Discussion about the Korg PolySix synthesizer

Hello All,

I have just joined the group. Its great to see there's a worldwide community for the Polysix.

On the other hand the big attraction of that vintage machine,

has let the price explode within just a few years.

Hard to get a hand on one below 1000 Euros these days.

I own already a couple of POLY 61 which can still be got around 200 Euros,

which is a very reasonable pricing.

So while I cannot afford the tag for a full Polysix,

I've got plenty of 2nd hand components to make synth of my own, and i thought

Why not build a Polysix clone from scratch?

Some may think I am crazy? But why not?

When you have a database of all PCBs with schematic and layout,

it's a piece of cake to replace one CPU by another, add mods, hacks, MIDI etc,

without ending in a mess of cables and PCB stacks..

I am skilled in using PCB schema and layout design.

So I got schemas and layouts of KLM 369, 370, 371 already together.

Now I want to get going with the bigger PCBs.

However what I need are good quality photos of existing PCBs from above and from below.

In addition I've need a scan of a SM where the PCB traces are resolved better than on the copy that I have.

So if the one or other of you had such photo or scans, I would be more than happy.

If someone was interested I will for sure share my layouts and schemas with you.

Native format is TARGET3001, which you can get for free as pin-limited version.

Cheers,

Tarek

Big project.   You might contact the people who are selling 
KLM367 replacement pcb's to see if they will let you use their
artwork, or maybe just buy that board from them.  It's very 
reasonably priced.

I have PIC code that replicates the function of the key assigner 
MCU and adds Note On/Note Off MIDI.   I can let you use that 
if you want, for your own projects, but not to sell.

The Electric Druid web site has an implementation of an SSM envelope
generator chip using a PIC chip.   Maybe it's the same SSM used in the Polysix?
But you would still need the SSM filter chips, right?

   Bob
--------------------------------------------
On Sat, 12/12/15, tlule@gmx.de [PolySix] <PolySix@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

 Subject: [PolySix] Polysix Full Clone
 To: PolySix@yahoogroups.com
 Date: Saturday, December 12, 2015, 6:39 AM
 
 
  
 
 
 
   
 
 
     
       
       
       Hello All,
 I have just joined the
 group. Its great to see there's a worldwide community
 for the Polysix.
 On the other hand the big
 attraction of that vintage machine, has
 let the price explode within just a few years.
 Hard to get a hand on one below 1000
 Euros these days.
 I own already a couple of
 POLY 61 which can still be got around 200 Euros,
 which is a very reasonable
 pricing.
 So while I cannot afford
 the tag for a full Polysix, I've got
 plenty of 2nd hand components to make synth of my own, and i
 thought
 Why not build a Polysix
 clone from scratch?
 Some may think I am crazy?
 But why not?
 When you have a database of
 all PCBs with schematic and
 layout,it's a piece of cake to
 replace one CPU by another, add mods, hacks, MIDI etc,
 without ending in a mess of cables and
 PCB stacks..
 I am skilled in using PCB
 schema and layout design.So I got
 schemas and layouts of KLM 369, 370, 371 already
 together.
 Now I want to get going
 with the bigger PCBs. However what I
 need are good quality photos of existing PCBs from above and
 from below.In addition I've need a
 scan of a SM where the PCB traces are resolved better than
 on the copy that I have.
 So if the one or other of
 you had such photo or scans, I would be more than 
 happy.
 If someone was interested I
 will for sure share my layouts and schemas with
 you.Native format is TARGET3001,
 which you can get for free as pin-limited
 version.
 Cheers,
 Tarek 
 
     
      
 
     
     
 
 
 
 #yiv4586834010 #yiv4586834010 --

Hello all, 

I fully replicated the KLM 367 board using Diptrace CAD. Files are also available as gerbers or Eagle CAD. I also have begun working on right side switch board for the front panel - e.g. programmer switch board. 

I also have the voice board replicated but not routed (parts placements and ground plane routed. mesh networks available). Work still has to be done on routing and testing as the density on this board si greater than 367. 

