Update on various projects

While quiet, I have been busy.

First, I have a second run of the Duophonic keyboard PCBs in and will stuff one this weekend hopefully. I have a couple of solutions to turn a MIDI keyboard into a pseudo "buss" type keybed so it can drive the duophonic electronics. Despite all the MIDI 2 CV converters out there, none create CVs, gates, and triggers the same way the Steiner Duophonic electronics did. So here the gist of the conversion process.

1. Use a Doepfer MTC64 which basically converts a MIDI "Note On" message to a TTL voltage. There are 64 outputs so you get 64 individual 5 volt gates which can drive an external device.
2. Use the TTL level signal to turn on either a solid state relay or a reed relay which acts as the buss switch. Build a series of 61 of these relays to emulate a 61 key keybed with a voltage divider connecting the switches.

I've fiddled around with this and the reed relays seem to offer the most promise, but it's expensive at a couple of dollars per relay. The solid state relays are more compact and have a great turn on time, but there is a decay on the turn off time as well as higher effective contact resistance. So, I think the reed relays are what I will use.

Next, I have the first Microcon prototype PCBs in. I just need to build one and test it.

I would also recommend this blog:

Synthasystem DIY

He's done a great job and has some great comments and advice. Thanks!

Selling more stuff

I'm selling some more redundant modules. Since I've got the Synthasystem, I don't use some of the other stuff I own, so off it goes:

All Blacet this time:
Binary Zone
Hex Zone
I/O Module
Mini Wave with Socket Rocket EPROM
Window Comparator

They have no reserve and a Buy It Now price which is less than the kit price. Have fun.

Microcon and Duophonic keyboard update

Some small progress on the Microcon front. I ordered some prototype PCBs this week. I'm sure the layout will change some as I want to make it easier to add a couple of more panel pot options. Nothing drastic, but it will change it. But, this one will be a good test to confirm the design is working.

I'm also sending the Duophonic electronics to Nyle to test. I just will not be able to make time to do it anytime soon and I want to confirm it works so I can get a production run of PCBs ordered.

Selling stuff

I find I have some redundant modules which are not seeing the use they deserve. I am selling the following. They are all Frac Rack format:

CUSTOM:
Makato filter
YU SYnth Mini Moog clone
Flight of Harmony Plague Bearer filter

NOT CUSTOM;
MOTM 1490 Moog modular filter clone

BLACET MODULES (All built from kits except one EG):
Micro LFO
Filthy Filtre
Splitter
Mixer Processor
5 - Dual Linear VCAs
6 - EGs (one was purchased pre-built)

Here are the ebay links:
Filthy Filtre
YU Synth Mini Moog filter clone
FOH Plague Bearer
Mankato Filter
MOTM 1490 Moog Modular filter clone
Blacet Micro LFO
Blacet Splitter
Blacet Mixer Processor
Blacet VCA
Blacet VCA
Blacet VCA
Blacet VCA
Blacet VCA
Blacet EG
Blacet EG
Blacet EG
Blacet EG
Blacet EG
Blacet EG

New Projects...

Hi Everyone!

I have 3 new projects to announce. First, I have prototype PCBs for the Duo-Phonic keyboard. I've got an idea how to modify a Fatar keybed to use reed switches and magnets as a buss keyboard. I'll post my results.

Second, I'm working on the Microcon. It will be a module suitable for Eurorack or standalone. In standalone, you will need to add a +/- 12 volt supply. I've got the schematic mostly captured. I'm thinking I can get PCBs in about 2 months.

Third, Tom Carpenter at Analogue Solutions is selling Red Square PCBs and panels. Pretty bare bones, but I'm putting a page together to help out those who are building it. There are some unique semiconductors and the BOM lacks some part numbers, eg: pots with switch. Anyway, I also bought an assembled Red Square and will take some photos of the inside so the PCB interconnection and other details will be more clear.

New Videos

Finally got a couple of new videos up. Triple EG and VC Trigger Generator.

Triple Envelope Generator

VC Trigger Generator

New rack enclosures

I just got my new wooden racks. I think there is something very cool when a modular is installed in a wooden cabinet. David Tatlebaum at Nice-Racks.com made some beautiful mahogany (a reasonable up-charge for the hardwood instead of pine) cases. 16U high, standard 19 inch rack width. They look great with my .COM keyboard controller.

I added a Kenton Pro-2000 MKII Midi to CV converter to allow general midi control of the modular. I also have a rack which has some non-Steiner modules (the Tuner/Monitor module is in this rack, too) which I thought would be useful; a Gabotronics X-Mega Lab which I put in a euro rack format and a YUSynth Moog Fixed Filter Bank clone (Yves did a great job with this filter). I have a 14 HP space left, but I'm not sure what I'm going to put in there. I'd like whatever goes in to have a custom front panel to match all the other ones. I'm thinking maybe a MOTM Moog filter clone, or maybe some other Moog module I can build.

Here are some photos of the system all racked and working great.

Module count:
Top left: Tuner/Monitor, X-Mega Lab O-Scope, empty, Moog FFB clone.

Row 2: Frequency Divider, Sequencer

Row 3: VCA/Mixer, Voltage Processor/Mixer, Triple EG, VC Trigger Generator, VCA/Mixer

Row 4: VCA/Mixer, Triple EG, VC Tigger Generator, Dual Voltage Follower (Slew), Power Access.

Row 5'ish: Multiple and Kenton Pro-2000 MkII

Top Right: VCA/Mixer, Variable Damped EG (This is an unreleased Steiner design I found. It's more of an ADSR type EG.), Sequencer

Row 2: Three VCOs, type "A" which have all the wave forms available.

Row 3: Phase Shifter, 3 VC Filters, Dual Voltage Follower (Slew), 2 VCOs type "B", one with square and sawtooth and one with sine and triangle.

Row 4: Trigger Converter, Ring Modulator, Noise Generator, Dual Sample & Hold, Peak Selector, Multiple, Selective Inverter, Input Amplifier, Dual Voltage Follower (Slew)

I have space for another full rack in the right side. I'm not sure I need to add anything. Someday, I might add some VCOs, or this other filter/chorus module Nyle has but never really released. I don't know...