Wiardgroup

I am just sending off a couple of Mixolators to Grant for
modifications - the metering mod is the best!

This mod allows one of the mixolators to display its stereo output on
both of the led arrays.  It is switched from a pull-switch pot, and,
when a signal is present at any of the inputs of the switched circuit,
it allows easy visual centering of the Zpot.

I have two done already, and it makes tuning of cv modulation of the
Mixolator much easier.

At this point, Grant has modified almost ALL of my modules.  (Extended
range of the VCO coarse FREQ knob and VCA mod;  noise gen mod for the
Woggles;  coupling 2 Sequantizers to make a 16 stage sequencer; the
Borg VCA mode;  the Envelator x100 time mod; joyustick attenuators; 
Noise Ring Sync; and the Omni Filter gain mod).

These mods make such an amazing difference to the system;  all of the
issues that I have had with the modules during use have now been
addressed and the system really rock in any direction I want to take it!

What other synthesizer maker does this kind of work?

Answer: nobody.

Thank you for your time and commitment, Grant.

Gary Chang

Hi Gary. Can you expand on the added capabilities of some of these mods, I am interested in the:
 
VCO coarse FREQ knob and VCA mod
 
Borg VCA mod
 
Omni Filter gain mod
 
Noise Ring Sync
 
Thanks!
 
Rob Adams
 
 
 
 


Gary Chang <gchang@calarts.edu> wrote:
I am just sending off a couple of Mixolators to Grant for
modifications - the metering mod is the best!

This mod allows one of the mixolators to display its stereo output on
both of the led arrays. It is switched from a pull-switch pot, and,
when a signal is present at any of the inputs of the switched circuit,
it allows easy visual centering of the Zpot.

I have two done already, and it makes tuning of cv modulation of the
Mixolator much easier.

At this point, Grant has modified almost ALL of my modules. (Extended
range of the VCO coarse FREQ knob and VCA mod; noise gen mod for the
Woggles; coupling 2 Sequantizers to make a 16 stage sequencer; the
Borg VCA mode; the Envelator x100 time mod; joyustick attenuators; 
Noise Ring Sync; and the Omni Filter gain mod).

These mods make such an amazing difference to the system; all of the
issues that I have had with the modules during use have now been
addressed and the system really rock in any direction I want to take it!

What other synthesizer maker does this kind of work?

Answer: nobody.

Thank you for your time and commitment, Grant.

Gary Chang





Yahoo! Groups Links

--- In wiardgroup@yahoogroups.com, RSA <wiard300@y...> wrote:
> Hi Gary. Can you expand on the added capabilities of some of these
mods, I am interested in the:
>  
> VCO coarse FREQ knob and VCA mod

I have been using an AS French Connection as my keyboard for the 300.
 It outputs 0 volts at the lowest c key, and a volt per octave above.

  The issue is this;  the lowest note in the orchestra is the B flat 3
octaves below middle c.  In order to play this note, the lowest B flat
on the keyboard is a minor 7th above the zero volts' c, which means
that the VCOs will have to play this low B flat with nearly 1 volt
being sent from the keyboard.  With such an offset, the 300 VCOs would
not tune that low.  So this mod changes a resistor value on the coarse
tune pot to increase its range an additional five octaves.

I also had this problem when using a Doepfer Shaltwerk with this
system.  The Shaltwerk performed fine with the excepton that when you
introduced a midi keyboard to transpose the sequences, it simply added
the corresponding midi note's voltage to the sequencer's note value,
causing even the lowest sequencer/keyboard combinations to output
around middle c.  This mod simply allows me to set the VCO frequency
to as low as I care to, regardless of whatever lack of control I have
of the device controlling the system.

The VCA mod is simply that Grant has found that by moving some of the
 signals around,  crosstalk from the VCO is greatly reduced.  When
using an unmodified VCA to gate a Sine Wave for FM, the pulse wave is
faintly present. even when fully closed.  This mod greatly reduces
this crosstalk, making them much more useful as an independent
circuit, without the trace presence of the pulsewave signal of the
mother VCO.

