Doepfer

> Hello,
>
> I am a annoyed when using A133 or A163 or A143-1... modules that
> have polarizer
> function.
>
> Because I find it nearly impossible to find the 0.
>
> I mean for example if I put a lfo wave in A133 and patch this
> into CV1 of A111... its nearly
> impossible to not have the VCO freq. affected at all... even when
> trying to settle the A133
> on ZERO.
>
> DOES ANYONE UNDESRTAND WHAT I AM SAYING?
>
> Dieter, do you get my point?
>
> I dont know, maybe we should have button that have a fixed
> position for ZERO position?
>
> or a switch to make it ZERO...
>
> Its really bothering me recently in some precise adjustement in a patch...
>
> Best,
>
> A

To speak the truth I've never been a friend of polarizers. For me in person
the adjustability is not good enough as one has only about 130 degrees
rotating angle for the whole range (positive or negative). If polarity
change is wanted I prefer the version of the A-188-1 (three position switch
negative/off/positive) though it's more expensive and requires more space at
the front panel. But the customers asked for the polarizer function for CV
inputs and this is why we introduced the polarizers in a couple of modules
during the last time. In the first modules with polarizers normal
potentiometers were used (i.e. without center terminal and center detent) as
our potentiometer manufacturer was not able to supply such special
potentiometer types. But in the meantime we found a manufacturer who is able
to supply us with the special potentiometers with center terminal and center
detent (both are necessary). The first module where we used this new type of
potentiometer was the tapped BBD module A-189-2. Unfortunately for this
potentiometer type a totally different electronic circuit is required
compared to the potentiometers without center terminal. In addition the
dimensions are different as the additional terminal is on top of the
potentiometer which requires additional distance to the next part on the
front panel. Consequently the old potentiometers with polarizer function
cannot be simply replaced by the new ones because of electronical and
mechanical reasons. But it should be possible to modify a polarizer so that
it works as a normal attenuator again. I'll take a look at the circuits of
the modules in question and report back.

Best wishes
Dieter Doepfer