keys

jgoulds · Joined: Sep 25, 2012 Posts: 10 Location: bristol, va

I'm looking for an online source for buying a keyboard that I can wire. Basically a SPST pushbutton setup that I can build a PCB into to make a CV keyboard. Does this make any sense? I don't need anything special, just basically a plastic or metal shell I can put the guts into.

Thanks!

amongstmyselves · Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2013 3:02 pm Post subject:

Howdy,

I presume you mean just a keyboard with switches for each key. You've probably already thought about this and are trying to avoid it but you might be able to salvage the keys from an old synth or keyboard. Going to a second hand store and getting a broken keyboard ie: electronics have died and retrofitting it. Ray Wilson @ Music from Outer Space has a board for creating 1V/Octave output here http://www.musicfromouterspace.com/forums.html?MAINTAB=SYNTHDIY&PROJARG=EXPERIMENTERBOARD/page4.html&VPW=1910&VPH=859

This would involve doing a reasonable amount of hardware work to get all the reed switches happening.

I have seen 1v/Oct keyboards for sale. Doepfer do make them but are 1000 Euro. I'd be more tempted to buy a MIDI controller and attach a MIDI-CV converter. You could build a MIDI-CV converter to do basic stuff If you're handy with a solder iron and an Arduino.

I should have said at first that no I don't know of a supply of such a keyboard. I think many people here would love such a thing but it's one of those boring elements of DIY for synths. Sorry.

Steve.

wayoda · Joined: Dec 04, 2012 Posts: 5 Location: Germany

I think it might be easier to buy a cheap Midi-keyboard and build a Midi-To-CV adapter.
That way you have a working Midi Keyboard and a Keyboard to drive a Synth at the same time.
Searching for "midi to cv DIY" brings up quite a few hits

Eberhard

capicoso · Joined: Nov 19, 2012 Posts: 128 Location: Argentina

I recently built the 1v/oct keyboard controller from Ray Wilson. But after i found this easy midi2cv i regret it. http://m.bareille.free.fr/mcv628/mcv628.html
It's a good one to start. It only has 1 cv out plus aux cv(velocity, or any other midi message), 1 gate, midi learn. It's simple, but it has good tracking, and it's pretty simple. The pcb is just 6.5x7.6cm. It doesn't have any exotic component. The most expensive one is the DAC 0831, but you can use 0832(3x cheaper) with same results. He also sells pcbs for more advanced midi converters. Then if you want a more complex one http://www.acxsynth.com/midi2cv/midi2cvfr.htm lots of cv, gates, polyphonic, etc. I wanted to build this one but i can't find the MCP4822.

So yeah, i'm happy with Ray's controller, but it was too hard for what it does(etching and soldering doble sided pcb is a pain). And also, with a midi2cv you can skip building analog sequencers(i like to have both though) and use a computer with midi out to drive sequences

mrmrshoes · Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2013 10:55 am Post subject:

you can find the MCP4822 for $2.90
at http://www.futurlec.com

gotta order my self a few Wink

capicoso · Joined: Nov 19, 2012 Posts: 128 Location: Argentina

Thanks for the link.
Yeah, i can buy it there. But it may take weeks or more than a month to reach my country. So that's why i started with the 628, easier and faster, i needed something to calibrate my vcos. But that one'll be next for sure

mrmrshoes · Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2013 1:22 pm Post subject:

No probs Man.

Yeah its a similar delivery time to here (U.K) .

I'm planning on building both Midi 2 CV converters, I'll start with 628 because of the standard parts, then see were things go from there.

cheers man