>  
> Borg VCA mod

All of the latter day Borg Filters have the VCA mode, which switches
the Borg into a 1 poll filter mode, similar to the Buchla Lowpass Gate
in "Dual" (VCA & Filter) mode.  I use the Borg in this mode on almost
every patch.  I give the patches a very woody character, often
associated with Buchla Synths.

I just received another Borg, and it does not have this mod.  It goes
off to Wisconsin tomorrow...

>  
> Omni Filter gain mod

The OmniFilter gain mod was a way of compensating for the lower output
of the Omni in Bandpass mode.  It simply gives gain to the inputs when
they are turned all the way up.  It allows one to overdrive the Filter
even when you are using a single source.

>  
> Noise Ring Sync

This allows for the syncronization of the Clock circuit of the Noise
Ring with an external signal.  I thought that, in lieu of having an
external clock input, being able to sync the internal osc provides
some sort of way to set the relationship of the Noise ring to other
time based modules in a patch.

That's it.  Grant = if you have anything to add about this, please
jump right in!

This week, we (it's Grant who is doing everything - I am just paying
for it) will be getting the first etched Wiard faceplate (a Blue JAG
with lions).  If this works out, Grant thinks that it may mean that he
will be able to continue to manufacture 300 Series systems!  That is
very good news....


Gary

Gary

All transpositions should be possible at the controller. But to 
save money, digital systems have no negative supply and cannot 
add the correct negative offset to satisfy the mathematics.

The normal 10 octave control range of the coarse tuning knobs 
covers the audible 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz range. The expaned range 
is only required to compensate for cost reduced digital 
controllers.

> The VCA mod is simply that Grant has found that by moving 
some of the
>  signals around,  crosstalk from the VCO is greatly reduced.  
When
> using an unmodified VCA to gate a Sine Wave for FM, the pulse 
wave is
> faintly present. even when fully closed.  This mod greatly 
reduces
> this crosstalk, making them much more useful as an 
independent
> circuit, without the trace presence of the pulsewave signal of 
the
> mother VCO.

I have to admit, this one got by me. A typical engineering problem 
of concentrating on making a connection, but not testing the 
disconnect state.

There is a ground loop on the PC board which causes bleedthru. 
Moving one resistor fixes this.

Remove board screws from the board side only.

The resistor is the 220 ohm 1/4 watt next to two 100Ks by the 
CA3080 next to the bottom ribbon cable. Remove the CA3080 
from its socket. Clip out the existing 220 ohm resistor and solder 
a new 220 ohm resistor across pins 2 and 3 of the CA3080 
socket. Reinstall the CA3080.

> I just received another Borg, and it does not have this mod.  It 
goes
> off to Wisconsin tomorrow...

The new mode was custom engineered for Gary.

> > Omni Filter gain mod
> 
> The OmniFilter gain mod was a way of compensating for the 
lower output
> of the Omni in Bandpass mode.  It simply gives gain to the 
inputs when
> they are turned all the way up.  It allows one to overdrive the 
Filter
> even when you are using a single source.

Also custom engineered for Gary.
> 
> >  
> > Noise Ring Sync
> 
> This allows for the syncronization of the Clock circuit of the 
Noise
> Ring with an external signal.  I thought that, in lieu of having an
> external clock input, being able to sync the internal osc 
provides
> some sort of way to set the relationship of the Noise ring to 
other
> time based modules in a patch.
> 

The new Noise Ring faceplates in Black or Blue add this feature.

With the exception of the VCA bleedthru, all the mentioned mods 
are exhancements to already exceptional performance.

--- In wiardgroup@yahoogroups.com, "Gary Chang" <gchang@c...> wrote:
> I have been using an AS French Connection as my keyboard for the 300.
>  It outputs 0 volts at the lowest c key, and a volt per octave above.