I have the binaries files for both original MCU's (no Microchip pic required)

If anybody is interested i will made them availabe either as for the entire group for 300 euros, or individually for 80 eur per pack (klm 365 fully replicated board cad files, voice board partially routed, switch board partilly routed and the 2 binaries)

Cheers






 


    On Saturday, December 12, 2015 4:07 PM, "Bob Grieb bobgrieb@yahoo.com [PolySix]" <PolySix@yahoogroups.com> wrote:
 

     Big project. You might contact the people who are selling 
KLM367 replacement pcb's to see if they will let you use their
artwork, or maybe just buy that board from them. It's very 
reasonably priced.

I have PIC code that replicates the function of the key assigner 
MCU and adds Note On/Note Off MIDI. I can let you use that 
if you want, for your own projects, but not to sell.

The Electric Druid web site has an implementation of an SSM envelope
generator chip using a PIC chip. Maybe it's the same SSM used in the Polysix?
But you would still need the SSM filter chips, right?

Bob
--------------------------------------------
On Sat, 12/12/15, tlule@gmx.de [PolySix] <PolySix@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

Subject: [PolySix] Polysix Full Clone
 To: PolySix@yahoogroups.com
 Date: Saturday, December 12, 2015, 6:39 AM
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Hello All,
 I have just joined the
 group. Its great to see there's a worldwide community
 for the Polysix.
 On the other hand the big
 attraction of that vintage machine, has
 let the price explode within just a few years.
 Hard to get a hand on one below 1000
 Euros these days.
 I own already a couple of
 POLY 61 which can still be got around 200 Euros,
 which is a very reasonable
 pricing.
 So while I cannot afford
 the tag for a full Polysix, I've got
 plenty of 2nd hand components to make synth of my own, and i
 thought
 Why not build a Polysix
 clone from scratch?
 Some may think I am crazy?
 But why not?
 When you have a database of
 all PCBs with schematic and
 layout,it's a piece of cake to
 replace one CPU by another, add mods, hacks, MIDI etc,
 without ending in a mess of cables and
 PCB stacks..
 I am skilled in using PCB
 schema and layout design.So I got
 schemas and layouts of KLM 369, 370, 371 already
 together.
 Now I want to get going
 with the bigger PCBs. However what I
 need are good quality photos of existing PCBs from above and
 from below.In addition I've need a
 scan of a SM where the PCB traces are resolved better than
 on the copy that I have.
 So if the one or other of
 you had such photo or scans, I would be more than 
 happy.
 If someone was interested I
 will for sure share my layouts and schemas with
 you.Native format is TARGET3001,
 which you can get for free as pin-limited
 version.
 Cheers,
 Tarek 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 #yiv4586834010 #yiv4586834010 --

see attachements. 


    On Saturday, December 12, 2015 4:24 PM, "Arp Duex arpm234@yahoo.com [PolySix]" <PolySix@yahoogroups.com> wrote:
 

     Hello all, 

I fully replicated the KLM 367 board using Diptrace CAD. Files are also available as gerbers or Eagle CAD. I also have begun working on right side switch board for the front panel - e.g. programmer switch board. 

I also have the voice board replicated but not routed (parts placements and ground plane routed. mesh networks available). Work still has to be done on routing and testing as the density on this board si greater than 367. 

I have the binaries files for both original MCU's (no Microchip pic required)

If anybody is interested i will made them availabe either as for the entire group for 300 euros, or individually for 80 eur per pack (klm 365 fully replicated board cad files, voice board partially routed, switch board partilly routed and the 2 binaries)

Cheers






 


    On Saturday, December 12, 2015 4:07 PM, "Bob Grieb bobgrieb@yahoo.com [PolySix]" <PolySix@yahoogroups.com> wrote:
 

     Big project. You might contact the people who are selling 
KLM367 replacement pcb's to see if they will let you use their
artwork, or maybe just buy that board from them. It's very 
reasonably priced.

I have PIC code that replicates the function of the key assigner 
MCU and adds Note On/Note Off MIDI. I can let you use that 
if you want, for your own projects, but not to sell.

The Electric Druid web site has an implementation of an SSM envelope
generator chip using a PIC chip. Maybe it's the same SSM used in the Polysix?
But you would still need the SSM filter chips, right?

