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ChromaTalk Archives: May 2013

Re: knob box design and display sets?

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Jesper Ödemark [21010135] · Wed, 01 May 2013 14:30:20 +0200

David Clarke skrev 2013-05-01 04:27:

There was originally some discussion about having a display + box put together by one of the list members - but there was very little interest - plus no one really seemed to like the same box/mounting solutions.

Just like me then. :) (though I must say yours is very stylish!)

It is very much a "choose which display you like, the cable solution you like and our desired mounting" and go from there situation.

Cool, I guessed that too...

The one drawback with the SparkFun is that it does have to be set up before it can be used with the CC+. There are several ways to do this with a few small components (inverter, battery, etc.) to allow the controller to be programmed from the serial port of your PC) - but if you don't want the hassle, the Parallax unit does not any of that sort of 'software' setup.

So all the info in the display is plain digital data from the Chroma? If so, great. I think the rest is fixable. Maybe WT is up for the job with his Chroma too...?

I expect that if there were a few people interested in the SparkFun solution - that there are probably a few folks in Europe who would be willing to get the controller, attach it to a display and perform the programming - so it would be 'ready to go' (but of course, that would undoubledly increase the price beyond what it would otherwise be for 'do it youself').

The best thing is that a knob box doesn't _need_ a display. I might start on the rest and see how that turns out. But if anyone in my geographical neighbourhood is planning to add a display. Feel free to contact me if you want to share on postage and/or help out with the programming. :D

And thanks David, as always, for quick and good answers!

Lars Johansson [21030632] · Wed, 1 May 2013 14:40:07 +0200

So all the info in the display is plain digital data from the Chroma? If so, great. I think the rest is fixable. Maybe WT is up for the job with his Chroma too...?

I might be interested :)

First I need to complete a few other non-Chroma related things.

Jesper Ödemark [21010135] · Wed, 01 May 2013 14:55:51 +0200

That enormous white digital thingy from kangaroo-land? ;) Well, now you know at least... :)

David Clarke [21030085++] · Wed, 1 May 2013 11:17:21 -0300

... all the info in the display is plain digital data from the Chroma?

Yes. The Chroma CC+ sends a simple serial stream of characters, and the Display simply lets you see them.

...The best thing is that a knob box doesn't _need_ a display...

The display does come in handy though - as the displayed information helps to automatically decode some of the parameters for you (so you don't have to remember what they keyboard algorithm numbers correspond to, and don't have to keep the parameter chart on hand, etc.)

Another nice feature is that you can quickly see what settings are active in the current patch.

Philippe [21010227] · Wed, 1 May 2013 17:32:30 +0200

Absolutely true. The one thing I regret though is that the display doesn't jump to the currently tweaked feature page. This would greatly improve the workflow as you could forget about the panel's membrane switches and only tweak via your controller and the display would always follow and show what you are doing.

In other words, the display would be able to receive "page jump" messages from the Chroma AND from the controller instead of ONLY from the Chroma, as it is set originally by default.

I discussed this with David already and he said this "page jump from controller message" feature could be implemented with an on/off configuration as this wouldn't be always desired. For example when a sequencer sends control parameters to the Chroma dynamically. The display would jump all the time to every change of parameter, it would be an unreadable constantly flashing of values.

So if people on the list are like me very interested in this feature please add your vote to mine !

David Clarke [21030085++] · Wed, 1 May 2013 14:59:32 -0300

... The one thing I regret though is that the display doesn't jump to the currently tweaked feature page...

This feature was added in the Oct 2012 firmware update:

This is the "Update to the the MIDI Continuous Controller "Prog" Mode to allow automatic LCD decoding of patches from BCR2000, Enabler, iPad, etc." element.

Philippe [21010227] · Wed, 1 May 2013 20:40:29 +0200

OK. I need a firmware update... Did I mention how precious you are to us Chroma users ? =^)

Thanks again David !

Lars Johansson [21030632] · Wed, 1 May 2013 22:19:35 +0200

Now if only someone could make a new firmware for the BCR2000 so one could send dual messages from each knob/button to simulate dual voice editing.

Chroma voice cards

Cal Lockard [21030691] · Fri, 3 May 2013 00:38:56 +0000

Hi,

Does anyone have Chroma voice cards for sale? Working/non-working.

John Leimseider [21030434++] · Thu, 2 May 2013 20:55:54 -0600

I have several for sale... I have some working ones and a couple of Really tough ones that I haven't fixed yet...

Greg Montalbano, Analog Synthesizer Service · Thu, 02 May 2013 21:13:26 -0700

I have one or two bare circuit boards I had made up years ago & never got around to using -- If you want to build your own new card(s), let me know & I'll see if I can dig them up.

Proud new Chroma owner!

Tobias Menguser [21010303] · Sat, 11 May 2013 13:55:14 +0200

Hi all,

After more than 2 years of patient seeking for a Chroma, I finally found one here in Germany and picked it up today!

The wood is completely new and the total condition of the synth is really good!

Greetings from Berlin!

