Fairlight-CMI

Hello Mick,


Any working system is a good one. A 2 is not a 3, I recommend you do some
reading first via various web pages, 'Greg Holmes' page (
http://www.ghservices.com/gregh/fairligh/ ) is a good start, then there
are the 'KMI' pages http://members.tripod.com/kmi9000/kmi_cmi.htm with
technical info. I'm sure there are good other pages, but these come to
mind first.

If you decide to get a 2, aim for a 2x (IIx is more commonly written)
because it has MIDI, the II does not.

If you go for a 3 (III), any software version higher than 8 is a good path
for expansion. This does not mean that a machine with version 5 or 6
software is bad, it will just have fewer functions and be slower because
of older hardware. You cannot just upgrade the software because newer
software requires / expects newer hardware. it's like windows Vista, you
cannot run it on a 286.

Expect to pay upwards of 4000 euro for a working IIx with lightpen, ascii
keyboard, clear monitor and music keyboard on e-bay or Vemia auction. Add
another 800 or so if you want them in good flightcases (I use SKB or
Jan-Al), which is a must if you need to ship them from anywhere. Don't
forget international shipping, handling, import taxes and local taxes if
you import. Add another 1000 or 2000 for that if it comes from overseas.
If you need to fly out, pick up and pack it yourself, that is extra too. A
series III is the same story, but I would expect upwards of 5000 euro for
the unit. A system unit *cannot* be *safely* carried by one person.

Been there, done all of this.

The alternative is to buy one ready-to-go from Peter Wielk, ex Fairlight,
in Australia and have him ship it cargo prepaid to your door. I still
recommend packing it in flightcases for future use.


regards,
Harald

> Hi to every one,
> Can you give me any info regarding prices for a series 3 or 2 ,Also
> where do i begin with this system ,what do you class as a good set up
> to get started with .
> cheers Mick.