I’ve had this idea that stems from my Memorymoog (still used in my rig today - Thanks Kevin!). With the Memorymoogs computer, they supplied the synth with a simple fingerpad that allowed you to simply punch in a patch number (1-100 in the case of the MM). Or, you could incriment or decrement through the settings.
Supported by the 3 midi connectiions, you could do the same for Voyager giveing you the ability to simply punch in patches I know would greatly help ME with my Voyager on stage. You’d still get the use of the midi connections if you pass them straight through. Of course, you might have to sure it up with some sort of ‘lip’ to secure it a bit.
Internally, this thing should be a breeze, since all it has to do is send patch and bank information. I’m not an engineer, but seems quite simple to me. Oh yeah, instead of the ‘cancel’ button, probably a ‘menu’ button that would give you a few basic options like having to hit enter when you punch in numbers - just like on the MM.
But such a thing would do to much physical stress to the midi connectors. The weight (better don’t use heavy wooden side panels as in you sketch) together with the momentum of the keypad pressing would do harm to the Voyager sooner or later.
It might be better to have such a unit with a strong magnet.
And put it where ever it suits best.
Some might like to have it above the Voyager as your original idea. But if the Voyager is in a keyboard support and isn’t put on the highest tier, a different place would be better.
and then there is the question of power supply. If you use an additional display, the current drawn is way to much for a midi socket. And why using a second display. The Voyager will go to the selected sound memory location when used. and then you see the patch name and position for sure. Maybe a little low-current LED would be enough to show if you pressed the first digit of a preset number or not. And maybe let it blink to show you have to pree ENTER.
Til,
I couldn’t agree with you more. From the very start I was sure that the unit would put some strain on the MIDI connections of the Voyager. That’s why I said that perhaps some sort of lip and maybe a clamp as well to hold it firmly in place. I saw the unit as I drew it primarily to show how it funtioned. Personally, I like your idea better. Anyway, I just think that that the idea for a finger pad hooked into the midi in connection would be really easy to impliment and a VERY handy divice to have.
Oh, and great idea about the screen. I never thought about just letting Voyager tell you what patch you’re on. flasing LED for each keypress should be sufficient.
Afterthought… I wonder if the finished unit would work on other keyboards as well… since is just midi information… Hmmmmmmm…
