PORTABELLABZ



The 208 Hub



The Hub makes it possible to plug 3 cards side-by-side to a 208, or even up to 6 thanks the rear edge connector of the Portabellabz cards.
  • Works with any existing card or expander
  • 3mm thick 4-layer PCB for best stability and rigidity
  • M/F stackable gold plated banana plugs to access the panel banana sockets used for mounting
  • Gold plated transfer card
  • Easy plug and play design
2 power solutions are possible :
  • Passive Hub : the Hub's power rails are connected to the 208/Easel's +/- 15V rails. Most PSUs should be able to power 3 cards or more this way.
  • Powered Hub : an optional +/-15V PSU is added to the Hub to avoid extra load on the Easel's internal PSU.
    This solution is intended for the units with     a weak internal PSU such as the early BEMI Music Easel.
    The Hub daisy chains off the power brick supplied with the instrument so there is no extra wall outlet needed.
    If you don't know which PSU is inside your Easel, this simple test is a good indicator : insert - vertically, not at an angle, to avoid a short in the contacts - a card such as the 208 ToolBox or VCS3 Card, if the Easel's oscillators pitch changes, the PSU is weak and a powered Hub is recommended.
    A powered Hub can be used in any configuration and accepts DC input from 9V to 36V.
3 versions of the Hub are available to match each 208 revision's own holes placement.
You need the one that fits your own 208 exact type, if in doubt contact me.
  • 208c : in the Buchla USA Easel Command, Modern, Retro and Anniversary
  • 208e : in the BEMI and Buchla USA Music Easel
  • 208p, 208r, original 70s 208


 Contact me for a pre-built Hub, the price is 250€ (+80€ if the power option is required), VAT and shipping not included.
It comes ready to use with the edge connectors soldered, golden banana plugs and transfer card. To avoid travel damage, the banana plugs are not installed, installation is straightforward and no tool is needed.

DIY PCB sets and kits are available from SAmodular.
 I no longer sell retail PCB sets myself but you're welcome to contact me for orders of 10 sets or more.

A right-angle adapter is available for 90€ pre-built or 45€ DIY. Contact me to order.

Users manual

Bom and build notes
Right angle adapter
 

208p/r
   

208e
 

208c
 













Thanks to Todd Barton for the videos






Thanks to Krzysztof Krasowski for the videos




  I assume no liability for personal injury or damage to equipment or loss of use caused directly or indirectly by the use of the Hub.