything, because it focuses on the approach:https://www.amazon.com/Debugging-Indispensable-Software-Hardware-Problems/dp/0814474578/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1473264988&sr=8-1&keywords=debugging&linkCode=sl1&tag=makithecompsi-20&linkId=fff719e6c1338a3b9f9d763d7f5830a2

A really brief summary: Understand the system, reproduce the error, and think of ways to methodically test your hypotheses of what's wrong.

For your situation, "understand the system" doesn't have to mean "understand the schematic". You can start with the basic blocks: physical construction, power supply, audio output, controls. The other posters have broken down what to look for in some of these cases.

For example, if you physically inspect the board and see a big blob of solder going across three different components, it's probably a waste of time to check whether the controls affect the output sound, because that blob of solder shouldn't be there. Next step, nothing works properly without proper power, so check the points where power is supposed to be supplied on the board and make sure the voltages are correct. Then, find the earliest point on the schematic where you should get an audio output (probably an oscillator out) and check that. And on and on.

To test audio outputs, an oscilloscope is super handy, but honestly I've done a ton of debugging with a small battery-powered speaker with a mono cable connected to it, probing test points in a circuit to see whether audio is present. However note that it IS possible to fry circuits with this approach by accidentally bridging traces, so be careful.

I never thought I'd surpass the late Ray Wilson's Make: Analog Synthesizers. Here's a link to my book on Amazon.

get a cheap 3s lipo battery for an R/C car/pane to run this:

https://www.amazon.com/Behringer-Micromix-MX400-Low-Noise-4-Channel/dp/B000KGYAYQ/

edit:

for a few bucks more this one runs off a 9v battery and has more channels

https://www.amazon.com/Nady-MM-242-Stereo-Channel-outputs/dp/B0009XH4HU/

in the frequently bought together section you'll find the stereo splitter 1/8" stereo to 1/4" mono.

Or just get an EM pickup and use it with your favourite recording device

Cheap ones from Amazon