Skip Navigation.
Section 0

ChromaTalk Archives: July 2007

Programming Manual

Chris Ryan [21030691]

The Programming Manual is now online at the site. This includes transcriptions and scans of all the sections from the print version: Structure, Programming, Panel Parameter Descriptions, Hidden Functions, Sample Program, Cassette Interface Notes, and Glossary.

There are a number of corrections, from spelling mistakes to errors in parameter values and a little bit of additional information. Thanks to David Clarke [21030085++] for his help with this.

As this was a significant effort — 25,000 words manually transcribed and a fair amount of scanning — I may consider this update a "special summer double issue" and forego a new article for August. (I will still post the ChromaTalk archive for July and do other minor updates.)

A question: now that this manual is available in hypertext, do you see any value in retaining the PDF file on the site? The PDF file is a scan (it is not searchable text), and the site does have print CSS styles which provides for a nicely formatted paper copy if needed. The (1.4MB) Programming Manual PDF has only been downloaded 54 times so far this year. The same goes for the 5MB Service Manual PDF, which has been downloaded 88 times, versus 701 page views in 2007 for the main page of the HTML version (the Schematics and Drawings page has been viewed 1055 times). There are now over 1700 files on the site, for a total of about 200MB of the 250MB I'm allowed with my current hosting plan, so there's some room left to grow but also a few large files of dubious value (I have removed the 5MB Sequencer Manual PDF as it's been downloaded only four times so far in 2007; it's still available on request).

Heath Finnie [21030175]

I personally like the pdf's as it's nice to be able to download it and just run of a print of it if needed. Also, I wouldn't mind a .pdf of the sequencer manual ;)

Werner Schöenenberger [21010114]

I second this opinion. In any case, I prefer the PDFs to be printed out. BTW: Thank you for the great job, Chris.

Heath Finnie [21030175]

Yes! Thanks for all the work!

Chris Ryan [21030691]

There's a photocopy of the Programming Manual on eBay. Item #160135485119, starting bid US99¢, no bids yet, ends July 14.

One would think that, with the HTML and PDF versions on the site, this wouldn't be particularly necessary, or desirable. Maybe we could all make some money on the side auctioning off photocopies of the Service Manual, Performance Manual, and other docs!

Jesper Ödemark [21010135]

Yes, it's strange with all these copies on Ebay. Fine, if it's rare stuff, but as you mention - google and download folks! :)

I often see Roland manuals for sale, same goes for Yamaha and worth noticing is that both these companies offer free download of all user manuals online!

Re: CC+ list (CC+ Order Availability and summary)

David Clarke [21030085++]

Go to first message in thread (June 2007)

Date: Tue, 12 Jun 2007 18:06:36 +1200
From: Andrew Dalebrook [21010180]

... I was wondering when the next batch of CC+ boards were being made and roughly how long they take to complete. With the NZD:USD quite high at the moment, now seems like a good time to buy, and I probably have a friend coming over for Xmas, so that would take care of the postage.

Just a quick note to follow-up to Andrew's note from a while ago as well as to provide a general update to the list.

The first order of CC+ units shipped just over a year ago.

Since then approx. 60 units have been built and shipped, with a fairly even split between North American and European users.

As all current requests have been serviced, we'll use some of the upcoming time to look at the Alpha-Display option as well as some of the firmware requests that have been made since the last release.

In terms of additional CC+ units, the current plan is as before - namely that when/if someone has an interest in receiving one just let us know and we can place you on a 'want' list. When that list reaches the minimum number required for another circuit board order (e.g., a quantity of 10, or multiples thereof), we'll get back in touch with everyone to reconfirm interest, arrange payment, and discuss logistics.

Once again, thank you for your interest.

Chris Ryan [21030691]

approx. 60 units have been built and shipped, with a fairly even split between North American and European users.

This is really impressive; it represents more than a quarter of the instruments in the registry, and is getting towards half the number of subscribers to this list [about 140 as of this writing].

