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TTSH Release rev.3

TTSH Release rev.3

Feb 20, 2024


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This guide is complete yet ( last update on 18.Jan.2017)

please check my rev.2 build guide and hardcorebuildguide, gatebooster pages, that gives you more infos and knowledge.

the TTSH project isn`t for beginners !

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Table of Contents

Trusted Builders:

Name

Region

Contact

 

Name

Region

Contact

 

Fuzzbass

USA

fuzzbass "at" verizon.net

 

Elmigel

USA

Pete.hartman "at" gmail.com

 

Dave.H

USA

ishkabbible "at" gmail.com

 

LED-man

Europe/worldwide

check my Impressum

 

Schematics:

http://thehumancomparator.net/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/TTSHv3Schematics.pdf

 

you find the known erros/issues in "the tabs on top"

rev.3 Build Guide

This guide is for users with experience in SDIY, you need a scope and a frequency counter, DMM/DVM/LCR-Meter)

i dont share infos about polarity of capacitors, this basics skills are required, otherwise feel free to ask me for a assembly service. (check the trusted builder list)

please use a fume extractor.

its needed to solder 6 SMT caps in 0805 format and 2 SMT power regulators.

this guide is a best practice guide, i´m not responsible for failures/malfunctions/defects.

 

  1. lets start with the powersupply board - add all needed parts on the pcb, start with the two SMT power regulators.
    there is one missing part (a dual choke) - please use wire links here or resistor legs
    turn the 2 pol MTA header as described in the picture
    if needed - wash the pcb carfully on the solderside
    testing/trimming: use a 18-24V DC powersupply for input and set the output to 15V/-15V by usage of the both trimmers
    measure between -V and 0  and +V and 0



  2. Mainboard PCB - place all IC-Sockets ( tin one ic socket from top, place the ic socket and heat the ic socket pin - the socket drop in place
    on the rear side of the PCB is for the LED driver a ic socket - we dont use this one - don't solder a ic-socket here ! see step14

  3. best practise - begin with the "most use values" and end with the value range Mainboard PCB - start with 100K resistors, 10K, 1K, 1M, 100R (reverb), 10R (Amp) 10M (top right)
    if done - 47k, 4k7, 470K, 4M7, –   22K, 220K, 220R, 2M2, 33K, 3M3, 330K... — 30K1, 680R, 68K, 68K1, 680K...  ..... and all other
    please remember: on solderside are few resistors too - on VCO 4027 boards and filter boards too - its your choice to leave it for later or assembly it yet too (i prefer later)

  4. Mainboard PCB - place all rectifiers 1N4148

  5. solder from top all parts

  6. cut the resistor and rectifier legs from bottom side

  7. place all MLCC caps and solder from top

  8. place all polyester/polypropylene caps - bend the legs from top

  9. add all transistors in place and solder one pin from top -(except the 2N3954, both 2N3958 - if you cant test this, use a milled IC-socket and cut the pins out - use this as socket)

  10. turn the pcb and solder all pins. (no switches, no fader, no jacks, no pot, no trimmers)

  11. you find on solderside few resistors - but take a look at step 14 - you don´t need the 3 resistors for the LED driver ( LEDs works too)

  12. wash the pcb 2-3 times if needed, i use Ispopropylen alcohole
    - make a breaktime/pause yet - the pcb needs time to dry

  13. if you don't need a break time/pause - assembly the filterboards and 3 VCO 4027 boards - wash the pcbs too, make sure you use flat 10uF electrolyte capacitors, use c0g, polypropylen or silvamica for the 680pF cap,  don`t mount the connectionsheaders yet

  14. on the PCB solder side, there is ic socket for the LED driver (near the multiples) its needed to bridge with a resistor leg the middle pins
    on TTSH V2 and V3, you can easily modify the LED system so as to trim the LEDs all the way of off. Replace the 3k3 resistor located next to the TL071 pads to a jumper.  Tested. 

