Discussion about the Korg PolySix synthesizer

> Hi,
>
> I have previously modified my Polysix to accept an
> external signal
> into the FX generator. After two years of perfect
> operation, the
> machine is now totally un-usable, and I would love
> to move the
> KLM-368A effect board into a separate chassis and
> use it as a
> dedicated unit. The only problem I have is, what
> circuits are
> required to connect the effect select switch and
> level control to the
> board? I assume that the effects board needs some
> kind of signal from
> the programmer section, but I want to just connect
> the pots themselves
> to the 386A with a minimum of extra circuits. Is
> there a way to do
> this using the pins on CN-03? Please help, it would
> be greatly
> appreciated. As a side note, all of the other parts
> from my Polysix
> are available for sale or trade, I have been advised
> that the
> Programmer IC is possibly damaged, but all of the
> other boards, pwr
> supply and case are available. Please let me know
> if anyone is
> interested in these parts, and thanx for the tech
> advice.
> Would also love to get my hands on a similiar Korg
> analog machine.
> Regards,
>
> T. Cardinal
>
>
>

On Fri, 17 Oct 2003, trekpilot wrote:

> problem I have is, what circuits are required to connect the effect
> select switch and level control to the board? I assume that the effects
> board needs some kind of signal from the programmer section, but I want
> to just connect the pots themselves to the 386A with a minimum of extra
> circuits. Is there a way to do this using the pins on CN-03? Please
> help, it would be greatly appreciated. As a side note, all of the other
> parts from my Polysix are available for sale or trade, I have been
> advised that the Programmer IC is possibly damaged, but all of the other
> boards, pwr supply and case are available. Please let me know if anyone
> is interested in these parts, and thanx for the tech advice. Would also
> love to get my hands on a similiar Korg analog machine. Regards,
>
> T. Cardinal

> exactly how did you modify it to accept an external
> signal? i've open mine up and tried to figure it out,
> but to no avail...
> i'm not too knowledgable about circuits, but i'm very
> handy with a soldiering iron...
>
> thanks
> - roy
>

----- Original Message -----
From: "roy s." <unovis_yeah@yahoo.com>
> exactly how did you modify it to accept an external
> signal? i've open mine up and tried to figure it out,
> but to no avail...
> i'm not too knowledgable about circuits, but i'm very
> handy with a soldiering iron...

I don't have a schematic so I can't tell you anything specific about the
Polysix. But in general terms, audio flows in one direction; from the output of
one device to the input of another device. If you break such an audio path
with, for example, a pair of normalized jacks, you can take out or insert
signals that a manufacturer never intended. With a little electronics knowledge
of IC and transistor circuits and an accurate schematic diagram, these things
can be sussed out.

Removing a circuit for stand-alone operation requires additional knowledge of
how the device works, what controls it, and a way to supply it with appropriate
power.

Cheers,

Bill (in vague terms mode)

> Hi Roy.
>
> Modifying the effects board for an external IN is
> very simple. All I
> used is a SPDT toggle switch, a mono jack, and a tap
> to the effects
> signal in line. I simply wired the external jack
> tip (signal) line
> into one side of the switch. The other side of the
> switch is the
> synth signal line (for normal operation.) The
> center pole leads to
> the Signal IN line of the effects board (yel/wht
> cn-14). This allows
> you to switch between the synth voices and your
> external signal.
> Don't forget to ground the jack ring connection...I
> simply connected
> it to the other jack grounds.
>
> There are two additional steps: 1) solder a 100ohm
> resistor between
> the external signal jack and the switch lead to
> decrease the signal
> level. Also, it is up to you where you want to
> mount the switch and
> the jack.
> On my setup, I send the signals from my AX80 into
> the Polysix effects
> board. Haven't tried it with recorded audio or
> other signals, but
> this should work for you.
>
> O-------------- Synth
> signal
> To FX signal in--------O
> (KLM-386A CN14 pin 1) O-----/\/\/\--- External
> signal (jack tip)
> 100ohm
>
> Hope I've helped, and have fun with the toys! Let
> me know if you have
> any other questions I can help you with.