Internal presets
These presets were carefully adjusted for best performance.
Except the panel "key in" and "freq CV in" which may need a slight adjustment depending on the
keyboard used, none of these presets should be modified.
audio out
: sets the master level of the tinijax output, adjust it with the mixer pots fully CW to have the
same amplitude as the MO square when the gain switch is in its central position, comparation can be
done with the routing switch. If there's distorsion or the gain switch doesn't seem to change level, reduce
the master level.
noise
: sets the noise output, adjust it to have the wider range and maximum level without distorsion or
leakage.
tracking
: sets the oscillator tracking.
frequency
: sets the oscillator frequency.
key in
: multiturn, next to the key switch, trims the keyboard CV, like the 208's "(trim)".
freq CV in
: multiturn, next to the freq CV in attenuverter, adjusts the CV amplitude, typical use is to
scale the CV input with the attenuverter pot set fully CW to get 1V/oct or 1.2V/oct CV for a dedicated input
independent from the key switch.
Recommendations, tips and disclaimer
Ensure that the Easel or 208 is powered off before inserting or removing the card into the program card
slot. Do not insert it backwards.
The card warms up in the bottom left and top right corners, this is normal behaviour.
To reduce action and pressure on the 208's edge connector, hold the card with a hand when you patch or
unpatch a cable, this connector is solid but not as strong as a module screwed on a boat and you don't
want to damage it.
Although 100% safe with any 208, the 218e and any other Buchla 200e modules could be damaged if
you send an audio signal or a negative or bipolar CV to a CV or pulse input banana.
The VCS3 Card outputs bipolar CV and audio signal, therefore
do not patch
its outputs to a Buchla 200e
module.
The keyboard CV input doesn't work if the control switch is set to "local" or "front panel". Switch it to its
central position.
In early BEMI Music Easels the weak internal PSU may have issues powering another expansion card
together with the VCS3 Card via the rear edge connector, a passive 208 Hub or a card doubler, or even
the VCS3 Card on its own. Common symptoms of a weak PSU are the envelope looper not working (on the
208 or ont the 208 ToolBox) and the 208 oscillators pitch changing when the card is inserted.
A powered 208 Hub is the easiest solution to connect cards without extra load on the Easel's PSU but is a
bit overkill to connect one card only. Another solution is an extra dedicated PSU inside the Easel, this
upgrade is documented in the build notes available on
http://www.portabellabz.be/images/vcs3/VCS3_Card_build_notes.pdf
If your VCS3 Card doesn’t seem to output audio with your Buchla USA Music Easel or Easel Command, the
audio cable is very likely the culprit : the tinijax cables that come with these units are the cheaper Black
Market types, not the quality Buchla brand, and don’t do good contact in the tinijax socket. Several users
reported issues with these.
The solution is to use another cable.
Good tinijax cables are available from
https://www.samodular.com/product/tinijax-cable/
You can also try with a minijack cable, some work in tinijax sockets, others don't.
The noise may seem a bit too low in volume. In fact its audible level depends much on the LPG setting.
The 208 preamp level can be increased with the gain switch and the VCS3 Card's oscillator outputs
lowered to get the desired noise level.
I assume no liability for personal injury or damage to equipment or loss of use caused directly or indirectly
by the use of the VCS3 Card. Feel free to contact me for questions, feedback and support.
The VCS3 Card is manufactured under EMS Cornwall Licence.
Thank you and have fun !
Chees and beers from Belgium,
C.