Gary, would you tell us a little more about your experience with the French Connection 
controller? I've been thinking for some time now that it might make an ideal modular 
controller, but have been somewhat put off by the price. Obviously, with a product like 
this there's no real opporunitiy to go down to the local music store and try one out. So - 

Have you found it to live up to your expectations? In what sorts of ways are you using it? 
etc. etc.

Inquiring minds want to know... :-)

Mike

Mike,

The French Connection is a fantastic controller, offering both
stepwise and portamento articulation.

I have been a long time fan of Olivier Messiaen, who wrote many of the
most definitive works for orchestra and the ONDES MARTENOT, the early
early electronic music instrument that the French Connection gets its
actual mechanical features from.

Calibration is simple (I always retune my keyboards with a strobe
tuner, as opposed to digital voltmeters used by most manufacturers),
and the build quality is quite good.  The ring (attached to a cord
that turns a pot via a pully setup) plays very smoothly. and shows
very little wear after a year of use.  The joystick in the mod bin is
center sprung and has pots for attenuation, making it useful for use
as a tuned pitchbend.

The "bed" below the ring has indentations and brass bumps that signify
the corresponding intervals of the keyboard, so that you can easily
slide from one pitch to another and vibrato around a pitch.

A wooden button in the mod bin can be set to engage the ring, so a
player can play stepped notes on the keyboard and switch to the ring
for a slide (ala ribbon controller) of vibrato.  (This is, of course
the classic method of the Ondes Martenot).

Is it expensive?  Because of the exchange rate, it is unfortunately
overpriced.  Frankly, I traded for it which took some of the sting out
of acquiring it.  The solid walnut case is IMHO, mildly disapointing.
 It looks much nicer in a photo.  I do appreciate it, though.  It is
WAY better than an anvil case or an MDF/laminate case!

Although I have a lot of older stuff, I don't consider myself a
collector.  The FC is not just another keyboard that I wanted for my
collection.  I thought that the FC offered more options for expression
than typical analog keyboard controllers and I wanted to be able to
use something other than a midi controller.  I am experimenting with
actually converting the FC output to midi pitchbend info via an RS300
midi-to-cv convertor - more on this soon....  If this works, wow - a
new universe.

Roger Cordell at Big City Music stocks the French Connection, so if
you are in the So. Cal. area, call him and go check it out.


Gary

 

--- In wiardgroup@yahoogroups.com, "sacrificialyam"
<hciassociates@y...> wrote:
> --- In wiardgroup@yahoogroups.com, "Gary Chang" <gchang@c...> wrote:
> > I have been using an AS French Connection as my keyboard for the 300.
> >  It outputs 0 volts at the lowest c key, and a volt per octave above.
> 
> Gary, would you tell us a little more about your experience with the
French Connection 
> controller? I've been thinking for some time now that it might make
an ideal modular 
> controller, but have been somewhat put off by the price. Obviously,
with a product like 
> this there's no real opporunitiy to go down to the local music store
and try one out. So - 
> 
> Have you found it to live up to your expectations? In what sorts of
ways are you using it? 

> etc. etc.
> 
> Inquiring minds want to know... :-)
> 
> Mike

So I picked up a couple 300 modules on EBAY and I'm looking for a rack 
and power supply. Anyone have a rack kit or power supply they're not 
using ? Alternatively, are there any off the shelf solutions ?


Rob

--- In wiardgroup@yahoogroups.com, Robert Hoffman <robmix@e...> 
wrote:
> So I picked up a couple 300 modules on EBAY and I'm looking for a 
> rack and power supply. Anyone have a rack kit or power supply 
> they're not using ?
> Alternatively, are there any off the shelf solutions ?

Congraduations, Rob!  

