Let it be known that I, Chub, have a LOT of "junk". No, really. I
can hear the "typical ham" comments, too. Don't start it. Also,
don't hesitate to ask me for some esoteric little do-dad that will
put your next project in order. Chances are that I've got several
and, believe me, my wife will pay the postage!
That being said, I have finished testing my little, cheap CV keyboard
this weekend! A real keyboard player might scoff, but it is a kick
to drive the Engine of Chaos with a keyboard. First patch was a very
punchy bass sound-V/Hz CV to 2 '300's, and the gate voltage to 1 '800
controlling 1 '440, 1 '190. Minim∗∗g that!
The keys came out of a RMI 'Lectric Piano from the sixties. I hacked
off the top 13 keys, switches and hardware (first person that chides
me for destroying a "vintage " keyboard had better be wearing a
cup...) and cleaned off the swarf of 40 years. Then I replaced the
felt put it all back together and adjusted it. The switches are
wired to work with the MM74C922 4x4 keyboard matrix scanner. There
is a good basic circuit utilizing this device at Ken Stone's website -
http://www.cgs.synth.net/ . He has pcb's for sale, too. Any
normally-open switches can be used for the matrix. It doesn't have
to be a keyboard and it doesn't have to control V/Hz or EG inputs. My
circuit has a few mods but nothing truly necessary. The MM74C922 is
available from Mouser for $10.23.
Total cost of this project- $10.97. Like I said, I've got a LOT
of "junk".
Chub-waiting for that Happy Email constructively.