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Synthasystem Home

2/10/2011

The big news! IT'S ALIVE! All 18 modules are now tested and working.

There are technically 17 Steiner modules and then the Trigger Converter I'm throwing in to make 18. The major work is done. I can now spend some time and actually build my production modules and get my own official Steiner Synthasystem built.

I also received the last batch of module panels and they look good.

Next will be the Keyboard electronics.

2/6/2011

Slow on news, but not slow on work. All but one of the 18 total modules is now working. The Ring Modulator is the last culprit, but I think I just have some bad multiplier chips. New ones are on the way.

When that is done, I can at last finish the project I started in 1975. I kind of feel like the dog who catches the car it was chasing, now what do I do :)

Maybe I can actually make some music and get off the building obsession.

There are still some last things to do; keyboard, an unreleased sequencer, and the model 151 sequencer, although the 151 was not as full featured and I think was really built to drive the Synthacon. So, I'm not sure about that one.

The Microcon is also still lurking out there.

Next will be a last small production run for the last three modules:
 I'm going to wait til the RM is working so I can save a few bucks on shipping.

12/25/2010

Merry Christmas!

I ordered a small production run for the Phaser, VC Trigger, and Sample and Hold. The Phaser and Sample and Hold worked first time. That was nice given some of the weirdness of late.

I also got a prototype ordered for the Tuner Monitor.

All that's left now:
 These are all pretty simple except for the keyboard. I'm still conflicted about whether to do both the Multiphonic and the Duophonic or just one. If just one, which one?

Then, I'll see about doing the model 151 Sequencer. The "Studio" version was more capable and so I don't know if I'm interested in building one. But, one of the goals now is to help Nyle get the whole Synthasystem documented and current. So, I may do it if just for that reason.

There is also an "Up/Down" sequencer which was never produced as far as Nyle remembers. This one is more interesting than the 151 and would probably compliment the Studio version nicely.


12/12/2010

Several prototype PCBs have come in including the Voltage Processor/Mixer, Phase Shifter, VC Trigger Generator, Noise, and one or two others which escape me right now. Nyle got the VC Trigger working as well as the  Frequency Divider.

I've been trying to decide the best way to create some demo videos and/or audio. I'd love to show off some of these modules. Keep checking back for information and updates

I'm even closer now to being done. I've added several new panel designs and have ordered prototypes. I'm saving the keyboard for last. In the end, I think I will do the Multiphonic keyboard. Nyle is very partial to it, and even though it is only 4 octaves, it is a very cool keyboard which combines a sequencer of sorts. The difficulty of finding/modifying a standard keyboard to be a "Pratt & Read" type has pushed me in this direction because the Duophonic uses a single bus "switch per key" type. The Fatar keybed I've purchased is a multiplexing type which will require some modifications to work for Duophonic Keyboard. I think it will work nicely for the Multiphonic.

11/20/2010

Several new things to talk about.
  1. I am still selling PCBs, but the order forms are gone. I will be doing group buys and/or handling sales on an individual basis. This may impact PCB pricing. I will likely have small quantities of extra PCBs from my own private runs or group buys, so please send me an e-mail: dingebre [ AT ] 3dphysics [ DOT ] net.
  2. I'm almost finished with the heart of the project! I only have a few more PCBs to layout. I have prototype PCBs for the VPM, VC Trigger, Phase Shifter, Sample&Hold on order. I have small runs of the VCA, VCO-Bs going (the type B VCOs are two output 14HP wide modules with Sine and Triangle or Square and Sawtooth outputs).
10/19/2010

The sequencer PCB buy is off. There was effectively no interest in the module. If you want to build this module, contact me and I can explain pricing, etc.

10/2/2010

The VCO and VCF PCBs are in. I will next order the EG, VCA, and sequencer production boards. I'm just waiting to confirm the sequencer prototype PCBs work properly.

9/12/2010

The SLAMM (Salt Lake Area Modular Meeting) happened last weekend. Thanks to all who helped. Panels for the first modules have been ordered and should be in this week. Then, I'll be able to do a full module assembly and test the whole package.

8/27/2010

The latest batch of prototype PCBs just arrived today. For the most part they look great. There are a couple of very minor silkscreen problems, but nothing fatal. I will ship to the test builders next week and we'll see how they work.

8/30/2010

Some good news. This project is getting its own sub-forum at www.electro-music.com.  When I get a good link. I'll post it.