After the release of the Antonus 2600 Original Size in DIY KIT format, now is time to release the next member of the family, so here we have the Antonus Step Brother in DIY KIT.
This is KIT is basically all based in Thru-hole technology as is classic format for the DIY world and more friendly for the human hand scale. There is only few SMD components in the MIDI clock board and are all presoldered.
Compared with the 2600 project this is easier and more accessible but is not still a beginner kit, we recommend this kit for users with some experience. Also is not a fast project as there is so many components and solder points.
Good tools are needed to assemble and calibrate. Being a device with many components, it is recommended to have good soldering equipment and, in case of mistakes, good equipment or desoldering techniques (very important point to avoid damaging PCBs).
And especially, a lot of patience. It is a project with many hours of work until reaching the end, so it is not recommended for impatient users who want to solve the project in a few days.
Anyone can find all the technical documentation, detailed with schematics, layouts, and BOM files but there is no the typical building guide with detailed steps and procedures that helps to non experienced builders. If the experience with the first batch goes well it will help to develop a building guide for bring access to less skilled builders to make this project. The first batch will be useful for design this future building guide. This limited small run will help to ensure that anyone have time and support from Antonus, because yes this a question of limitation of time for bring support, and need that every batch is limited in quantity to avoid overflow in support. Next batches with building guide developed will make possible to increase the units number x batch.
The Modwiggler thread will be very useful for document all the progress about that.
After the release of the Antonus 2600 Original Size in DIY KIT format is time to release the next member of the family, so here we have the Antonus Step Brother in DIY KIT.
This is KIT is basically all based in Thru-hole technology as is classic format for the DIY world and more friendly for the human hand scale. There is only few SMD components in the MIDI clock board and are all presoldered.
Compared with the 2600 project this is easier and more accessible but is not still a beginner kit, we recommend this kit for users with some experience. Also is not a fast project as there is so many components and solder points.
Good tools are needed to assemble and calibrate. Being a device with many components, it is recommended to have good soldering equipment and, in case of mistakes, good equipment or desoldering techniques (very important point to avoid damaging PCBs).
And especially, a lot of patience. It is a project with many hours of work until reaching the end, so it is not recommended for impatient users who want to solve the project in a few days.
Anyone can find all the technical documentation, detailed with schematics, layouts, and BOM files but there is no the typical building guide with detailed steps and procedures that helps to non experienced builders. If the experience with the first batch goes well it will help to develop a building guide for bring access to less skilled builders to make this project. The first batch will be useful for design this future building guide. This limited small run will help to ensure that anyone have time and support from Antonus, because yes this a question of limitation of time for bring support, and need that every batch is limited in quantity to avoid overflow in support. Next batches with building guide developed will make possible to increase the units number x batch.
The Modwiggler thread will be very useful for document all the progress about that. https://www.modwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=279216
For those how doesn’t know yet the Antonus Step Brother, this instrument is based in the classic design of the ARP Sequencer. If you want to know more about the Antonus Step Brother check the product link here:
Antonus Step Brother
For this project we make replica of the ARP sequencer circuit and it shares most of the schematic, numbers and values. The differences in the Sequencer part is basically related to the led bright circuit. And at the other part we found the Envelope, the Oscillator, the two VCA’s and the Divider. For minimize the wiring we have make a single full board for the instrument, and the other boards are the MIDI Clock interface that is attached at the rear panel and the power supply.
One important aspect of this project is the case itself:
We will offer two options:
The classic Tolex Road case replica that match the look and feeling of the original ARP2600. The most faithful option, and also the most pricey option in finish and shipping cost. This will be the most wanted version, but the price can be a inconvenient for many people to choose this option for finish the instrument.
That is why we are already starting to develop a case dedicated to the DIY version. The premises:
It has to be much more affordable than the Tolex case, less than half the price.
That it can be supplied disassembled for a more economical and efficient transport when sent by courier, so again there is money saving here with transport.
Easy to assemble.
Build quality and stability.
Must allow the installation of Step Brother units in top of the 2600 using the vertical brackets, like the classic Antonus system.
For this first batch of kits the selling points will be:
1- Antonus directly using contact form
2- Synthcube
Later in next batches will add some dealers for distribution.
The KIT options are:
Front Panel Antonus Step Brother panel kit:
Antonus Step Brother front panel. Available in 3 different colours.
Black Paint White Silkscreen (Antonus)
Grey paint, White silkscreen (ARP grey face style)
Black paint, orange and white silkscreen (Arp Orange style)
Included slider dust filters for sliders and 3 position slide switches.
Included 3 keycaps for keyboard switches.
Rear panel for MIDI CLOCK interface
Price: 150 euro
Antonus Step Brother FULL PCBs SET:
x1 Main Boards
x2 boards power supply
x1 rear panel board
Price : 130 euro
Electronic parts kit (full) :
Full kit of all parts, electronic, mechanical and electro mechanical.
Including standard parts and rare parts. Also includes all the cables built, ready for connect.
You can save this kit it if you prefer to source yourself looking the BOM files and making your own cables. Evaluate the cost and time for this task and choose what is better for you. Or you can go for mixed solution using the partial kits, the rare parts kit and the cable kit.
Price: 540 euro
Partial electronic kit hard to find parts:
If you want to source most of the parts and save the full kit but you prefer to have the most difficult part in one kit this is the solution: tempco, LM394, ca046, etc. Check the excel file for description and details
Price: 35 euro
Cable kit:
If you want to source most of the parts and save the full kit but you prefer to have all the cables built this is the kit for you. You will have all the cables built, with all the PCB sockets.
Price: 85 euro
Tolex Roadcase option:
Tolex case in classic style ready for install all the kit.
Limited quantity x month, must be reserved / preorder
Price: 530 euro
Metal case kit option:
This kit is for the metal case. Delivered disassembled ready for for assembled for the user. Once assembled is ready for install panels and all the boards.
Price: in development
Square knobs 2600 style for illuminated sliders, set of 23 pieces:
Price: 46 euro.
KIT DOCUMENTS FOR DOWNLOAD
https://www.antonus-synths.com/stepbrother/antonus%20step%20brother%20kit%20documentation.zip
This is the documentation available for build the project. Very important for users to verify that you have enough experience for build the unit using this documentation. There is no step by step building guide for this initial run. Will be added in future batches.
The BOM files have suggested source and part numbers. Anyone can purchase the full electronic kit for have all parts verified and all cables done, use any of the other partial kits (rare parts, and cables) Or other way if people prefer to source themelves and build the cables for save te price of kits, the BOM files have the details of parts for source it.
Also we recommend for consulting and evolution of the project, the Modwiggler forum thread
https://www.modwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=279216