Tobias Menguser

tobiaschroma

Magnus · Sat, 11 May 2013 14:22:30 +0200

Congratulations! What did you pay? :-)

David Clarke [21030085++] · Sat, 11 May 2013 12:15:27 -0300

... I finally found one here in Germany and picked it up today!

Tobias - congratulations on your purchase.

If it hasn't already been done, it would be great to be able to get a record of this Chroma in the Instrument Registry.

Just drop Chris Ryan [21030691] a note with the particulars, and he'll take care of the rest.

Best regards,

David Clarke

Tobias Menguser [21010303] · Sat, 11 May 2013 20:42:02 +0200

Hey Magnus,

I paid 3700 Euro including a double foot pedal and a MIDI prototype interface.

Cheers,

Tobias

Tobias Menguser [21010303] · Sat, 11 May 2013 20:43:41 +0200

Hi David,

I will send all the information to Chris during the next days.

Best,

Tobias

Chris Ryan [21030691] · Sat, 11 May 2013 12:36:55 -0700

Thanks, Tobias.

We're getting close to 600 instruments in the registry: the count is currently 595.

John S. Allen · Sat, 11 May 2013 21:11:15 -0400

Congratulations -- but, judging by that photo, you are going to have to stand on your head to play it!

Jack Colburne [21030142+] · Sun, 12 May 2013 12:35:08 -0400

Congratulations!

Tobias Menguser [21010303] · Sun, 12 May 2013 22:08:00 +0200

Hey Chris,

We're getting close to 600 instruments in the registry: the count is currently 595.

Cool!

I'll look for the serial number tomorrow.

What else would you like to know?

Best,

Tobias

Tobias Menguser [21010303] · Mon, 20 May 2013 18:54:47 +0200

Hey Chris,

This is the serial number of my Chroma: 21010303

Jesper Ödemark [21010135] · Mon, 20 May 2013 19:35:02 +0200

tobias.menguser skrev 2013-05-20 18:54:

This is the serial number of my Chroma: 21010303

Can it sound like a 303 too? ;)

Tobias Menguser [21010303] · Mon, 20 May 2013 20:16:10 +0200

No, it sounds much more expensive!! ;-)

Chris Ryan [21030691] · Mon, 20 May 2013 21:26:22 -0700

On 2013-05-12, at 1:08 PM, tobias.menguser wrote:

I'll look for the serial number tomorrow.

What else would you like to know?

Sorry for the delayed response; I changed my ISP and somehow various mail servers didn't like it.

This is what I generally ask for—only the serial number is really "mandatory," but it's great to get some stories about the instruments:

  • full (8 digit) serial number;
  • price paid (for the Price History);
  • date purchased, place of purchase, related circumstances;
  • previous owner(s), if known;
  • music played, gigs gigged, tours done, and recordings made with the instrument;
  • stories of repair and customization;
  • current status, use, and condition;
  • pictures of the instrument, if available.

Thanks,

Chris

Chromas in preparation for sale

Jeff Bova [21030407++] · Sun, 12 May 2013 08:47:45 -0700

Hi Chroma list,

After much deliberation, I have decided to put some, if not all my 3 Chromas and 1 expander up for sale. These are factory stock with the addition of memory expander kits activated by toggles mounted on the keyboard end blocks. No CC+ I am trying to decide whether to have them restored before selling or not. All three and the expander suffer from foam rot and are in states that have not been tested yet. I thought I would let the community know and get some feedback or see who might be interested and in what level of condition.

They have been sitting unused in storage for 9 years. I am based in LA, the instruments are located in NYC. They were meticulously cared for during their active use, but as you all know the issues that crop up unused and stored.

Here are the serial numbers with background on each 21030407, 21030446, and expander 16330100. 2103-0457 is the 3rd Chroma

Thanks much,

Jeff Bova

David Clarke [21030085++] · Sun, 12 May 2013 13:46:34 -0300

... I am trying to decide whether to have them restored before selling or not... They have been sitting unused in storage for 9 years...

Jeff - I'd suggest the choice of 'restore or not' will depend on your main goal for the sale.

From my perspective there generally seems to be two main flavours of Chroma buyers.

There are those that are happy to buy items 'as-is', for a good price and to take a chance.

There then those that don't want any hassle at all, and want/need the unit be fully functional upon receipt.

If you'd like to sell fast with no grief - then 'as-is', with reasonable prices would likely get rid of them quickly.

If the desire is go get as much money as possible, then I would suggest that the units would at least need to be checked out and made 'reliable' (e.g., a minimum of: 1) always being able to start up 2) always pass auto-tune on all voices and 3) be able to stay running without fail after being left on for several hours).

I personally don't think that damage on the wood finish due to the old foam would be a concern for most - the bigger concern generally is electrical functionality.

There are two possible exceptions to the notes above.

First, due to the relative rarity, the Expander would likely be a much easier sale (for a higher value) than the Chromas. I don't think there would be much problem selling it.

Second, there likely would be some specific interest over and above 'regular' Chroma sales if it was possible to provide a letter of provenance (of sorts) to indicate that a particular instrument may have been specifically used on particular formal recordings, etc.

