FRUKU Evi - DIY Build
One of our favorite manufacturers, FRUKU is at it again with the release of his Evi module. In only 2HP, the FRUKU Evi is an envelope follower and signal inverter, meaning that you can plug any audio signal into the module and you will output an inverted envelope. What can this do?
Well, it can add some spice to your signal routing and bring some flare to those beats you oh so desire. As one of our first builds of the fall season, the Evi was a perfect module for us to get our hands on. Let’s get on with the build.
Links and more links…
Below are a series of links that have been provided by FRUKU to help assist with the use, building and buying of the Evi.
Of course, we are here for you as well if you have any questions while building the module. Just hit us up on our Contact Page.
Modular Grid Page – https://www.modulargrid.net/e/fruku-evi
Purchase Page – https://fruku.club/product/evi/
Let’s get on with the build…
First up like most hole-through eurorack kits, we start with the diodes and resistors. There are only a few diodes so make sure you align them according to the screen on the PCB. You will want to match the white line on the PCB with the black line on the part. Place these and take everything down with top down soldering.
Resistors
As for resistors, they need to mount in an upright position. This is primarily due to the lack of space on the board and the clean look it gives the build. You might want to also have the BOM and the build guide handy during this part as the PCB printing is very hard to read and you can easily misplace a resistor.
This would be the only reason novice builders would want to stay away from this build. After setting all of the resistors in their homes, tack down the solo leg and then flip the board over to tidy up and complete the soldering.
FRUKU Evi - Time Lapse Build
Capacitors
Now solder the capacitors, look at the BOM for the values and placements and pay special attention to the orientation of the electrolytic caps. They have a positive and negative side with will need to be placed on the bottom side of the PCB. The 100nf caps mount on the front side of the board and you can get to them with top-down soldering as well.
Power Header and IC Socket
Solder one pin of the power header and check to see if the header is aligned flat to the PCB. If not, slightly press down on the header and reheat the pin, it should slide into place. If everything lines up, solder all remaining pins. As for the IC socket, the kit doesn’t come with one. We used one from our back stock because we do not like soldering ICs directly to PCBs. Place the socket, flip the board and tack it down. Move onto the jacks and LED.
Jacks and the LED
Last up are the two jacks and the LED. The LED can be placed but do not soldering it right away. You will want to set the jacks, and hand tighten the nuts on so you can line up the LED accordingly. Upon doing this, push the LED through the front side of the panel and bend the legs over to hold into place. Now you can complete this part of the build and call it done.
FRUKU Evi - Build Gallery
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- Fruku Evi – Completed Front
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- Fruku Evi – Completed Right
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- Fruku Evi – Completed Rear
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- Fruku Evi – Completed Left
Wrapping Up...
Prior to powering up the module, place the IC into its socket (if you used one) and then tighten down the nuts on the jacks. Do a good once-over and double check your soldering throughout the module. Once you have completed this, you are now ready to power up and get patching.
If it powers on and there is no smoke, you did great and you are good to go. Notice that the LED will not light up without a signal so don’t freak out if it is not lit up upon module power up.
Our Final Thoughts...
The kit as a whole was a fun little build that only took about an hour at most. Aesthetically speaking, the FRUKU Evi fits well with its brethren modules. The blue light against the black and white panel really stands out.
If you do not know how to read a BOM, good luck. The printing on the PCB is really tiny and FRUKU does a great job by labeling all of the parts in the kit (for this, 5-star rating immediately). In the end, the Evi is affordable, fun and unique and it only makes sense to have it in your rack!
If you have questions about the build process or suggestions/feedback about this article, feel free to let us know by contacting us. We look forward to hearing from you!
Until the next build …