I would suspect you're out of luck in the rack situation, since I 
think it's a custom job; hopefully you can still order one from 
Grant.  But at least, being fully-enclosed, Wiard modules are more 
usable outside-the-rack than any other manufacturer's modules.

For power supplies, I get the +/15V 1.5A linear supplies made by 
International Power from Mouser.  That's enough for six modules (at 
least), so for a couple, an 800mA supply should be plenty.

Try part# 597-AA15-0.8 here:
http://www.mouser.com/catalog/619/1223.pdf

It's not a 100% off-the-shelf solution, since you'll have to wire up 
a fused IEC receptacle (and switch) to the input, and a DIN jack or 
two to the output, but those operations are as easy as building your 
own audio cables.

Hope this helps ...

    -Doug
     jasret@mindspring.com

--- In wiardgroup@yahoogroups.com, Robert Hoffman <robmix@e...> wrote:
> So I picked up a couple 300 modules on EBAY and I'm looking for a rack 
> and power supply. Anyone have a rack kit or power supply they're not 
> using ? Alternatively, are there any off the shelf solutions ?
> 
> 
> Rob

The ones that Grant supplies can be gotten from Allied Electronics. The
part number is WM071-1950-D5. They are Elpac Power Systems supplies
with a 5-pin DIN connector that matches the power connector on the back
of the 300 series modules. You can get just about any linear +_15VDC
supply and hook it up to 5 pin DIN connectors though. The wall wart
supplies mention above are 0.24A which would easily power a single
module and perhaps up to three depending on which modules you have.
I have a big-assed PowerOne supply for each rack of six modules that I
have and that seems to work great.

> of the 300 series modules. You can get just about any linear +_15VDC
> supply and hook it up to 5 pin DIN connectors though. The wall wart
> supplies mention above are 0.24A which would easily power a single
> module and perhaps up to three depending on which modules you have.

Yes indeed! one can power three 300 series modules from a single 
elpac supply.  The success is totally dependant on the modules hooked 
to the supply.

On one supply I have:
oscillator
sequantizer
envelator

On the other supply:
waveform city
borg
mixolator


Matthew

Ok,

 Now that the power is taken care of (presumably), the other issue is
creating an enclosure for you modules.

The most daunting task - attaching the modules can be achieved
relatively simply by utilizing the Vector Electronics T-Strut, which
is an aluminum extrusion that has a slot made for T-Nuts, which are a
specially made square 4-40 nut that are designed slide in this slot.

The T-Strut is about one inch wide (a slot in both ends).  This allows
you plenty of material to drill or weld or glue to attach them to a
suitable cabinet.

It comes in standard rack mount kits, with all the other stuff (sides,
tops, bottoms, etc., or as raw 60" stock (4 per order).

I learned about these guys while trying to mount 26 NEVE 3104 mic
pre/eq modules years ago, and have used them in my recent Blue Meanie
project.

Simply the easist, most elegant solution.

Vector Electronics is in North Hollywood, CA. http://www.vectorelect.com/

Thanks for the help guys, I'll see what I can put together this week. 
Nice article in EM Gary !!!!!!


Rob



On Friday, September 24, 2004, at 05:41 AM, Gary Chang wrote:

> Ok,
>
> Now that the power is taken care of (presumably), the other issue is
> creating an enclosure for you modules.
>
> The most daunting task - attaching the modules can be achieved
> relatively simply by utilizing the Vector Electronics T-Strut, which
> is an aluminum extrusion that has a slot made for T-Nuts, which are a
> specially made square 4-40 nut that are designed slide in this slot.
>
> The T-Strut is about one inch wide (a slot in both ends).  This allows
> you plenty of material to drill or weld or glue to attach them to a
> suitable cabinet.
>
> It comes in standard rack mount kits, with all the other stuff (sides,
> tops, bottoms, etc., or as raw 60" stock (4 per order).
>
> I learned about these guys while trying to mount 26 NEVE 3104 mic
> pre/eq modules years ago, and have used them in my recent Blue Meanie
> project.
>
> Simply the easist, most elegant solution.
>
> Vector Electronics is in North Hollywood, CA. 
> http://www.vectorelect.com/
>
>
>
<image.tiff>
>
>
<image.tiff>

