DIY synths - anyone experienced in this?

[Sound Mechanics]

Hi,

I was wondering how long it would take to build up enough knowledge in electronics to build something like this:

http://www.musicfromouterspace.com/anal ... page1.html#

[Hink]

we have a diy forum here at kvr, do you want this moved there?

[vurt]

can you solder?
ever built a lego or meccano model, following the given instructions and had it come out like the picture on the box?

[jupiter8]

You could probably pick it up in half an hour. I'm not even kidding,it isn't that much to learn.

[Aural Chaos]

That does not look like the most beginner friendly kit to start with-no instructions, just schematics and PC diagrams, but other than soldering skills, you just need to be able to tell a resistor from a transistor...

[Sound Mechanics]

we have a diy forum here at kvr, do you want this moved there?

Yes, if you could please. Sorry I should of checked the forum headings.

[Sound Mechanics]

can you solder?
ever built a lego or meccano model, following the given instructions and had it come out like the picture on the box?

Yes.

But I have read that it can become very complex, especially if trying to be original.

[Sound Mechanics]

You could probably pick it up in half an hour. I'm not even kidding,it isn't that much to learn.

Are you kidding me?

[GaryG]

I'd certainly start with something smaller, just easier to debug if there's a problem. Maybe one of those cheap kits Maplin do? (dice, sound generators etc). If you like abrasive tones then look for an Atari Punk Console kit (or build one just from the (very simple) schematic if you fancy a challenge )

If you're serious about this then maybe a decent book could help, I had a flick through the Make: Electronics book (http://www.makershed.com/Make_Electroni ... /mkbk2.htm) and it seems a good fun intro to all things electronic. There's a Dummies guide around too that ain't too shabby.

[jupiter8]

You could probably pick it up in half an hour. I'm not even kidding,it isn't that much to learn.

Are you kidding me?

Nope. There aren't that much to learn actually. Obviously you wouldn't be any good after half an hour but the basic skills doesn't really take longer.

I learned soldering by watching a youtube video. Takes some practice and i don't have steady hands but it's pretty simple.

As for components there aren't that many.
Resistors:can go either way (IE doesn't matter which way you put them). Value is described by colored rings. Just google it.

Transistors: 3 legs. You need to know which leg is which. Just check the data sheet which is which.

Capacitors: can go either way (except for electrolytes,they have polarity,get it wrong and they blow up in your face)

ICs: just check the data sheet which way is up. There's usually a notch there i believe.

Diodes: 2 legs. Electricity goes one way but not the other. Obviously you need them the right way around.

What else is there ?

You need to be really really careful and methodical and if you do something wrong (which is what you try to avoid by being careful and methodical) you'll have a hard time in the beginning but it gets easier.

The basic skills takes no time to learn but to get skilled and understanding what the circuit actually does takes years.

You probably would want to start with something simpler though. On the other hand a kit like that isn't actually harder just more ways to mess up.

[vurt]

can you solder?
ever built a lego or meccano model, following the given instructions and had it come out like the picture on the box?

Yes.

But I have read that it can become very complex, especially if trying to be original.

well, yes, to be original you may want some deeper knowledge.
but that comes under designing your own circuits, not following someone elses design.

[earlevel]

Hi,

I was wondering how long it would take to build up enough knowledge in electronics to build something like this:

http://www.musicfromouterspace.com/anal ... page1.html#

Part of it is just having the patience to put together a kit (model car, Ikea furniture...), and part is learning how to solder. Be sure to buy a quality soldering iron. It's not matter of just being hot—it's easy enough to fry semiconductors or lift trades with out-of-control heat. Beyond that, it's mainly a matter of learning how to heat up things up enough to bond the solder, and not get cold solder joints by blobbing it on. Do yourself a favor and get good wire stripper and a clipper and something to hold the board (and leave you with a hand for solder and hand for the iron without the target moving around on you).

A good iron will last a long time. I made a mountain of modular synth kits, kit amps, my circuit boards, etc. 20-40 years ago. It's been mostly software since, but right now the same old Weller WTCPN is fired up for the last wiring of a little circuit board I made yesterday to adapt a foot pedal to MIDI control...

[ghettosynth]

I'd certainly start with something smaller, just easier to debug if there's a problem.

This is really the crux of the matter. If all goes well, it takes very little knowledge. The knowledge becomes important when you are trying to figure out what went wrong and the skill matters when you are trying to undo mistakes.

[whyterabbyt]

Rather a coincidence...

http://m.matrixsynth.com/2013/01/make-a ... ilson.html

[vurt]

With this book, you'll learn:
The differences between analog and digital synthesizers