
9
they can be used to tap power and route it to optional boards. This is how the Gate Booster and VCO sync
modifications are powered.
The location/footprint on the main board for the .156 five pin locking (Amphenol) header for power
connection to the DC-DC converter board is silkscreened backwards. If the header is installed in the
indicated orientation, the wires coming of the connector may create a problem with case fitting. Install
this header backwards to avoid problems.
PLANNING FOR MODIFICATIONS.
A selection of common TTSH mods are presented at the back of this guide. Glance through this and decide
if any of them interest you. Almost every builder adds the Gate Booster. Some mods are more esoteric
or involved. The Electronic Switch mod is easy, has zero cost, requires no trace cuts, sacrifices no
functionality, and gets you a sub-oscillator! This one is highly recommended, and it remains a mystery
why ARP didn’t implement the Electronic Switch this way to begin with.
For mods requiring trace cuts, these cuts should be made before building commences.
Mods included in the guide:
•
Extra power taps
•
AC Coupling
–
VCF Audio Input Mixer
•
Gate Booster
•
Midi Implant
•
Improved Calibration Accuracy
•
External Clock capability
–
Electronic Switch
•
Noise Improvements for Reverb
•
Adjustment Range - LEDs
See these sections for installation steps and BOM info.
CONSTRUCTION
–
GETTING STARTED
1.
Whether you purchased a full kit, or assembled the BOM components yourself, refer to the
Master BOM document and verify you have all the required parts on hand. There is generally no
need to test the components. Nonetheless it is a good idea to count them and verify at least one
of the components in each bag is marked with the correct value. If you have not memorized the
resistor color codes, this will help you to do so. Alternatively, use your meter. You can embark
on the build if there are some parts yet to be received, but doing so will increase the risk of an
error or omission during the build. If you purchased the Synthcube kit, you will want to report
any missing parts as soon as possible.
2.
Visually inspect all PCBs and look for physical damage, scratches that cut through traces, illegible
screen printing, cracks, etc.
3.
Visually inspect the panel for damage, paint or silkscreen problems. There is a step where the
panel is lowered down and fit over all the jacks and sliders, and then secured using screws. To
avoid frustration at this step, make sure all the panel opening swill accept the parts that poke
through and that the slider tangs do not rub or bind across their entire range of motion. It is
possible that some of the paint has gone into the drilling and needs to be filed or removed. Using