Build Instructions

The North Coast Modular Collective Flint Fader is a straight forward Eurorack SynthDIY module build.

It does involve one SMD component and is a good place to get comfortable soldering the small stuff.

On average, we've found it takes about 30 - 60 minutes to complete.

We recommend using thin gauge solder with magnification.

Full Flint Fader Kit

All parts

1. Begin with SMD components. Tin the large pad for the power regulator on the PCB.
   
2. Place the power regulator on the PCB, steady the regulator with tweezers. Use the soldering iron to melt the solder to tack the large foot on the PCB.
   
3. Solder the three smaller legs of the power regulator in place.
   
4. Resolder the large foot of the power regulator to ensure a good connection.
   
5. Tin one of the two pads of each of the SMD capacitors.
   
6. Place the capacitor on the tinned pad, using tweezers and reheat the solder to tack the joint. We've found gentle pressure on the top of the capacitor with tweezers provides a good connection. Solder the other pad in place, then reflow the side that was tacked. Repeat this process for the remaining capacitor.
   
   This is what it should look like when you are finished with the previous steps.
   
7. The next step is to solder the diode. NOTE: The diode has polarity and you'll need to match the white line on the diode with the white line on the PCB.
   
   When you finish, it should look like this:
   
8. We will tackle the voltage direction switch next. The black plastic switch should face the "5v up" marking of the PCB, matching the footprint.
   
   It should look like this when completed:
   
9. Next up is the electrolytic capacitor. NOTE: This capacitor has polarity, so orientation matters. The PCB is marked with a "+" for the positive side of the capacitor. Most likely, your capacitor will be marked with a stripe and a line for the negative side.
   
   Next solder the 5x2 10-pin eurorack power header to the PCB. When complete it should look like this:
   
10. It's now time for the voltage output jack. Place the jack on the front (opposite from where you've been working) side of the PCB.
    
11. Now we will attach the fader to the panel. Choose the orientation of the panel (jack up or down). You'll attach the fader with small M2 hex screws and with two washers per screw between the top of the fader and the bottom of the panel.
    
    Start by placing the two screws in the panel.
    
    Turn the panel over, using your finger to hold the screws in place. Add two washers to each screw on the bottom side of the panel.
    
    Align the fader with the screws and loosely tighten them.
    
    Adjust the alignment of fader ensuring the center of the panel slot lines up with the metal blade. Tighten the hex screws to the final position
    
12. Let's put both panel and PCB together.
    The jack will be slightly taller than the fader. They will not be parallel.
    
    Double check that your PCB is not bent.
    
    Solder the fader lugs. Note the lugs on the outer edges of the board are mechanical and don't conduct electricity.
    
13. Finish the construction by adding the nut to the jack. Add the eurorack ribbon power cable, aligning the red strip down matching the markings on the PCB.
    
14. Let's test it! Ensure there is no continuity between the outermost pins and the three rows of inner pins of the power header with a multimeter. Befaco has a nice troubleshooting page if you run into an issue.
    
    If there is no continuity, you can plug it in! The voltage output from the jack should range from 0v to near 5v. Plug a patch cable into the jack of the Flint Fader. Attach your positive multimeter lead to the tip of the patch cable and negative lead to the sleeve.
    
15. Congratulations!
    Now it's time to put it to use. Visit the wiki's page for ideas on using the Flint Fader.