Yamaha DTXpress/DTXplorer/DTXtreme

--- In DTXpress@yahoogroups.com, "Keith" <keith@k...> wrote:
> 
> --- In DTXpress@yahoogroups.com, "zapaxe" <a_zapelectric@h...> 
wrote:
> > Maybe I missed something, but I'm a little unclear still about 
how 
> > this 'Magic Box' actually is able to use the 'other' part of the 
> > stereo trigger input in the DTXpress module..I 'thought' I read 
> > something about resisters used.
> 
> All the "stereo" inputs want one piezo and a rim switch as input. 
> Without the rim switch you have just the main pad sound 
available.  If
> you want to use two pads on one input, you can't because you have 
two
> piezos and no rim switch instead of one piezo and one rim switch.
> 
> The "magic box" takes the two piezo signals and turns them into one
> piezo signal plus a rim switch signal to fool the DTXpress box so 
it
> thinks the signal has come from the centre or rim of a two zone 
pad.
> 
> It came about in response to a number of people asking why they 
cannot
> use the unused rim capability of the DTXpress to add more pads 
instead
> of buying another DTXpress box.
> 
> Hope that makes it a little clearer.
> 
> Keith.


Thanks Keith,

I only just saw this thing over last weekend, and what a great idea! 
Are you planning on devoping this thing commercially, or just for 
Sheets N' Keegles? 
Yeah, I was 'one' of those who asked why I couldn't use the stereo 
inputs with two single zone pads 'way back' when there was only a 
DTXpress I kit. My question was explained at the time.
I suppose the "Magic" part of the box is a secret? Since you are the 
creater of this "Magic Box" and if it is a secret, it's cool:) But 
again, I thought I read that some kind of resister? (10K?) is used 
to - shall I say - convert, or tag along an FSR like signal to the 
modules 2nd part of the stereo trigger input. Maybe I read something 
else though?...CRS!!!

Not near as crafty, but I had been thinking about building something 
that 'looks' similar. Some kind of trigger input/output box. 
Basically I guess just a glorified patch bay of sorts, as a way to 
easily interchange the ins/outs of my trigger pads to my three drum 
modules as needed. Then go a step further in the design by adding 
switches on it so I can route the ins/outs 'without' actually having 
to unplug and plug (as in a regular patch bay) my triggers jacks. 
Just a thought though!

Note, since I DO have multiple modules that I've not yet got enough 
pads to fill in all my trigger inputs as it is, I may not need a 
Magic Box yet, but it's definately something I may consider at some 
point...But hell, it sounds like a blast just experimenting with 
it!:)
This excess of trigger inputs that I DO have, makes me want to 
experiment in building some triggers & I'm thinking of different 
unique ways to make these. I've seen some pretty crazy designs!
This also brings me back a memory as a kid of about 12? I made an 
entire drum set, out of Folgers coffee cans. The cymbals were made 
from the metal cut out lids, and the cans themselves were the drums, 
the plasic top covers were the drum heads. Sounded like crap too! 
["He,he"] I thought about revisiting this idea (as a novelty) but 
with triggers put on them...But these days I drink Uban! 'lol'

Steve