Panels
Synthasystem Home
Introduction
This page has the FPD files and PDF files which present a suggestion for Euro (adaptable to Frac) panels for the Synthasystem modules. As much as I could, I adhered to the original panel layouts since the size Nyle used was close to a Euro size and the use of "Tiny-Jax" 1/8 inch jacks. I purposely chose to use multiples of 7HP (see below) so that the modules could fit nicely in a standard 84HP wide rack. The results is that most panels are very close to the original, but some (notably the Selective Inverter) had to be re-done in order to preserve the width choice. I can say I have ordered and assembled most of these and they work well. Please make sure you have the latest panel files. I do update them as I build the prototypes and at least one, the Trigger Converter, has gone through some major revisions since the fist one was uploaded.
I'm using FrontPanelExpress (Schaffer) to do my panels. A bit on teh pricey side, but I'm very pleased with the results. I'm not infilling the engravings since I like the bare metal look. Here is a link to the FrontPanelExpress website where you can download their software.
Original
The original Synthasystem modules used a smaller format than Moog. They were multiples of 1.75 inches wide and 5.75 inches tall, very close to the Euro/Frac format. Nyle used 1/8 inch Switchcraft jacks. The pots were full size. The first panels were a hand rubbed aluminum.
Later, the panels were black anodized.
Here is a list taken from the Synthasystem owner's manual:
Module Width in inches
VCO "A" 7
VCO "B" 3.5
VCO "C" 1.75
VCF 3.5
Noise 1.75
Balanced Modulator 1.75
Input Amp 1.75
VC Trigger Generator 3.5
Dual Sample and Hold 1.75
Triple EG 7
VCA/Mixer 3.5
Tuner/Monitor 1.75
Keyboard/Power 3.5
Sequencer 12.25
Peak Selector 3.5
Voltage Processor 3.5
Dual Voltage Follower 1.75
Frequency Divider 7
Phase Shifter 1.75
Selective Inverter 3.5
New
The new panels are first being designed in Euro size, but should be adaptable to Frac without too much trouble. Most of my other modular is Frac, so I'm very sympathetic. I'm also realistic and know there are more people using and moving towards the Euro standard than Frac.
I choose to use multiples of 7HP for these panels. It is close enough to the original to allow me to very closely follow the original layouts, but a good size to mix and match modules and fill a standard 84HP rack.
1HP is 1/5 inch, or 5.08mm.
Module Width in HP
VCO "A" 28
VCO "B" 14
VCO "C" N/A
VCF 14
Noise 7
Balanced Modulator 7
Input Amp 7
VC Trigger Generator 14
Dual Sample and Hold 7
Triple EG 28
VCA/Mixer 14
Tuner/Monitor 7
Keyboard/Power N/A
Sequencer 56
Peak Selector 7
Voltage Processor 7
Dual Voltage Follower 7
Frequency Divider 28
Phase Shifter 7
Selective Inverter 14
Knobs
I choose a couple of Alco phenolic knobs for the panels. They are a good match to what was on the original, but smaller so better suited to the slightly smaller panels and slightly tighter fit.
19mm with a skirt - PKES60B1/4
16mm no skirt (for minor adjusting knobs, like Fine Frequency) - PKE60B1/4
Switches
Use a good miniature toggle, push button switch.
SPDT - Mountain 108-1MS1T1B1M1QE-EVX
DPDT - Mountain 108-0010-EVX
SPDT Push Button - NKK 633-MB201101-RO (You also need to buy a plastic button).
Rotary - Electroswitch C5P0112N-A which is adjustable up to 12 throws. Mouser number is: 690-C5P0112N-A
Jacks
I'm using the Switchcraft 42A Tini-Jax with a normally closed switch. They work with 1/8 inch cables and 3.5 mm cables. You can use what ever 3.5 mm jack fits.
Pots
For the most part, I'm using the Alpha 16 mm pots. It's the 313 series. For a Mouser order, a 25k pot is 313-1000-25k. Pretty easy.
The Sequencer uses a Panasonic pot. I've only seen them at Digi-Key. They had a pretty good stock last I checked.
Digi-Key P/N - P3G7503-ND
Panasonic P/N - EVU-F2MFL3B54
The caveat here is the original design and schematic call out 25k Pots. The Panasonic pots don't come in 25k. The closest is 50k. Nyle and I tested 50k and they work fine.
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