Beast's Chalkboard -002 - Synthesizer ALM - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	Eurorack synthesizer module (dual channel stepped voltage source and adder)
Brand	ALM (Busy Circuits)
Model	Beast's Chalkboard -002
Module Width	6 HP
Depth	22mm (including power header)
Weight	Approximately 60g (typical eurorack module)
Power Supply	+/-12V via Eurorack bus board
Current Draw	~30mA
Voltage Range	-2V to +2V per channel (5 octaves), extendable to -4V to +4V (9 octaves) when chained
Offset Error	+/-10mV
Main Functions	Octave switcher for VCOs, sequence transposition, FM ratio creation, buffered CV distribution, VCO calibration, 1->6 or dual 1->3 buffered mult
Outputs	Two buffered outputs and one through output per channel
Input Normalization	Top input normalized to bottom input for single-source dual control
Construction	Skiff-friendly; designed and built in England
Care and Maintenance	Keep dry; avoid physical shock, extreme temperatures, and direct sunlight
Safety	Power off before connecting/disconnecting ribbon cable; ensure correct polarity
Spare Parts and Repairability	No user-serviceable parts; contact ALM for repairs
Warranty	2 years against manufacturing defects (does not cover misuse)
Support	Visit busycircuits.com or email [e-mail]

Frequently Asked Questions - Beast's Chalkboard -002 ALM

How do I use Beast's Chalkboard as an octave switcher?

Patch a CV source (e.g., from a sequencer) into the top input and connect the output to your VCO's 1V/octave input. Rotate the voltage selector switch to shift pitch by -2V to +2V (5 octaves).

Can I chain both channels for extended range?

Yes. Patch a top output into the lower input. Then use both switches to achieve a combined range of -4V to +4V (9 octaves).

What are the power requirements?

The module requires +/-12V from a Eurorack bus board and draws approximately 30mA.

What is the physical size?

It is 6 HP wide, 22mm deep (including power header), and weighs roughly 60g.

Can I use it as a buffered multiple?

Yes. Set both voltage selectors to zero. The module will buffer any control input signal across up to 6 outputs (3 per channel).

How do I use the normalization feature?

With the CV source connected to the top input and nothing patched to the bottom input, the top signal is normalized to the bottom section. This allows the single input to be modified independently by both rotary switches.

What is the warranty period?

The module is guaranteed for 2 years from the date of manufacture against manufacturing or material defects. Damage from misuse, incorrect power, or physical trauma is not covered.

How do I clean and maintain the module?

Keep the module dry and avoid exposure to heat, direct sunlight, or physical shock. For cleaning, use a dry cloth. Do not use liquids or solvents.

Can I repair it myself?

There are no user-serviceable parts. If you suspect a fault, contact ALM support at [e-mail] or visit busycircuits.com.

Where is it manufactured?

It is designed and built in England by ALM (Busy Circuits).

USER MANUAL Beast's Chalkboard -002 ALM

'Beast's Chalkboard'

- Operation Manual -

......Introduction

Features ....3

......Technical Spe

Core Operat

Panel Layout

Usage 4

......Limited War

Support 7

Introduction

‘Beast’s Chalkboard’ is dual channel stepped voltage source and adder for your eurorack modular synthesizer system. It primarily is intended as a dual octave switcher for VCO’s but has many other uses including sequence transposition, FM ratio creation, buffered CV distribution and VCO calibration.

Features

• Dual channel fixed voltage adder and source with 1V stepped range of -2 to +2 volts (i.e 5 Octaves)
• Two Buffered outputs and a through output per channel
• Top input normalized to bottom. Allows single top input to be varied across both channel outputs
• Bottom octave switcher can be chained to top extending range to 9 octaves.
• Also functions as 1->6 or dual 1->3 buffered mult.
• Skiff friendly
• Designed and built in England.

Technical Specifications

• Supply: +/-12V
- Current Draw: \~30ma
- Size: 6 HP
• Depth: 22mm (including power header)
- Offset error +/- 10mV

Core Operation

Panel Layout

1. Control Voltage input

1. Buffered 'duplicate' of input

2. Voltage/Octave selector

3. Dual buffered outputs.

Second section as above.

Usage

With nothing patched into either input either output will provide -2V to +2V dependent on the position of the voltage selector rotary switch.

With a CV source (from example from a sequencer) patched into the top input the outputs will present the input CV with the addition of -2V to +2V dependent on the

position of the corresponding rotary switch. If the CV source represents musical tone and the output is connected to the 1v/octave input of a VCO the switch will function as an octave switcher similar to that found on many popular analog synths.

With the CV source connected to the top input and the bottom input left unpatched the input signal is normalized to the bottom section allowing the single input to be modified independently across both section of the Chalkboard.

The range of the octave switcher can be extended by patching a top output to the lower input. By then using both switches the voltage addition and source range is -4V to +4V.

All outputs and 'thru' are buffered so the module can also function as a 'buffered mult' with the voltage selector(s) at zero. This will buffer any control input signals across up to 6 outputs.

Limited Warranty

From the date of manufacture this device is guaranteed for a period of 2 years against any manufacturing or material defects. Any such defects will be repaired or replaced at the discretion of ALM. This does not apply to;

• Physical damage arising for mis treating (i,e dropping, submerging etc).
- Damage caused by incorrect power connections.
• Overexposure to heat or direct sunlight.
- Damage caused by inappropriate or mis-use.
- Use of incorrect or non official firmware

No responsibility is implied or accepted for harm to person or apparatus caused through operation of this product.

By using this product you agree to these terms.

Support

For the latest news, additional info, downloads and firmware updates please visit the ALM website at http://busycircuits.com and follow @busycircuits on twitter.

Please send any questions or comments to [e-mail]

AUM