[sdiy] optical retrofit for minis?

[david at therogoffs.com]

-----Original message-----
From: Kevin Lightner synthfool at synthfool.com
Date: Tue, 22 Mar 2005 13:10:55 -0500
To: synthdiy synth-diy at dropmix.xs4all.nl
Subject: Re: [sdiy] optical retrofit for minis?

> >  >
> >>  Here's the situation:
> >>
> >>  Minimoog keyboard actions are dying left and right.
> >>  More and more frequently, the plating on the contact springs and
> >>  bussbars are wearing through, springs stretched, buss bars bent and
> >>  the rubber standoffs on the contact board hardening. I have several
> >>  minis here, all with restored electronics, but with bad keyboards.
> >>  The clients are looking into options (buying another mini for parts,
> >>  MIDI, etc.)
> >>
> >
> >Kevin,
> >
> >how about magnets/reed switches?  I used these to MIDI an old organ 
> >pedalboard.  I'm not sure how fast and even the response would be, 
> >but it's worth checking out.  The install is pretty easy and 
> >requires no change to the keyboard electronics.
> >I'ts been a while, but I'd guess it would only cost a couple of 
> >dollars/key (2 reed switches + magnet).
> >
> >  David
> 
> 
> This was my first idea, but it requires 44 magnets to be placed on 
> the key mechanisms and with precise placement.
> Hall effect sensors are *really* expensive too, compared to the 
> opto-interruptors.

Kevin,

I didn't say hall-effect sensors, I said reed switches, which are under $1 each.