  15. Mainboard pcb: its time to add all other parts on the pcb -  i prefer multiturn trimmers for the VCO V/oct trimmers  20K or 25K, but remember this can´t mounted on the frontpanel pcb side due to sizing, you have to open your TTSH for trimming the VCOs,   begin with trimmers, faders - for faders keep attention on correct pcb side,  best practice for faders:  turn the pcb upwards on your desk add 4 faders in place, one hand holds the faders with other hand bend the faderpins with a flat screwdriver,  solder all faders,  add the Gain pot on top and solder them.

  16. add the header/sockets for VCOs, Filtercard - best practice: mount each header in socket - put them in place on the pcb - add the vco pcb on top and solder at first on top (sub vco pcb to header)  not the header to mainboard pcb.
    then start the soldertask for the other side.

  17. check on your pcb other parts:  you need to assembly few 2pol, 5pol MTA headers (gate/trigger/power) solder in the RCA jack for reverb (see known issues for wrong silkscreen), you have to add a 3 pol MTA header to powering the optional Gatebooster and/or TTSH sync board , on each section you find 6 pol holes.

  18. now its nearly done - doublecheck all solderpoints, missing resistors,caps..

  19. add the 13x 12mm spacers for speaker to pcb, dont fix it very strong - we need to align this in step 22

  20. you find on the pcb on left bottom near the speaker hole switch adapter pcbs, cut them out and place they behind the switches

  21. setup all 81jacks in place, don`t solder the jacks yet

  22. place the frontpanel on the pcb/spacers - fix it with screws - if needed align the spacers

  23. add on each corner a washer and nut to a jack and at the bottom/near of the voltageprocessor

  24. at this time you need four hands if possible.. to turn the pcb without loosing jacks

  25. solder at first the jacks from step 21

  26. check the switch positions, align it and solder 1-2 pins (middle pins), check again the positions, if needed correct it.

  27. if the alignment of all parts are fine, solder all switches and jacks

  28. if needed clean with eartips and isopropylene the solderpoints of silder/switches/jacks

  29. add the 3 VCO 4027 modules and one filtercard in place.

  30. time for wiring: speaker wiring/headphone,

  31. unmount the panel,  add 3 long spacers (20-50mm to the 3 holes near voltage processor - the stands are used for the powersupply yet - mount the psu pcb on top), remount the panel

  32. wire the power-switch between + line and the powersupply pcb input

for power between power supply and mainboard  - double-check the polarity,

rev.3 Quick build guide ( thanks to @Anthony A Flagg (Unlicensed)  aka fuzzbass)

this guide is only for builders with TTSH experience, dont try it if you build a TTSH before, the guide contains a BOM with partnumbers too.

V3 quick build bom.xlsx  (right click to "save as")

TTSH Trimming - calibration

Troubleshooting knowledge

i ran in some difficult errors in some TTSHs, here are my experiences

for unknown issues/Errors check this page: useful Documentation for Troubleshooting

 

Knowledge number

symptom

Probable error source

Probability of occurrence

pre check

testing

workaround

fix

lessons learned

Knowledge number

symptom

Probable error source

Probability of occurrence

pre check

testing

workaround

fix

lessons learned

TTSH-1

VCO bleed (usage of frequency slider from one OSC influenced other VCOs frequency

or

Frequency range isn´t good enough

or

screaming VCO - weird frequency / instable Frequency

LFO/VCO switch (LF switch)

80%

insert a stable v/oct signal

(doublecheck with other devices your v/oct signal)

press/push/wiggle the LF switch,

if you hear or measure a better result ->

 

heat up the 6 switch pins

normally a resolder/heatup fix the issue

 

the switch pins must be soldered with other soldercore or better heated/other solder tip.

TTSH-2

all Slider LEDs are off

Trimmer, LED Driver

 

turn on the frontpanel (left hand) the LED trimmer clockwise,

check on the frontpanel side on the empty IC socket next that you bridged pin 6+7 and no IC is plugged inside the socket.

if not fixed: measure on the 5 pole powerheader all voltages

n/a

 

 

dont forget the jumper/bridge on pin 6-7

TTSH-3

few Slider LEDs are off

Trimmer, LED Driver

50%

turn on the frontpanel (left hand) the LED trimmer clockwise,

the TTSH LEDs are connected in 6? chains and in each chain are all slider LEDs in series -

so you must check the correct LED polarisation (you can see the cathode/anode without demounting)

 

 

swap the LED to correct orientation

dont trust machines/roboter

TTSH-4

all VCOs dont work

VCO 4027 boards

10%

are the VCO subboards correct mounted ? (check the board connectors)

are the CA3046 ICs inside ?

check the soldering of the board connectors

 

 

 

solder all VCO conenctor pins before mounting the silders, add the CA3046 while mounting the connectors to the subboards

TTSH-5

cant get a VCO sine wave in trimming/calibration process.

