2AM Update
2003-08-20 by Paul Schreiber
Yes, it is indeed 2AM, but that's because I'm trying to figure out if my email program has some sort of virus that is attaching PIF files and sending random mails to people. If you get some weird notification about email from synth1@..., please let me know at my OTHER email address: syntht@... Moving right along: a) it's NAMM time (groan) again. This is probably my last year to exhibit, it just costs too much in both $$$ and time. I have a blast, but I need a break. It's too close to Christmas for me (it needs to be like in late Feb or early March). This year it starts on Jan. 15th. I'll have badges available for $25ea, LIMITED number. I'll let you know in Oct. how many I am allocated (it's usually around 7 that I can hand out). It's in Anaheim, CA across the street from Disneyland. b) Instead of printed flyers (that 95% get chunked in the trash), I'm handing out CD's. The CDs will have the entire website on it, and a 2 page "short form" PDF catalog. And...DEMOS! in WAV format. So, start burning me CDs of the WAV files of any demos/songs/funny noises you want to be on the CD. The more the better! c) to save $$$, I need 10 people to each burn 50 CDs for me (I'll provide the blank CDs). If you want to do this (must be done by Jan. 5th), send email to my syntht@... address. Label artwork proposals needed as well. I suck at this sort of stuff. At the show, I will have a 1 page front/back handout (some folks like paper stuff). d) I've started on reducing the assembled backlog. Yes, I'm *perfectly aware* of the folks still waiting (and waiting and waiting and....) for kits. But, I simply have to 'switch gears' and focus on assembled for a few weeks. Kits DO NOT go to a grinding halt. I will ship a few each day, as opposed to 18-25/day when I was at the peak. e) the uSeq CPU design is being redone to provide a feature that is needed in the long run, but I was going to leave out in the initial shipment: sysex updates of the code. The new uSeq CPU design uses a dual PIC/8051 scheme, and has the advantage of overall parts reduction along with the aforementioned sysex loading. The code needs to be split up, and this is being worked at as we speak. Looking down the road, this allows free updates on the website. And also the potential for dumping sequences into/out of the uSeq. f) the MIDI-CV is also zooming along. We have a scheme to daisy-chain multiple MIDI-CV controllers together using short Ethernet patch cords :) The goal is to be able to have 4 units, for a 16-ch MIDI-CV (that's 64 outputs!). Again, I know the project is "dragging along forever", but wait until you start using it :) If things go well, I will have 6 NEW products to show at NAMM, plus shipping all but the Cloud Generator (hope to have the *prototype* there making strange noises). What 6 new products??!?? Stay tuned! Lastly...WaveWarper pc boards due this Friday :) Yawn....... Paul S.