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sync_swt.lzh
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1990-09-02
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A SYNC SIGNAL SWITCH BOX FOR THE MIDI HOME STUDIO.
Files in this .lzh file include..........
SYNC_SWT.DOC What you are reading.
SYNC_SWT.PI2 Med. rez (degas) wiring diagram.
SYNC_SWT.PI3 High rez (degas) wiring diagram.
Note... The PI3 and PI2 files must be viewed with degas, degas
elite or some kind of degas picture viewing program. One public domain
program that works well is DCSHW11.ARC file# 14572.
INTRODUCTION.......
This is a handy MIDI sync signal switcher for home recording
studios with multi track tape decks. If you've got a 4,8, or 16
channel setup, and you hate to repatch RCA cables every time you want
to use a sync box, you too can benefit from this simple and
inexpensive project. You will never have to repatch the RCA cables
from the in and out on your sync box, or unplug them from the tape
deck input and output if your not using the sync box. And the same
goes for your mixer input and output.
PARTS..............
The parts are easy to come by. you'll need (6) RCA panel mount
female jacks, (1) project box, (just about any size will do). (2 feet
at the most) of 20 gauge hookup wire, (1) 3 position wafer switch. A
wafer switch unfortunately can't be bought at radio shack. However it
can be found at any electronic supply house or just about any well
stocked music store. You see, this switch is also the pickup selector
for a Fender Stratacaster guitar. (In the degas drawing is a section
called "signal path". I originally did this to further understand how
the switch actually worked and to help in the design. I left it in the
drawing as an aid to those who might know of another switch that will
do the same job.) And if you want to install the optional test switch,
you'll need (1) normally open momentary push button switch. You should
be able to set yourself up with everything for around $10.
CONSTRUCTION.......
The hardest part of constructing this project is cutting the slot
for the wafer switch. It requires a slot (1 inch long) and (1/16 of an
inch wide). I've included a section in the drawing called "switch
slot". This shows the exact measurements of the slot. There's many
ways to cut this, more then I shall discuss. But here are three. The
best and easiest way is if you have access to a bridgeport milling
machine and 1/16" bit, like I did. But a DREMEL tool with an
adjustable fence and a tiny carving bit is a more realistic approach
to the job. And if a DREMEL tool is beyond your means. Alot of 1/16"
holes in a line and some time with a small rat tail file will serve
the purpose. The RCA jacks require drilling 1/4 inch holes. I suggest
you label the switch, RECORD - BYPASS - PLAY for convenience. And it
wouldn't hurt to label the jacks either. There's not much more
explanation of the assembly necessary. The degas drawings say it all.
SETUP PATCHING.....
This part might get a little confusing because there are so many
different systems and setups. I'll try to make it plain as possible.
Just for example, lets say you have an 8 channel deck and an 8 channel
mixer setup. And you always put your sync signal on track#8. Jack#1 is
labeled TO MIXER. It goes to channel #8 line or tape input on your
mixer. Jack#2 is labeled FROM DECK. Connect a cord from channel #8
output on your tape deck to this jack. Jack#3 is labeled TO DECK. You
want to connect a cord from here to the channel #8 input on you tape
deck. Jack#4 is labeled FROM MIXER. A cord from channel #8 output on
your mixer goes here. Jack#5 is labeled TO SYNC IN and jack#6 is
labeled FROM SYNC OUT these are self explanatory. This box will work
with many different setups. If you have a 4 channel setup just change
the #8 to #4 etc.
OPERATION..........
The operation of this box is pretty simple. When you wish to
record the sync signal on the tape, place the switch in the RECORD
position. If you want your recorded signal to trigger your sequence
program or sequencer, place the switch in the PLAY position. And when
you want to return to normal operation with no sync, set the switch in
the BYPASS position. If you've installed the test switch, when
pressed, you can hear the sync tone. The tone is sent to the mixer. I
installed the test switch to troubleshoot the system. It's not
necessary for operation.
OTHER STUFF........
As simple as this box is, and if you were able to buy it, you'd
probably pay somewhere in the neighborhood of $40 to $50 or more.
Sickening, isn't it? Well, the point I'm getting at is, this box is my
own invention, and if it makes your MIDI setup more efficient, my job
is complete. But still any contributions would be greatly appreciated,
no matter how small.
There's not much more to say, except I hope you'll be doing more
music and less repatching.
Another D.I.Y. project from Flying Monkey Studios.
Mark Bombard
74 Loveland Rd.
North Granby, Ct. 06060
(203) 653-3134