MOTM

In a message dated 8/12/2001 9:39:14 PM, iron butt writes:

<<Now, assuming one gets past the technical part of making the ribbon work,
the next BIG issue is what format to build the thing in.  I imagine there
are as many different ideas as there are people on this list.  So, if you
have some suggestions, please send them my way.  I have a buddy who does
wood work.  So, I can think of lots of different formats.  I can see a long
slender thing that lays on top of a keyboard (KW style).  I can see
something more "stand alone-ish" like a guitar shaped strap on. I can see a
basic "strip" that each person can customize into their own format.  I see
this connecting with a single cable back to a module in the rack with the
electronics, controls, and jacks.  And, since we all have 2 hands, It seems
to me that 2 ribbons or zones on the ribbon should be a feature.  Maybe one
is long and horizontal, while the other is short and vertical near the end.
Maybe there are two long ones in parallel.  Anyhow, it seems like 2 separate
CVs are a must for any decent ribbon controller.  What about gates or
triggers?  Seems like a controller should produce one or both.  I had a
couple of concepts in my initial thought.  1- a gate out that starts when
you depress the ribbon and stops when you release pressure.  2 - a separate
"tap" pad for fingers on the opposite hand.  Or, perhaps running parallel to
the ribbon for thumb tapping.

Anyhow, any comments concerning format, features, etc that you would like to
share with me would be greatly appreciated.

Stooge Larry
(not actually qualified to design any electronic circuits)
 >>

Surprisingly enough, I'd like to see an analog ribbon controller -- I can't 
have mentioned this more than ten times here. My preference would be for a 
very thin "top O the keyboard" approach. I do like your idea of two different 
ribbons (especially one long and one short at the left end). I also think 
gate and trigger should be generated with each touch of the ribbon. 

Two things which I'd add as ideas are: 1) a rotary (Paul gasps) range switch 
to reduce the range to as little as one octave. 2) a scale switch to cause 
the mid point of the ribbon to generate zero volts with the right side 
positive, and the left side negative.

Hey Larry, is it your wife or your boss who gave you that nickname iron butt 
(not to be confused with iron butt-erfly I presume)?
JB