[sdiy] gate sequencer

[Rafael_Cohen at prusec.com]

Hi,
This is my first post here, and usually I lurk on a list for a while before
posting, but I am anxious to get some feedback about an idea I have.  Let
me first say my tech skills are limited.  I have built my own contact
microphones and a little Velleman "sound-to-light" kit with no problems.  I
have basic tools (no scope) and I'm learning to read schematics (from Craig
Anderton's book I got from PAIA)... OK, I'm a newbie.

I want to build a gate sequencer.  I'm curious how difficult it would be
and where I would start.  I was thinking 2 rows of 16 toggle switches with
LEDs to indicate on/off status.  In it's simplest form, that's pretty much
it.  With a clock input and two ouputs for the gate signals.  I don't need
to program note/cv values, just gates on/off in time.  The only other
feature I'm itching for is a micro-timing knob for each step to push the
signals a little bit early or late.  I have this sinking feeling that might
make the project about four times as complicated.  Right now, I'm not even
trying to worry about pattern length, pattern direction, any of that.  I
really have no idea how to go about it.  I hope you don't get posts like
this all the time... "I have a frying pan and a coat hanger, please tell me
in monosyllables how to build a particle accelerator..."

Anyhow, I have the desire and energy to build and learn.  Any help, advice,
idas are appreciated.

Rafael
Brooklyn, NY