Serge Quad Voltage Controlled Amplifier 101 base assembly.

This module is a variation on the Serge Quad Voltage Controlled Amplifier (QCA) module, and can be configured to work for several other Serge designs such as the Universal Equal-Power Audio Processor (UPAP).

From the 1982 Serge catalog:

The QUAD VOLTAGE CONTROLLED AMPLIFIER (QCA) employs four high quality VCA's. Each VCA has one input suitable for DC control voltages to control the overall amplitude of the audio input signal. Envelope generators or sequencers are normally patched to this input. A second control voltage input is ideal for amplitude modulating signals. This input has less dynamic range than the other input and normally oscillators or other control voltages are patched to this input for simultaneous modulation and gating functions. A mixed output of all four VCA's is also included, so that the QCA can be used as a four-in/one-out voltage controlled mixer with independent level control for each input. A unity gain input is used to bus other QCA's together to form mixers of eight, twelve or more input channels.

A little on how it works:

The schematic for Serge Quad Voltage Controlled Amplifier module.

Construction

The component overlay for the VER1.0 PCB. Click here for an enlarged, printable version. Print at 300dpi.

The CGS101 QCA uses four CGS108 Serge Gain Cells as it's voltage controlled elements. Refer to the CGS108 page for construction details. The boards are built exactly as per that page. They should be the last things you install on the CGS101 PCB.

Before you start assembly, check the board for etching faults. Look for any shorts between tracks, or open circuits due to over etching. Take this opportunity to sand the edges of the board if needed, removing any splinters or rough edges.

When you are happy with the printed circuit board, construction can proceed as normal, starting with low profile components such as resistors and diodes first, followed by successively taller components.

Take particular care with the orientation of the polarized components, such as ICs, electrolytics, diodes, and transistors.

When inserting the ICs in their sockets, if used, take care not to accidentally bend any of the pins under the chip. Also, make sure the notch on the chip is aligned with the notch marked on the PCB overlay.

The unit will run on either +/-12 volts or +/-15 volts.

The first time you power it up, I would suggest you do so with 22 ohm resistors in series with the positive and negative power rails. This should save the chips if you have made a blunder.

On the CGS101 VER1.0 PCB there are some corrections required.

• Four 5k6 resistors need to be installed on the rear of the PCB. Each resistor goes between pins 7 (CV) and 8 (0V) of one of the CGS108 submodules.
• If you are installing CGS102 Equal Power Panner submodules, two connections to each CGS102B submodule need to be reversed. Fortunately this can be done entirely on the rear of the PCB by cutting the tracks in the areas shown in light green on the diagram below. After some solder mask is scraped from the remaining track stubs, (shown in copper below) six links can be added. The four links shown in blue can actually be replaced with two short lengths of component wire offcuts. The two links shown in purple are best if done with insulated wire as they pass over other pads.
• If you are installing CGS102 Equal Power Panner submodules, two wires need to be connected to pads directly below the submodules. See the diagram for details.

Modifications required on the rear of the CGS101 VER1.0 PCB. Click here for an enlarged version.

Heat shrink tube was wrapped around the transistors to assist with temperature stability.

PAD ID	Function
W	0V power connection
X	+12V power connection
Z	-12V power connection

Set Up

There should be no setup required, other than to set the trimmers on the CGS108 PCBs as described on that page.

Notes:

• 330R refers to 330 ohms. 100n = 0.1 uF.
• The module will work on +/-12 volts or +/-15 volts.
• PCB info: 6" x 2" with 3mm mounting holes 0.15" in from the edges.
• Please e-mail me if you find any errors.

Resistors (1% metal film) 330Ω 8 5.6k 4 82k 4 100k 37 RPD. Use 100k 6 220k 4 100k lin pot 4 Capacitors 82pF ceramic 4 220nF (=0.22uF) 4 10uF 25Velectrolytic 2 Semi's TL074 1 Misc. Ferrite Bead 2 MTA-156 connector 4Pin 1 MTA-156 header 4Pin 1 CGS108 submodule 4 CGS101 VER1.0 PCB set 1

Parts list

This is a guide only. Parts needed will vary with individual constructor's needs.

If anyone is interested in buying these boards, please check the PCBs for Sale page to see if I have any in stock.

Can't find the parts? See the parts FAQ to see if I've already answered the question. Also see the CGS Synth discussion group.

Article, art & design copyright 2013 by Ken Stone

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