200e

Hi Ezra,

I was definitely aware of the tabou topics for this board but I guess
I didn't make clear that I was not challenging or questioning the
price. I do hope to be able to buy one in the future!

I am actually electrical engineer and have done some design work for
music technology companies. The wizardy done by Buchla is obviously at
a much higher level than what I do but I am still very curious :)
As a result I can easily estimate the time that would go into building
a developing something as complex as most of the Buchla modules and it
is easy to see where the high costs come in, especially when compared
to mass produced products like something by Moog, Korg, Yamaha etc.
I am also aware of how much more work and tools are required for
creating any type of digital system. One of the companies I worked for
had the following departments who were divided between many projects
(matrix company topology)
1. R&D for developing algorithms (most of whom were PhD's
2. DSP department for creating OS's and efficient code from the algorithms
3. uC dept. for creating UI and interfacing to the DSPs,
4. hardware dept. to design the system circuits and debug hardware,
5.  a PCB layout specialist
6. mechanical engineer to measure and model all physical components,
7. industrial engineer to design the casings/look/ergonomics
8. technical writer + graphic designer to create the manuals
9. techs to perform safety and EMI compliance testing
10. manufacturing dept to manage component stock and help assemble
prototoypes
11. Test dept. for methodically testing all functionality

I am probably forgetting stuff! So when I work on my own projects at
home I am fully sympathetic with anyone creating complex systems with
limited resources - both in terms of tools and manpower.

I can understand from some of your explanations why the block diagrams
may not help. 

There are some schematics floating around on the web where people have
tried to emulate certain Buchla modules, maybe I will have better luck
there.


btw, any chance that Buchla will make some smaller one panel synths
like Serge has done with the Animal and Creature? It would be great to
be able to get a small taste of the Buchla!