New PSU for the PROPHET-VS

 The Sequential Circuits Prophet VS is a great synthesizer :

But it is also a machine that is not very well made. Poor quality components, perfectible printed circuits, spreading out of the processor buses inside the device, a PSU that heats up a lot, a very noisy transformer and above all a whole series of very poor quality connectors. Not to mention the 'famous' CEM5530 whose production at the time must be completely out of service today, reason why I had to develop a replacement clone years ago.

The copy I own has only really worked for a few years, after making a lot of changes. And yet, there would be more to do. And precisely, one of the really painful things in this machine, when it works and that one can use it, it is the very important noise which the power transformer generates: very boring.

So, I decided to replace the whole power system of this VS. There were several possible choices for creating a replacement PSU. I decided to create a generic power supply that can be used in other devices, and secure, without handling high voltages. 

I created a low voltage switching power supply with linear regulators on the + 12V and -12V outputs:

Beta version.

Output technical details:

• +5V     2A (switching)
• +12V   2A (switching + linear)
• -12V    2A (switching + linear)
• RESET signal
• /RESET signal
• +5V     BATTERY
• Power Error indicator
• Floppy type power connector

Input technical details:

• 2 x 18V/AC
• Thermal fuses

Advantages:

• Precise outputs
• Low heat dissipation in normal use

I have to admit that it took me several versions to sort out the little issues that I encountered and thus obtain a very reliable and convenient power supply. To install this new PSU, the first thing to do was to remove all the concerned components on the Prophet motherboard:

In my case, I also removed the memory backup battery because I equipped my Prophet with self-backed SRAMs. This avoids any possibility of problem due to a possible corrosion of the battery body which could cause serious damage to the printed circuit:

The components removed from the Prophet motherboard:

'Last' modification, I placed wires for + 5V, + 12V and -12V, intended to be connected to the new PSU:

After that, it only remained to place the new power supply into the Prophet, as well as the new transformer:

Regarding my VS, I saccrified the voltage selector and shortened it to be able to position the new PSU more easily. I obviously kept the fuse holder that I put in place of the voltage selector.

During my first operational tests, I observed some problems with the sound. The red LED on the PSU would light up at times, indicating a loss of regulation. It was normal since I did not have a 2x18V transformer available but only a 2x12V. The + 12V and -12V regulations could therefore not be provided correctly. 

So I ordered and received a few days later a German quality 2x18V transformer. In the meantime I also made the last modifications on the printed circuit of the PSU and mounted this new copy in the VS:

Self congratulation but... I am very satisfied with the result. The PSU works perfectly well. The error LED remains constantly off. The PSU heats up very moderately. Above all, the Prophet no longer emits any operating noise. And that is a real pleasure!

Exterior view:

Funny: the three green LEDs of the PSU illuminate the printed circuit board of the front face, which has the effect of nimbling the 'Enter' and 'Edit Waveform' switches with a green hallo.

If you are interested, this PSU is available. Contact me for more information: