Building the AMORE exerciser
This is the AMORE exerciser with the VCBPF board in operation.
To get started with AMORE modules you should first build the AMORE Starter Kit. This exerciser is a subset of the Starter Kit that does not contain a power supply or signal generator. It can be used as an expander for the Starter Kit and then allows you to run two AMORE modules at the same time. The exerciser is a small box with all the knobs, inputs and outputs for a single module.
You can use the Exerciser or the Starter Kit for testing and troubleshooting your new boards. As they are already tested, you can rule out errors in the pot wiring, and such, when your module isn’t working. This simplifies the process of getting the boards functional. You also use them for trimming/calibrating the boards. When all modules are built, you use the Exerciser or Starter Kit for calibrating/servicing existing modules. It’s much easier to take a board out and put it in the Exerciser or Starter Kit for service than to put the entire synth on the workbench. In addition, you can use the Starter Kit and exerciser with a board of your choise as a full blown module to your modular synthesizer. This is a great way to try out a new module and hear how it sound together with existing modules. You can run the excerciser off the Starter Kit or off your modular synth's PSU if you add a suitable connector to the synth. I use DB-9 connectors for this purpose, which also carry the 1 oct/V keybaord signal and gate signal from the synth.
There is currently no circuit board for the exerciser but here are the schematics. The exerciser doesn't contain a lot of electronics so a circuit board isn't absolutely necessary. You could build the circuits on Veroboard.
The AMORE standard connector
|
Connector pin |
signal |
|
1 |
1 oct/V |
|
2 |
in 1 |
|
3 |
CV 1 |
|
4 |
CV 2 |
|
5 |
CV 3 |
|
6 |
-15 V |
|
7 |
out 1 |
|
8 |
-1 V |
|
9 |
gnd |
|
10 |
key |
|
11 |
bypass 1 |
|
12 |
bypass 2 |
|
13 |
out 2 |
|
14 |
+15 V |
|
15 |
+10 V |
|
16 |
undefined |
|
17 |
in 2 |
|
18 |
CV 4 |
|
19 |
CV 5 |
|
20 |
CV 6 |
The AMORE exerciser with still unpopulated VCBPF board.
The AMORE exerciser gives access to the underside of the board for measurements/troubleshooting while the board is in operation.
My AMORE exerciser is made mostly with loose wiring. I'm planning a circuit board to make the exerciser quicker and easier to build.