[BUILD] - CGS Euro Modules

clarke68 · Post by **clarke68** » Wed Nov 23, 2011 2:35 am

A thread for people who are building out my CGS Euro Panels, or really anyone who's doing CGS PCBs in Euro. Post questions, post pictures, share tips, share parts...we're all in this together!

These panels are all sold out, however I am now taking orders for another run of a few them here, and am actively checking interest for the rest here.

The knobs I used for my builds (all the photos below) are from Jameco. Obviously you can use any knobs you want, but it will help if you get the size close. Sizes and Jameco part #s are:

small - 0.55" - 136241
medium - 19.8mm - 264990
large (on MSU only) - 33.3mm - 264946

clarke68 · Post by **clarke68** » Wed Nov 23, 2011 2:35 am

MSU

This panel uses the following PCBs:
CGS29 - Wave Multiplier
CGS35 - Synthacon VCF
CGS77 - Serge '73 VCF

Panel parts, for easier copy/pasting:

Alpha 16mm Potentiometer, solder terminals
SmallBear - 1005A
Mouser - 313-1000F
Jameco - 286302

Kobiconn 3.5mm Phone Connectors
Mouser - 16PJ138

3/16" Standoff
Mouser - 534-1895
Jameco - 133656

clarke68 · Post by **clarke68** » Wed Nov 23, 2011 2:36 am

Quad Slope

This panel uses 2 CGS114 PCBs.

Note that building out CGS114 is a tad rough...it wasn't intended to become a mainstream PCB (but has caught on for obvious reasons). As such, it doesn't have a proper power connector, and the overall panel wiring isn't quite a clear as some of Ken's other projects. Everything you need to know is at the link above (and I've tried to help with this build guide), it just takes a little more brain power to figure it all out.

That said, if you want an easier time (and don't mind spending twice the money for twice the number of PCBs) you might consider building 4 CGS75 instead.

Panel parts, for easier copy/pasting:

Alpha 16mm Potentiometer, solder terminals
SmallBear - 1005A
Mouser - 313-1000F
Jameco - 286302

Kobiconn 3.5mm Phone Connectors
Mouser - 16PJ138

3/16" Standoff
Mouser - 534-1895
Jameco - 133656

3mm LED Lens
Mouser - 593-2000C (note that the letter at the end is the color of the lens. "C" stands for clear, my build above uses "B" blue)

SP3T Toggle Switch
Mouser - 633-M202402-RO

clarke68 · Post by **clarke68** » Wed Nov 23, 2011 2:37 am

West Coast Mini Synth

Note that, even though it's not shown here, you must use a bracket to mount the PCBs to the West Coast Mini Synth panel.

The West Coast Mini Synth uses the following PCBs:

2 CGS48 - VCO
2 CGS64 - VCA
CGS67 - Active Real Ring Mod
CGS114 - DUSG
CGS04 - Mixer

Panel parts, for easier copy/pasting:

Alpha 16mm Potentiometer, solder terminals
SmallBear - 1005A
Mouser - 313-1000F
Jameco - 286302

Alpha Single-Gang 9mm Potentiometer, PC Mount
SmallBear - 1012
Mouser - 311-1902F

Kobiconn 3.5mm Phone Connectors
Mouser - 16PJ138

3/16" Standoff
Mouser - 534-1895
Jameco - 133656

3mm LED Lens
Mouser - 593-2000C (note that the letter at the end is the color of the lens. "C" stands for clear, my build above uses "B" blue)

SP3T Toggle Switch
Mouser - 633-M202402-RO

clarke68 · Post by **clarke68** » Wed Nov 23, 2011 2:37 am

Funky Drummer

Functionally equivalent to the left half of Zthee's SWAMP panel, this panel uses the following PCBs:

CGS13
CGS36
CGS31

Panel parts:

Alpha 16mm Potentiometer, solder terminals
SmallBear - 1005A
Mouser - 313-1000F
Jameco - 286302

Alpha Single-Gang 9mm Potentiometer, PC Mount
SmallBear - 1012
Mouser - 311-1902F

Kobiconn 3.5mm Phone Connectors
Mouser - 16PJ138

3/16" Standoff
Mouser - 534-1895
Jameco - 133656

3mm LED Lens
Mouser - 593-2000C (note that the letter at the end is the color of the lens. "C" stands for clear, my build above uses "B" blue)

Pulse Divider Reset - Mouser #633-FB15ANEP2
Note actual part number is 633-FB15ANEP2-xy, where x is the size (F = small, H = large) and y is the color (C = red, A = black, B = white) of the button cap. This part is pretty critical, as the hole in the panel is specifically sized for this switch. Good quality switch, tho...tested to 50k cycles.

Gated Comparator Manual Loop/Load - Mouser #633-M201901-RO
There are probably other switches that will fit here, just be sure you get one that's ON - OFF - (ON)

Digital Noise Clock & Gated Comparator Loop Enable - most any SPDT ON - ON will work, the mounting holes are 0.25 in. which seems typical. I used part #317236 from Jameco.

fonik · Post by **fonik** » Wed Nov 23, 2011 2:51 am

these look nice!

clarke68 · Post by **clarke68** » Wed Nov 23, 2011 3:15 am

Mounting PCBs to the Panel

On all the panels except for the West Coast Mini Synth you can mount the PCBs directly to the panel...the mounting holes are sized to fit the standard (6" x 2") CGS PCB. This is the MSU:

But why do it like that when all the cool kids are using brackets!?!

