Watkins (WEM) Copicat IC300
...yes, I know it's not from the sixties
This version of the Copicat was the first to make use of integrated circuits (ICs) instead of discreet transistors for the majority of the signal processing. (27/04/2016: apparently not. Update later)
The device chosen by WEM, in common with most manufacturers at the time, was the 741 operational amplifier in an 8 pin dual-in-line (DIL) package. Life for the service technician was made easier by the reduction in the component count and also by the use of sockets for the active components.
The Copicat IC300 upstaged it’s predecessors by providing four inputs for microphones or instruments instead of the usual two. Forming what was in effect a small mixer, it could handle, for instance, all of the vocals for a small band or provide a mixture of instrument and vocal processing for a single performer.
PRINTING
Wix only provides webp images at the moment. To make a hard copy of a drawing :
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Left click when the magnifying glass icon appears and wait for the picture to clear.
(On a touch screen, tap on the image) -
Right click and 'save image as' to somewhere as a webp file.
(On a touch screen, touch and hold down to view the menu) -
Open the saved file with 'Photos' (Windows 10) or whatever app works for you.
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Use the print menu to print to A4 plain paper.
1) Copicat IC300 Schematic
There's no sign of a serial number anywhere on this example and, speaking to another owner (Hi Artur), they don't appear to have had any. No guarantees that it's 100% accurate, so check out the other schematics on the internet, including the genuine WEM drawing. Component numbers don't appear on the originals so I've invented some to make life easier (as you do).
A couple of points to watch before sticking your hands in....
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Although the factory drawing (issue 1, dated 1979) shows a mains earth connection, this particular unit still doesn't have one. Without it, it doesn't qualify for a Portable Appliance Test certificate (exposed metal panel).
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The fuse holder comes before the mains switch, so be sure to unplug the mains cable before changing the fuse (but you knew that anyway).
The 'Send - Return' system is fine for most instrument amplifiers, but not that useful if your using it in a mixer effects loop. It doesn't block the straight through signal. Input sensitivity in this mode is set by the GAIN 4 pot. That's not obvious from the panel markings but at least it's the one next to the socket.
2) Copicat IC300 Main Board Layout
3) Copicat IC300 Bias Oscillator and Rectifier Board Layouts
ABOVE left: Bias Oscillator
ABOVE right: Rectifier Board