>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
> • 	To visit your group on the web, go to:
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/wiardgroup/
>  
> • 	To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> wiardgroup-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>  
> • 	Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.
>

Ahh !!!!!!!!!!!!! After spending the afternoon at Vector and coming up 
with what we thought was a workable non-custom solution, the kit I 
brought home isn't right. Wiard 300 modules are exactly 6U and the 
holes are drilled very close to the edge which makes it difficult, 
hopefully not impossible, to fit into standard 6U subracks. The 
T-struts mounted in a 6U enclosure end up being about 1/16" too short. 
Fun . . . . . .


Rob



On Friday, September 24, 2004, at 05:41 AM, Gary Chang wrote:

> Ok,
>
> Now that the power is taken care of (presumably), the other issue is
> creating an enclosure for you modules.
>
> The most daunting task - attaching the modules can be achieved
> relatively simply by utilizing the Vector Electronics T-Strut, which
> is an aluminum extrusion that has a slot made for T-Nuts, which are a
> specially made square 4-40 nut that are designed slide in this slot.
>
> The T-Strut is about one inch wide (a slot in both ends).  This allows
> you plenty of material to drill or weld or glue to attach them to a
> suitable cabinet.
>
> It comes in standard rack mount kits, with all the other stuff (sides,
> tops, bottoms, etc., or as raw 60" stock (4 per order).
>
> I learned about these guys while trying to mount 26 NEVE 3104 mic
> pre/eq modules years ago, and have used them in my recent Blue Meanie
> project.
>
> Simply the easist, most elegant solution.
>
> Vector Electronics is in North Hollywood, CA. 
> http://www.vectorelect.com/
>
>
>
<image.tiff>
>
>
<image.tiff>

>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
> • 	To visit your group on the web, go to:
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/wiardgroup/
>  
> • 	To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> wiardgroup-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>  
> • 	Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.
>

rob,

Is it not possible to Dremel the holes at the top and bottoms of the
end panels to allow the T-strut to move 1/32 inch (up on the upper
strut, down on the lower one), giving you the alignment that you are
seeking?

All of my experiences with the Vector stuff have been on custom
mounting - Neve Modules, the Wiard.  Many of the Vector parts are
great, but, unless you are trying to mount modules made of vector
components, some modification is necessary.  Using their stuff puts
you a lot closer than you were before, IMHO.

gary

--- In wiardgroup@yahoogroups.com, Rob Hoffman <robmix@e...> wrote:
> Ahh !!!!!!!!!!!!! After spending the afternoon at Vector and coming up 
> with what we thought was a workable non-custom solution, the kit I 
> brought home isn't right. Wiard 300 modules are exactly 6U and the 
> holes are drilled very close to the edge which makes it difficult, 
> hopefully not impossible, to fit into standard 6U subracks. The 
> T-struts mounted in a 6U enclosure end up being about 1/16" too short. 
> Fun . . . . . .
> 
> 
> Rob
> 
> 
> 
> On Friday, September 24, 2004, at 05:41 AM, Gary Chang wrote:
> 
> > Ok,
> >
> > Now that the power is taken care of (presumably), the other issue is
> > creating an enclosure for you modules.
> >
> > The most daunting task - attaching the modules can be achieved
> > relatively simply by utilizing the Vector Electronics T-Strut, which
> > is an aluminum extrusion that has a slot made for T-Nuts, which are a
> > specially made square 4-40 nut that are designed slide in this slot.
> >
> > The T-Strut is about one inch wide (a slot in both ends).  This allows
> > you plenty of material to drill or weld or glue to attach them to a
> > suitable cabinet.
> >
> > It comes in standard rack mount kits, with all the other stuff (sides,
> > tops, bottoms, etc., or as raw 60" stock (4 per order).
> >
> > I learned about these guys while trying to mount 26 NEVE 3104 mic
> > pre/eq modules years ago, and have used them in my recent Blue Meanie
> > project.
> >
> > Simply the easist, most elegant solution.
> >
> > Vector Electronics is in North Hollywood, CA. 
> > http://www.vectorelect.com/
> >
> >
> >
> <image.tiff>
> >
> >
> <image.tiff>
> >
> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> > • 	To visit your group on the web, go to:
> > http://groups.yahoo.com/group/wiardgroup/
> >  
> > • 	To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> > wiardgroup-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
> >  
> > • 	Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of
Service.
> >

