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DIY VCO - The Simplest Exponential Converter

Moritz Klein via YouTube

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Learn how to build an analog Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO) from scratch in this detailed tutorial video. Explore the process of adding CV capabilities to an oscillator core, covering topics such as NPN transistors, potentiometers, and voltage addition. Gain insights into frequency basics, wave shape fixes, and the advantages of using resistance over capacitance. Discover the intricacies of NPN transistor operation, including linear and semi-active regions. Follow along with the step-by-step installation of components and learn about scaling, offset, and their practical applications in VCO design. Understand the importance of temperature dependence in analog circuits. Perfect for beginners and electronics enthusiasts looking to delve into synthesizer construction.

Syllabus

Intro
Wave Shape Fix
Frequency Basics
Lowering the Pitch
Resistance or Capacitance?
Capacitance – Drawbacks
Resistance – Advantages
NPN Transistor Basics
NPN Linear Region
Linear Region Drawbacks
V/Oct Basics
NPN Semi-Active Region
Installing the Transistor
Potentiometers
Potentiometer Setup
Crude CV Demonstration
Scaling Basics
Scaling in Practice
Offset Basics
Offset in Practice
Scaling & Offset combined
Scaling & Offset in Practice
Temperature Dependence
Outro