(you get only a triangle)

VCO-2 section

80%

check OP-amp orientation

check J-FET (2N3954) instead 2N3958

oscilloscope shows at the TRI out a Triangle - if not fix it before.

 

 

check the symmetry at first for the triangle,

use gain to setup 10v

then use the offset to bend the triangle spikes - they must form a corner in combination with purity.

setup again 10v.

its not a easy job - try it again - the trick is the combination of offset and gain not the purity !

 

before you swap the 2N3954 try other ways as before by trimming the 4 trimmers , many guys swapped the working jfets..

TTSH-6

ttsh works as a drone synth (by usage of cv/gate - the ttsh plays  always sound instead of note on/off control)

 

80%

check your silder settings -

at the VCA output mixer - only VCA output instead of VCF or VCF and VCF.

 

 

 

read the usermanual

TTSH-7

by usage of the reverb function, a hum/noise occurs

 

80

see known issues - in/out silksceen is wrong

check your noise is off

check the wiring

 

 

use double or triple shielded cable with good RCA connectors, not the Synthcube cable "solution"

the reverb distance must around 10cm or more from pcb to minimize the risk of EMV to the tank.

check the grounding of signal input in the reverb, input and output must be grounded.

check the cable with a rectifier test, check the soldering of the RCA connectors on the ttsh pcb.

make sure you have the correct reverb type (grounding and impedance)

reverbs are very sensitive for EMV*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TTSH-8

ADSR Release time opens the VCA and at 20fader way, the releasetime is too long

 

50

check all parts for correct value, check my pictures subpage

 

 

replace the 2N5460 or 2N4392

test all trannys before soldering

TTSH-9

sound from speakers - without OSCs enabled/installed

 

30

if the 10R resistors in the Amplifiers are hot or the MJE172 are hot, check the orientation of the MJE172 - the unlabeled side is at the white marker from the PCB.

AND

you have a short or defect opamp on your TTSH, which blows your MJE172 and the 10R resistors within 30seconds.

you have to use a Bench power supply with current limiter, otherwise you freeze again the MJE172.

you can cut at the 1UF elks the 6 pol power header - and connect it later with PC jumpers or use resistors legs to bridge the -15715V rails.

 

 

 

TTSH-10

power separation - in case of POWER FAILURES or shorts 

 

 

use a Labor bench with current limiter.

 

separate the Sections, by cutting the traces. 

 

TTSH-11

reverb doesn't work BL2AB3C1B

 

 

 

connect a cable from the black cable from left to the black cable on right side

 

 

 

Best Practise:

 

ID

TIP

reason

ID

TIP

reason

1

when you have finished the build, move 2-3 times every slider

often the sliders cause some issues, they hang - only when you have moved the sliders 2-3 times they start to normal work

2

use Anti Rotating washers for the 5 nuts at the component side of the PCB

 

3

do not trust every information regarding an audio path upgrade or subs. for the LM301

you can always use: LM101, LM201 too - they have a better temp. stability than a LM301

they are also available in SMD package and works great.

if you want an audio path upgrade, contact me and you get an offer. I do not share my secrets because some companies copy this ideas for his cheap clones.

I spend few days and a lot of money in testing different opamps (which mostly need addional part changes on the pcb)

4

MODIFICATION

"Essential"

Gatebooster Mod.