Bob
--------------------------------------------
On Sat, 12/12/15, tlule@gmx.de [PolySix] <PolySix@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

Subject: [PolySix] Polysix Full Clone
 To: PolySix@yahoogroups.com
 Date: Saturday, December 12, 2015, 6:39 AM
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Hello All,
 I have just joined the
 group. Its great to see there's a worldwide community
 for the Polysix.
 On the other hand the big
 attraction of that vintage machine, has
 let the price explode within just a few years.
 Hard to get a hand on one below 1000
 Euros these days.
 I own already a couple of
 POLY 61 which can still be got around 200 Euros,
 which is a very reasonable
 pricing.
 So while I cannot afford
 the tag for a full Polysix, I've got
 plenty of 2nd hand components to make synth of my own, and i
 thought
 Why not build a Polysix
 clone from scratch?
 Some may think I am crazy?
 But why not?
 When you have a database of
 all PCBs with schematic and
 layout,it's a piece of cake to
 replace one CPU by another, add mods, hacks, MIDI etc,
 without ending in a mess of cables and
 PCB stacks..
 I am skilled in using PCB
 schema and layout design.So I got
 schemas and layouts of KLM 369, 370, 371 already
 together.
 Now I want to get going
 with the bigger PCBs. However what I
 need are good quality photos of existing PCBs from above and
 from below.In addition I've need a
 scan of a SM where the PCB traces are resolved better than
 on the copy that I have.
 So if the one or other of
 you had such photo or scans, I would be more than 
 happy.
 If someone was interested I
 will for sure share my layouts and schemas with
 you.Native format is TARGET3001,
 which you can get for free as pin-limited
 version.
 Cheers,
 Tarek 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 #yiv4586834010 #yiv4586834010 --

Hi Guys,

Thanks for your feedback.

As for the KLM-367, I've already seen an offer of 40Euros for a good quality PCB on eBay.

That's indeed the right offer for me, so I do not have to bother about manufacture.

For the other boards, I was actually hoping for a sort of an open source community.

If we all share our design files, we can expand our experience faster,

more people together make projects grow faster and better.

As for the special chips, I was thinking of analogue equivalent circuits.

I've already got an equivalent circuit together for the SSM2056 that fits on 22.5mm x 26.8mm.

It is using an LM13700 and a few more SMDs. Attached is a 3D view of that PCB.

That can be either plugged into the DIL socket, or I directly replace the SSM in the PCB design by those easy to get ICs.

For replacing the SSM2044, I just only started to putting a first basic schematic together. But maybe someone else has got already a solution?

As for the key assigner, yes it would be great to get some code to start from.

Is it coded in C? Then it could be also mapped to other controllers.

I have an STM32 nucleo board, which I thought to use in place of the old microcontrollers.

It doesn't cost a lot and has plenty of extra processing power, to add more functions over time.

Cheers

Yes, I was just looking at it and noticed large spaces
with few comments.  Clearly more work is needed.
Thanks for helping.

BTW, the code looks nice if you set your editor's tab spacing to 8.

Bob
--------------------------------------------
On Sat, 12/19/15, tlule@gmx.de [PolySix] <PolySix@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

 Subject: Re: [PolySix] Re: Polysix Full Clone
 To: PolySix@yahoogroups.com
 Date: Saturday, December 19, 2015, 1:06 PM   
       
       
       Hi Bob, 
 Great
 stuff, thanks for sharing the ASM code. 
 Already contains a  lot of useful
 comments. I'll need to spend more time analysing
 that code; I will maybe add more comments and upload
 my thoughts later.
 Sure at
 that time uCtrl were written in ASM, but that's simply
 difficult to reuse on different platforms.I may even
 consider to do a direct transcription into C.
 KORG seem to have used a lot of 8049. To
 be able to upgrade without wire harness I've also
 already made adapter board layouts to go from 8049 to 8051
 type footprint in DIL40. There are plenty of modern variants
 of 8051, and that's sort of a uCtrl I am familiar with.
 And c-compilers are also available. I can share that layout
 if someone is interested. By making the two serial ports
 pins available on an extra connector it can be easily
 extended with MIDI I-O.
 Haitar
 
 
 
 
     
      
 
     
     
 
 
 
 #yiv1372522721 #yiv1372522721 --

Hi Arp,

I had seen your post, that your're also working on cloning on some of the boards.

I want to keep you updated, on my work in parallel. As said I've already got a clone of the KLM-371.

It is already readily usable, but I decided to cleanup the PCB traces abit more.

Here the status what the PCB looks like.

Cheers