PLAN B analog blog

I've posted a new folder in the photo tab entitled Model 32 Vector
Plotter,  showing some shots of the first production unit now being
built.  You'll notice that not all the components are in place yet.  It's 3:35 AM...time for some zzzz.

I will be completing this and juicing it up this weekend and
expect the balance of the 25 piece initial order to be released to
production next week.

As you can see it's quite labor intensive.  The price will be in our
standard range, between $235 and $270.  

A quick review of the functionality:

With no external signals connected, this joystick operated like any other: 0 to a preset (pot) voltage level between ground and +10 volts
from two axis...X and Y.

the voltage of the X coord is available at the X Axis jack, the
voltage of the Y axis at the the Y coord. is available at the Y jack.

There is also a combined output, X/Y out which gives the summed
voltages present on both axis.

A switch determines if the range of the output voltages is either
positive going only (ground to preset + voltage) or bipolar - meaningthe outputs are offset negatively to give - and plus range, with
ground somewhere in the middle (it depends on the level preset -this
effects the offset). THis function is especially useful for panning across a stereo field.

There is also an independent Z AXIS gate button which has a dedicated
Z axis output jack.  A high gate is produced for as long as the button
is depressed.

Now to the more interesting functions:

You will notice on each side there is a jack labeled KINETIC GATE.  If
either of the two axis are in motion, a high gate will be produced out
of the X KINETIC GATE output for the duration of time it's in motion,
and a Y KINETIC GATE signal will be produced out of the Y KINETIC Gate
out as long as it's in motion.  

There is a combined X/Y KIN. GATE jack in the lowerleft corner of the
control section which produces a gate as long as either axis is in
motion.  

Another motion-dependent output, the X/Y/Z GATE,  produces a high signal only if both the X and Y axis is in motion -and- the Z AXIS gate button is depressed.

So is the significance of the Kinetic Gates?  They can be used as an
enabling source to turn on and off events controlled by the voltage axis of the joystick.  Let's say you have the unit set to bipolar operation.  The Y axis controls the speed of a Square Wave LFO which is triggering an EG which is in turn firing some percussive sound.  The X Axis controls the pan location.  Any of the Kinetic Gate outs at that point could be used to unable this sound event only when the stick is being moved.  This could be done by routing the patch through a VCA and using the Kinetic Gates to open that VCA.  At that point, this patch would sound only when the performer wished it to, turning it on anf off by moving the joystick controller.

So there are many options of decoding control signals here.

You will also notice each of the four corners - labeled A, B, C and D
has an external input jack.  With signals inserted into any one of the
four corners, or some, or all, the Vector Plotter acts as a four
quadraint crossfader.  These inputs will accept either DC or AC
signals.  With four different audio sources inserted and coing out of
the X.Y OUT jack, the M32 will function as a four channel audio
crossfader.

- P

Okay so..... I was going to buy a Wiard 311 controller but not now! I think I"ll just do a 3U Euro box with 2 of the 32's. One at each end. ;)

--- In PLAN_B_analog_blog@yahoogroups.com, Luigi <l_weegi@...> wrote:
>
> Okay so..... I was going to buy a Wiard 311 controller but not now!
I think I"ll just do a 3U Euro box with 2 of the 32's. One at each end. ;)
>

I was also lusting after the Wiard 311, now I am going to buy a pair
of Model 32 and put them in a table top 6U eurorack case - then there
is more room for sequencer and control modules. It will also be my
first serious DIY project since no one except Cwejman provides a
suitable shallow case and it is out of my price range.