Last batch of 3340s

[Paul Schreiber]

This is the last batch of 3340s (literally from Doug Curtis' garage!!) I have been able to scrounge. They
have all been re-tested by me, and are 100% to spec (I replace any failures free).

There are 58 chips available (2 min) at $19 each. Free shipping in US, $7 non-US. See the credit
card order form at www.synthtech.com Email me if you wish other payment.

This is not all I have, just all I feel comfortable releasing , versus putting some in reserve for:

1) repair work
2) I will offer a 'premium' 3 VCO 3340 based Digisound module as part of the other modules in the series. The 'standard' VCO uses a 3374 dual VCO and 2 Analog Devices multiplier chips. They are the same in performance,
but the 3374 based design requies more up-front engineering, and there are more trims (I hate trims!!) involved.

Some have asked about my original intent: to raise mony to pay Doug to redesign the mask sets so the 3340 can 
be in production for years to come. However, several factors to date have prevented this:

a) rising costs for the masks themselves and difficulty in getting packaging houses to mess with DIP packages
b) Doug's time (OnChip's designs are still 90% full custom, with the average chip taking 9 weeks of his time)
And you can guess what 9 weeks of HIS time costs!

So, rather than go down that path, I've decided to invest the money into the NRE charges for the modular kits.
The NRE pays for the pcb design/mask sets, and for the initial parts purchases (lots of pots!).

I have a partner that will provide the metalwork (he builds industrial robots, and has a full metal shop). Also,
pinging AH has shown there is a LARGE interest in cloning the Oberheim Expander. After looking at the 
schematics, the design is:

a) very clever, esecially the filter (which will wind up as a module!)
b) the processor section can be replaced easily (actually kind of dorkey)
c) forget the SW envelopes, use 3310s.
d) forget all that muxing of control voltages, use quad DACs.
e) heave the VF displays, use LCD
f) keep all the rest

If anybody wishes to help in the controller code (probably use an Intel 251 or a Siemens 166) let me know.

I want to thank everyone for their support and here's to the future of DIY!

Paul Schreiber
Synthesis Technology