Brackets are easy to make. These are made from 1/2" aluminum L-brackets, available at any hardware store, easily cut with a hack saw to 4.25 inches. Note that you don't need L-brackets, just about any metal strip will do. I drill mine with a hand drill. Let me know if anyone needs a step-by-step on doing this:

I want to reiterate that you must use brackets with the West Coast Mini Synth. For all the others it's an option. You wouldn't want all those boards sticking out anyway! Check it out:

Note that these are the brackets I made a few months ago as a test, before I even had the actual panels in hand. Check out how sloppy they are:

...and yet it still fits (with a little cajoling) into the rack. Also note that this is a Tiptop Audio Happy Ending kit...with brackets, even the Mini Synth is borderline skiff-friendly!

You can do this!

clarke68 · Post by **clarke68** » Wed Nov 23, 2011 3:17 am

fonik wrote:
these look nice!

Thanks man!

Pfurmel · Post by **Pfurmel** » Wed Nov 23, 2011 3:42 am

fonik wrote:
these look nice!

They sure do. Excellent work clarke.

lazerkind · Post by **lazerkind** » Wed Nov 23, 2011 6:41 am

Great mounting guide Clarke

Looking forward to hear a heavy "clunk!" in my mailbox any day now.

fate · Post by **fate** » Wed Nov 23, 2011 6:58 am

did you make the angled aluminum pieces that go on the standoffs?

keninverse · Post by **keninverse** » Wed Nov 23, 2011 9:37 am

Sweet looking panels...I LOVE the design of these. I have to say you have quite a knack for designing the layout. Easy to read = easy to patch. Cannot wait to start building.

clarke68 · Post by **clarke68** » Wed Nov 23, 2011 11:45 am

Thanks guys! Really glad you dig the panels. Of all the aspects of SDIY, I actually enjoy panel design the most...it's thrilling for me that more people get to use these panels.

fate wrote:did you make the angled aluminum pieces that go on the standoffs?

I did. I made them from 1/2" L-bracket...available at any hardware store. It doesn't have to be L-bracket, just a flat piece of aluminum will work. Mark the holes and drill by hand. I'm going to post a few more pictures in the post above later on today.

clarke68 · Post by **clarke68** » Wed Nov 23, 2011 11:47 am

If you're building a Quad Slope or a West Coast Mini Synth, Mongo posted a DUSG "review" over at Electro-Music...it has some really great tips on working with this board, check it out:

http://electro-music.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=50674

lukas412 · Post by **lukas412** » Wed Nov 23, 2011 11:53 am

wow these looks so amazing. really wish i would have gotten in on these. nice work!

clarke68 · Post by **clarke68** » Wed Nov 23, 2011 12:00 pm

really wish i would have gotten in on these. nice work!

You can if you want! I have extras. Send me a PM!

jenamu6 · Post by **jenamu6** » Wed Nov 23, 2011 12:16 pm

Could these panels and designs be easily bananafied?

lukas412 · Post by **lukas412** » Wed Nov 23, 2011 1:28 pm

lukas412 wrote:wow these looks so amazing. really wish i would have gotten in on these. nice work!

PM'd!

dude · Post by **dude** » Wed Nov 23, 2011 1:32 pm

gorgeous

SMS303 · Post by **SMS303** » Wed Nov 23, 2011 2:01 pm

jenamu6 wrote:Could these panels and designs be easily bananafied?

That should be possible, imo ....

Jean will you build them or ..... ???
If you're not...
I'm still busy with 2 Best of CGS BOG's & MARSH...
I can put them in my backlog if you pay enough

RealDudes · Post by **RealDudes** » Wed Nov 23, 2011 2:08 pm

Can we see a pick of the completed backside of one of these beauties? they look

jenamu6 · Post by **jenamu6** » Wed Nov 23, 2011 2:28 pm

SMS303 wrote:
jenamu6 wrote:Could these panels and designs be easily bananafied?
That should be possible, imo ....

Jean will you build them or ..... ???
If you're not...
I'm still busy with 2 Best of CGS BOG's & MARSH...
I can put them in my backlog if you pay enough

Paying you to screw up components and a PCB?

Me thinks.....NO!!!

SMS303 · Post by **SMS303** » Wed Nov 23, 2011 2:30 pm

jenamu6 wrote:Paying you to screw up components and a PCB?
Me thinks.....NO!!!

!LOL!

In Casper we TRUST!

clarke68 · Post by **clarke68** » Wed Nov 23, 2011 3:22 pm

RealDudes wrote:Can we see a pick of the completed backside of one of these beauties? they look

I just updated the "PCB Mounting" post on the first page with these (and a few other) photos:

That's as far as I've gotten in my builds. At this point, I expect some of the other guys will have boards populated and modules screaming before I do...keep your eye on this thead!

RealDudes · Post by **RealDudes** » Wed Nov 23, 2011 3:28 pm

they look like architecture models

MOD WIGGLER

MOD WIGGLER

[BUILD] - CGS Euro Modules

[BUILD] - CGS Euro Modules

CGS MSU

Quad Slope

West Coast Mini Synth

Funky Drummer

PCB Mounting