I think it would be interesting to make note of which instruments have the CC+ installed. I've added the CC+ serial number and installation date to the entry for my Chroma as an example. Feel free to send me similar information on your CC+ enhanced Chroma and I'll add it to the site.

Ron Joseph [21030042+]

21030042 & 21030052 both CC+ ....Ron

Jesper Ödemark [21010135]

Wow... I wonder how many recent modification sets to synths has been bought and installed in as much as 5% of the total number of units produced... and in just 12 months time too!

Shows it was a good job done... I'm about to demo my girl's new features to a friend today. :)

Jesper Ödemark [21010135]

21010135 is fitted and ready... If you edit the text it can be worth noting that I've got confirmed that it's not only that girl sounding on the Vintage Synths files but also the same machine that's photographed in Matthias Becker accompanying book...

Which number my unit has? Can't remember... How was they numbered Sandro? I recall something like #16 or so. E for europe I guess...

pedals on german ebay

Jesper Ödemark [21010135]

[Item #200126317592]

Pictures from the auction:

3rd batch CC+ shipment

Sandro Sfregola [21010294]

Just wanted to inform all the 3rd batch CC+ European customers that I have started to ship the kits.

I will contact individual customers with details on the shipment.

Paul Hackett-Evans [21010094]

Thanks Sandro.

Fredo Fraile [21040011+]

Hi,thank you sandro,kind regards Fredo

Totte K [21010104]

Nice, many thanks in advance.

CPU Board on eBay

Chris Ryan [21030691]

Item #150141267504. Buy It Now price of US$149.99. Ends July 18. From the description: "I'm selling a fully functional CPU board for a Rhodes Chroma. This board works 100%. This would be great even just for the chips or to use as parts if needed, but as I mentioned it does work fully." I assume this board was swapped out for a CC+.

Pictures:

Heath Finnie [21030175]

Yes, it was swapped out for a CC+ board :)

Christian Kleine [21030210]

This reminds me: Mine can be traded for a good bottle red wine. Contact me offlist if there's interest.

btw.: i've got an old PCU board as well, if someone needs it...

Chris Ryan [21030691]

Am I the only person who thinks that it might be a good idea to hang on to the original circuit board? Not that I don't trust David and Sandro's work, but having a backup is a good idea. There's also the consideration that the instrument is not "mint" with the CC+ installed, and may not be worth as much to a collector (not that I'm thinking of selling); not sure this is an issue with vintage keyboards, but it certainly is with other items like cars and antiques.

Jesper Ödemark [21010135]

I'm on your flank there Chris, mine is safely packed away in non-static, sealed bag! :)

Sandro Sfregola [21010294]

I 100% agree with Chris: the CC+ was designed to be "non invasive" for the host so the instrument could be reverted to original in case of sale etc.

All the CC+ components can be installed/removed without permanent modifications, keeping collectors value.

I also recommend keeping the old CPU board.

proper eduction in electronic music ;)

Jesper Ödemark [21010135]

Hi list...

In Sweden we have a saying that translated goes; Start bending in time that you want bent. Don't know if there's an english version or if anyone even gets what I mean, but if I had a childhood like this I bet I would've been an even happier human being... ;)

Just wanted to share this picture since it's on-topic like hell with CC+ in use and all. :)

Fwd: FS: Rhodes Chroma MIDI interface

Chris Ryan [21030691]

From Analogue Heaven:

From: klosmon [Greg Montalbano, Analog Synthesizer Service]
Date: July 30, 2007 12:17:00 PM PDT (CA)
Subject: [AH] FS: Rhodes Chroma MIDI interface

For sale: one fully functional [Syntech] MIDI interface for the Rhodes Chroma. Self-powered plug & play device, connects to the computer interface on the back of the Chroma. User manual with details of commands, settings, and live edit using MIDI control change commands can be found at [Syntech/Chroma Cult MIDI Kit: Manual].

$100 plus shipping.