another modest proposal...

[Rowena Larkins]

> ....if you had say a large number of reed relays, then you
> could arrange them in a matrix say 12x12, connecting patchpoints
> like in a VCS3, then by plugging magnets into the holes above
> the relays which would be under the panel, you have a 
> connection system THAT CAN BE USED UNDER WATER!!!!! 
> 
> seriously, if the magnets were embedded in something big enough
> not to swallow, you could make a really trendy all wood surface
>synth for the under two brigade! this is what the world needs!

I used to work for the phone company in Australia, Telstra.
There was (maybe still is ) equipment in telephone exchanges like that, except 
it was designed for *big* relays and ran off 50 volt electro magnets. They 
were called crossbar switches and they certainly were big. They were in grey
steel boxes not nice wooden boxes. I'm sure that they could be picked up 
quite cheaply at some disposal outlet.

It is quite likely that some more modern devices (these were designed in the 
50's) were installed that used reed relays.

Oh and regarding the RJ45 patch cords, well, I acquired several, now I can put

them to use :-)


Rowena