The price history listing from the Chroma site would give some relative guidelines about possible/expected prices, in different conditions.

Best regards,

David Clarke

Jeff Bova [21030407++] · Sun, 12 May 2013 09:55:46 -0700

David,

Thanks so much for all the advice. Very much appreciated.

Best regards,

Jeff

Luca Sasdelli [21010226] · Sun, 12 May 2013 19:05:53 +0200

I agree totally with David's considerations and I would ask your price for the... worst one, so that I could fix it. I live in Italy, so an international shipping should ne considered, of course if available.

Cheers

Mal Meehan [21010182++] · Sun, 12 May 2013 13:18:40 -0400

Jeff, I'm in NY and would be interested in one... I'm happy for a fixer upper.

I've been without a Chroma for a few years now and would love the opportunity to own one again. (I also used to have three units, the last unit I sold is the one UVI sampled for the Kroma VSTi)

Let me know.

Mal Meehan

Frédéric Brument [21030491] · Sun, 12 May 2013 19:19:02 +0200

Hi ,

If you plan to sell your CHROMA EXPANDER , I am REALLY interested ! I live in FRANCE and my e-mail Adress is : [email address removed]

Thanks a lot

Marais · Sun, 12 May 2013 13:47:24 -0400

I am just sad to a see a Chroma All Star leaving the ranks. : ( But we have all been there, m

Doug Terrebonne [21030114] · Sun, 12 May 2013 14:38:22 -0700

Were the batteries removed before you stored them away 9 years ago?

Jeff Bova [21030407++] · Mon, 13 May 2013 09:10:41 -0700

Doug,

No they were not.

Jeff Bova [21030407++] · Mon, 13 May 2013 21:15:20 -0700

Thank you all for your feedback. I will be in NY in early June to access the condition of the instruments "officially" and will respond to all who expressed interest.

Best Regards,

Jeff

New here - and the 1600 programs Chroma

Michael Röpsch [21030816] · Sun, 19 May 2013 23:34:30 +0200

Hi to all,

for I'm new to the list: I'm the owner of #21030816.

First: My great respect for all the enthusiasm readable in your postings; all seem to love their Chromas - me too!

Chris Ryan [21030691] asked me to post my memory expansion, built in in 1995. It's quite as simple as everyone of you would have done, just a simple piggy-back, no astonishing tech - but I know: having 1600 progs surely sounds like a showy curiosity, so I agreed to post it... - only for 'historical' interest...

See Chroma Memory Extension: The 1600 Programs Chroma.

Many greetings from my Chroma and me!

David Clarke [21030085++] · Mon, 20 May 2013 10:30:40 -0300

...I'm new to the list:

Michael - welcome!

Chris Ryan asked me to post my memory expansion, built in in 1995...

As you went through the effort of making a circuit board for the modification. did you make more than one - or was this a one-off project, just for your Chroma?

Best regards,

David Clarke

Michael Röpsch [21030816] · Mon, 20 May 2013 21:57:27 +0200

Hi David!

This crazy idea was an one-off - in 1995 I had no contact with other Chroma owners.

Chris Ryan [21030691] · Mon, 20 May 2013 22:56:10 -0700

On 2013-05-19, at 2:34 PM, Roepsch-Monnin wrote:

Chris Ryan asked me to post my memory expansion, built in in 1995. It's quite as simple as everyone of you would have done, just a simple piggy-back, no astonishing tech - but I know: having 1600 progs surely sounds like a showy curiosity, so I agreed to post it... (it comes as PDF) - only for 'historical' interest...

I've made this available on the in HTML as well as PDF: see Chroma Memory Extension: The 1600 Programs Chroma. Thanks for the contribution, Michael.

CPU Board, Power Supply on eBay

Chris Ryan [21030691] · Wed, 29 May 2013 13:53:30 -0700

Someone's been upgrading their Chroma(s). It appears that one each of the following have been sold, and one of each remain:

  • CPU Board with all EPROMs: Item #261222814919, US$50.00.
  • Original Power Supply: Item #261222941874, USD$50.00.

eBay261222814919

eBay261222941874

David Clarke [21030085++] · Wed, 29 May 2013 21:05:50 -0300

Not too much would likely go wrong with a power supply board - but the picture of the CPU board shows what appears to be repairs in the traces near where the battery holder would have been. That would seem to raise a bit of a concern - doubly so given that it says "sold as is" (without an indication that the Chroma it came from was previously working.)

Paul DeRocco [21030230] · Thu, 30 May 2013 09:41:09 -0700

From: David Clarke

Not too much would likely go wrong with a power supply board

The only thing I'd buy the PS for is if I needed a nice beefy power transformer for some other project. But I wouldn't pay fifty bucks for it.

anyone in central FL?

Rick Reed · Wed, 29 May 2013 17:25:49 -0400

I have a Chroma in my garage, toured with it in the 80s. It was in a shop in CA for a while, got some work done, but it's still not working. Anyone in central FL (Orlando, Tampa, etc.) that can evaluate it or check it out for/with me? Contact me off list if necessary, but on list is fine too.