[sdiy] Couldn't help myself....Buchla 219

[metasonix at earthlink.net]

> a) it appears cough syrup or such was spilt in it.

Soft drink.

> b) the joysticks are "hand made" from pcb material, a plastic gear (counterweight), 2 grommets,
> and a panel knob. The knob sits on top of a 12V lamp. The grommets are used to apply lateral
> pressure on the knob, so it "rides" on top of the lamp. There are 4 photocells in a "cross"
> pattern. The knob's skirt' allows light to "peek out"as the joystick is tilted to the sides. That
> wacky Don......

Very clever. Cheap to make also. Remember, joysticks were still
rare and costly in those days.

> Actually, given the time period, Don gets a B+. Needs more bypassing, didn't solder the via
> holes, was miserly on ty-wraps and needs reference designators.

Please let me point out, he got thousands of dollars for that thing
at a time when a new Toyota Corolla could be bought for $1795.
The 219 alone probably cost more than the Toyota. What did he get for
the whole system, $20k? The price of a Bentley....

You ought to print out your critiques and send them to Don.