That's exactly what I intend to do. Thanks again for suggesting Vector.


Rob



On Thursday, October 7, 2004, at 04:16 PM, Gary Chang wrote:

>
> rob,
>
> Is it not possible to Dremel the holes at the top and bottoms of the
> end panels to allow the T-strut to move 1/32 inch (up on the upper
> strut, down on the lower one), giving you the alignment that you are
> seeking?
>
> All of my experiences with the Vector stuff have been on custom
> mounting - Neve Modules, the Wiard.  Many of the Vector parts are
> great, but, unless you are trying to mount modules made of vector
> components, some modification is necessary.  Using their stuff puts
> you a lot closer than you were before, IMHO.
>
> gary
>
> --- In wiardgroup@yahoogroups.com, Rob Hoffman <robmix@e...> wrote:
> > Ahh !!!!!!!!!!!!! After spending the afternoon at Vector and coming 
> up
> > with what we thought was a workable non-custom solution, the kit I
> > brought home isn't right. Wiard 300 modules are exactly 6U and the
> > holes are drilled very close to the edge which makes it difficult,
> > hopefully not impossible, to fit into standard 6U subracks. The
> > T-struts mounted in a 6U enclosure end up being about 1/16" too 
> short.
> > Fun . . . . . .
> >
> >
> > Rob
> >
> >
> >
> > On Friday, September 24, 2004, at 05:41 AM, Gary Chang wrote:
> >
> > > Ok,
> > >
> > > Now that the power is taken care of (presumably), the other issue 
> is
> > > creating an enclosure for you modules.
> > >
> > > The most daunting task - attaching the modules can be achieved
> > > relatively simply by utilizing the Vector Electronics T-Strut, 
> which
> > > is an aluminum extrusion that has a slot made for T-Nuts, which 
> are a
> > > specially made square 4-40 nut that are designed slide in this 
> slot.
> > >
> > > The T-Strut is about one inch wide (a slot in both ends).  This 
> allows
> > > you plenty of material to drill or weld or glue to attach them to a
> > > suitable cabinet.
> > >
> > > It comes in standard rack mount kits, with all the other stuff 
> (sides,
> > > tops, bottoms, etc., or as raw 60" stock (4 per order).
> > >
> > > I learned about these guys while trying to mount 26 NEVE 3104 mic
> > > pre/eq modules years ago, and have used them in my recent Blue 
> Meanie
> > > project.
> > >
> > > Simply the easist, most elegant solution.
> > >
> > > Vector Electronics is in North Hollywood, CA.
> > > http://www.vectorelect.com/
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > <image.tiff>
> > >
> > >
> > <image.tiff>
> > >
> > > Yahoo! Groups Links
> > >
> > > •       To visit your group on the web, go to:
> > > http://groups.yahoo.com/group/wiardgroup/
> > > 
> > > •       To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> > > wiardgroup-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
> > > 
> > > •       Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of
> Service.
> > >
>
>
>
>
<image.tiff>
>
>
<image.tiff>

>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
> • 	To visit your group on the web, go to:
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/wiardgroup/
>  
> • 	To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> wiardgroup-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>  
> • 	Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.
>