VCF decoupling 1uF or more

 

"my standard"

Essential plus:

Electronic switch mod

AR MOD

ADSR Switch

Audiopath upgrade

1% matched capacitors in VCF

1% 680pF Styrene in VCO

High temp. drift OPamps in VCO

 

Highend:

Essiontial plus "my standard" plus:

 

Waveshaper MOD with subosc.

some additional part changes -  PSU passive cooling blocks

Balanced driver with XLR

 

5

why not install the MIDI mod ??

you have a half modular system - a intern MIDI gives you only the option to connect internal 2 CV connections.

if you use a Kenton MIDI Standalone Interface (PRO SOLO MK2 or 3 etc ) - you can  patch to every jack you want ! like the Ringmodulator or VCA etc...

 

 

6

why not install the VCO SYNC option ?

the mod isn't very easy for beginners or amateurs, the most users have problems with soft sync (when the SYNC is off) and many users blown the VCO SUB boards Transistors, which are not easy to replace. ( I have spare pcbs ) and if you install the Waveshaper board your risk of some VCO/EMV bleeds  are bigger than before.

 

The main reason is the sound, there's not a big difference in sound between a Ring MOD sound and a SYNC sound (in the arp2600)

check also the rev.3 buildguide pictures with HQ pictures ( thank you @Björn Verbruggen (Unlicensed))

 

 

Stats

 

 

 

 

Power wiring for TTSH rev.3


This page contains hi-res pictures of the build process. More will be added while build continues ...

shared by Björn Verbruggen (Unlicensed) and me.


for more details click on the picture, please respect the copyright - please ask before share on other websites, for private usage only.

Unpopulated PCB Pictures

(download the picture and open it local)

PSU

 

You should bridge the connections for the choke, and reverse the dc in connector. (notice this is another connector, not the one stated in the BOM)

Mainboard

Preamplifier/ Ringmod

VCO-1

VCO-2

VCO-3

VCO4027

VCF/Mixer

ADSR/AR

VCA

Mixer

Reverb

Amplifiers

 

S/H


Voltage Processor

Noise

Filtercards

4012 Filter

 

Notice the LM301 is soldered directly to the pcb. However you should use IC sockets.

There are 2 things to keep in mind:

 Click here to expand...
  • The BC558B needs to be mounted backwards (flat side of the transistor faces round side of the pcb print):

  • You have to swap 2 pins of the 3958 - use insulation:


4072 Filtercard







as stated above, the project is NOT for beginners

nearly all professional builders have standard resistor and capacitor values at home (if the BOM miss a few standard parts like a 100K resistor)

Synthcube left fullkits and partial kits

BOM as Excellist:

 BOM-list-TTSH REV8-v1.3.xlsx   (the lists includes all parts. (update 18.january 2017 approved section added)



The shared mouser basket from thehumancomparator is wrong (22.Dec.2016)
(this Mouser basket was provided in the 'order' eMail)


https://www.mouser.de/ProjectManager/ProjectDetail.aspx?AccessID=234c0 9ed60   old  link from Jon

http://www.mouser.com/ProjectManager/ProjectDetail.aspx?AccessID=6CEDD31990  new Mouser link from me, improved see notice field for quantity "order 10"



order the 100K resistors, 2N3906, 2N3904, 1N4148 from a local dealer to save money, make sure the 2N3904/2N3904 is from tape - for better transistor value matching.

dont miss to order the parts for the gatebooster too.
 



ttshv2BOM.pdf (mainboard pcb)  - i update the list in next 2 days. (remove the above listed SMT chokes and replace with chokes from SecondFilter_BOM)

4027v2BOM.pdf (vco boards)

TTSHrev3_SecondFilter_BOMv1.1.pdf (filter board)  please use matched pairs 4 pairs of 2N5087 and only matched pairs for 2N3906/2N3904 (exept the single trannys)



 

use 3x 20k or 25k multiturn trimmer http://www.tme.eu/de/details/3339p-1-203lf/tht-potentiometer-mehrere-umdreh-516/bourns/ for V/OCT trimmer in the VCOs, this type works as a drop in replacement and gives you more room for a better calibration.

