NV

I've been spending a great deal of time recently plotting out a build of the MBFM synthesizer and after progressing slowly but smoothly, I've run into something of a setback - the MBFM PSU. Before I start, I should preface my questions by saying that I've spent a fair amount of time dabbling with DIY projects, but the realm of power supplies has completely evaded me. I've never been in the position to have really dealt with them before, using wallwarts and kits and such instead. Hopefully I can overcome that now. I've spent time combing through the two +/- 12v schematics on the Wiki (http://www.midibox.org/dokuwiki/bipolar_12v_psu?s=psu and http://www.midibox.org/dokuwiki/northernlightx?s=psu ) but I keep running into the same central issue, namely the transformer. Frankly, I'm just having trouble wrapping my head around the whole concept. NorthernLightX's wiki page lays things out in a pretty foolproof manner, but he utilizes a transformer that I cannot find anywhere outside of Reichelt, which brings up another issue - I'm located in the US (110/120V). Because of this (and please correct me if I am wrong) a 220/230V transformer would not work in my situation (not to mention importing from Reichelt would run me near $100 US). However, I cannot seem to find any 2x12V 50VA transformers anywhere in the US. I'm sure there is a very good reason for this, but like I mentioned PSUs are all a very new matter for me. So to try and streamline my ramblings, here are my questions: Would a US transformer (110/120V) work with the NorthernLightX schematic? Same components and layout, just a different transformer? If so, is there a specific transformer that anyone recommends, or a direction that someone may be able to point me in? By using NorthernLightX's PSU, I should have the needs of the MBFM and the additional AOUT module I am planning completely covered, correct? No need for an additional 9V/500mA wallwart as is mentioned in Thorsten's original plans? I sincerely apologize if my questions seem redundant or if they have been answered in detail elsewhere, but I have honestly spent a great deal of time searching for these answers and have had no luck. I may be barking up the completely wrong tree in my research, but either way I am hoping that someone here may be generous enough to point me in the right direction. To all of you who may take the time to help me out, I truly appreciate it. This whole PSU issue has completely halted my progress and I cannot wait to work my way through it. Thank you!

Here's a link to a YouTube video of a x0xb0x with flat LEDs: Not quite the same, but it should give you a very general idea of what an MB6582 would look like with flat LEDs. Keep in mind these are 5mm LEDs on the x0x, so the 3mms won't be quite as "obviously flat."

My chips arrived yesterday evening. Thank you for your work in organizing these chip sets Wilba, it certainly made the process more streamlined to not have to deal with mounds of faulty 15 year old soundcards. By the way, I am in the northwest USA so those of you in the US waiting for chips should likely be receiving them soon.

Even though this thread is already on quite a roll, I figure I might as well voice that I would be very interested in purchasing one of these PCBs, if not several. The idea and execution look phenomenal and I can't even begin to imagine how much more streamlined it will make the whole SEQ building process.

Please place me on the list for one (1) complete kit with PICs. Thank you for your work in organizing this SmashTV, and thank you TK and Wilba for your dedication in creating such masterpieces. I will be looking forward to working with it!