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 Exerciser. This is a small box with all the knobs, inputs and outputs for a single module. You also need a power supply, of course. You can use the Bergfotron power supply but note that AMORE needs +10 V in addition to +-15 V.

You use the Exerciser for testing and troubleshooting your new boards. As the Exerciser is 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 the Exerciser for trimming/calibrating the boards. When all modules are built, you use the Exerciser for calibrating/servicing existing modules. It’s much easier to take a board out and put it in the Exerciser for service than to put the entire synth on the workbench.  In addition, you can use the 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 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.

I'm planning a circuit board for the exerciser but in the meantime you can have a look at 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.