(there´s no need to mount it from the component pcb side as standard multiturn trimmer due to issues with the sizing behind the panel and pcb)

 

In TTSH V2 and V3, you can easily modify the LED system so as to trim the LEDs all the way of off. Replace the 3k3 resistor located next to the TL071 pads to a jumper.  Tested by fuzzbass - thank you.

for the rare parts, please check thonk.co.uk or my own page ( i offer 2N5087 matched pairs too)

if you need matched pair trannys or single tested trannys like 2N3954/8 or others, please contact me.

further i offer a survival kit



dont miss to order (if you only use the mouser basket)

Speakers: Visaton SC8 (reichelt.de, tme.eu)

reverb tank https://www.banzaimusic.com/Belton-RBL2AB3C1B.html  see known issues for wiring 

RCA/Chinch cable 0,5m - 1m (double or triple isolated/shielded otherwise you gets hum issues)

DC Powersupply  12V DC/1,5A - 24V/1A DC works, middle pin is + (5,5mm/2,1mm size)

Cable for Power wiring and Speaker wiring (1mm² diameter for power, 0,5mm² for speaker)

13 x 12mm Spacer M3, black flat Screws for frontpanel, screws for speaker at the rear and spacermounting, washers, nuts, cable shrink, silicon for matched pairs or glue the trannys together

1 x 10mm spacer + washer for filtercard mounting (ignore the second hole for a spacer in VCF section)

 3x long spacers to mount the powersupply  (25mm-50mm preferred to minimize the risk of EMV issues )

Known Issue rev.3

  1. Major Bug: Description:  at the Frontpanel pcb side you find some "VIAs", at the VCO 3 section the jack S/H , VCO2 section the jack ADSR, VCA section the jack Ringmod, has a via with 15V, the metalframe of the jack are connected to ground and you run in a short between ground from the jack and 15V/-15V from the vias.

    check the pcb for VIAs before mounting the jacks. (the following jacks are known for this Bug) but you have to check all 86 jack positions.

    1. Audio input Ring Mod (norm: VCO2sine)
    2. FM input VCO2 (norm: ADSR)
    3. FM input VCO2 (norm: VCO1square)
    4. KBD CV input VCO3
    5. FM input VCO3 (norm: S&H)
    6. KBD CV input VCF
    7. FM input VCF (norm: ADSR)
    8. CLOCK jack in EG section
    9. GATE jack in EG section
    10. Audio input in VCA (norm: RingMod)
    11. Audio input in Final Mixer (norm: VCF) - signal trace runs under two corners

    Solution:  file down the jack at the position of the via (1mm is fine) or cut it down

     



  2. Improvement: Powersupply Board - turn the 2pol MTA156 header if needed - otherwise the power input cable is above the powersupply.    confirmed, its not in every use case needed


  3. Minor Bug:Main board – Missing trace from V- to header. (copyright of picture for thehumancomparator.net ) confirmed

  4. Minor Bug: 4072 VCF missing trace pin 4 on LM1458 to -14V (use shrink tube for isolation) confirmed

  5. Minor Bug: 4012 VCF Board — BC558 must be installed backwards, schematics show Ermitter to 23k2 resistor in rev.7.2 (v3) confirmed

  6. Minor Bug: for all 2N3958 and 2N3954 change 2 pins like this,  cross the both pins - use shrink tubing for one pin for isolation. confirmed




  7. Improvement for build: or the Filtercards use flat electrolyte capacitors, check the height of all parts - if needed use other headers, check this for both Filtercards before you solder the headers, if needed place the 47pf(50pf) MLCC capacitor (on the mainboard) on solderside of the pcb)
    on my first build i used a 10mm spacer but i prefer the usage of 12mm spacers,  (by usage of 2 spacers - its needed to cut on the VCF out jack at the bottom some metal and you need a flat screw,  in result one spacer is enough   )




  8. Minor Bug: by usage of the banzai reverb tank, run in the reverb tank a wire from ground to ground on the RCA connectors to ground output and input


  9. Minor Bug: turn 180degrees on the mainboard the 5pol MTA156 power header, otherwise the power cable is to the wrong side and maybe you run in trouble with your case/cabinet size.

    the picture shows the correct mounting:

  10. Minor Bug/improvement: use a BC337-16 instead 2N5172 in the noise section more Details here (you don't need further mods)