Time to get tinkering again?

After putting this project on the shelf for ages, I think it's time to get this synth moving again!

Here are a few links to showing some other Monotron mods.


Check this out! This guys 'transformed' (see what I did there) a monotron into a great bass synth. Plus he's supplied links to mod schematics too...
http://www.jacobwatters.com/monotron-mod.php

Always reliable for good synth news...
http://www.dinsync.info/2010/06/how-...-monotron.html

More links to mods on a Monotron Delay...
http://picsynth.000space.com/monotron/index.html


I think I'll have to get this project rolling again after seeing that Megatron synth - amazing!

Research #01

I've been looking for similar projects on the internet to base my project on.

A particularly professional conversion from PulpLogic can be seen here:

 http://erthenvar.com/store/monotrone

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KBYGrAfpqg&feature=player_embedded#!

It's useful to see what the additions they thought were necessary.

MS-10 Reference Images

Some hi-res images to refer to when I plan the enclosure panel markings.

Plus an extra image of an empty casing.

Updated layout.

I've been checking out what inputs and control's I can add to the Monotron, so I've updated my renderings. I've moved all inputs sockets to the top face to mimic the MS-02 / MS-03 a bit more closely.

It looks to me like I should check the scale of the sockets as they look too large on my rendering in comparison to the MS-02 image.

Mock-up renderings

So, my Monotron arrived the other day and the 1st thing I was surprised about was how small it was - tiny! Still, I turned it on and had a quick go - great fun! Great filter and external input too - excellent!

While I was waiting for this to arrive I'd been doing a bit of research on what to solder and where, what does work and what doesn't etc... More exciting than this though, I've started mocking up some 3D renderings of the enclosure to work out input and knob positions etc. I've still got to confirm the correct component sizes but even if I say so myself, I think this looks really good!

Still not dead sure if I want the sockets on the front face? Maybe smaller knobs would be better so I can fit the input sockets on the top face? Easier to decide with a rendering than when I'm drilling the holes!

I also want to replace the batteries with an internally located adapter, so I can just use a power cable as with my other synths. Another item to add to the list...

1st Post!

I've been interested in the Monotron since it was released as I own a KORG MS-10 & SQ-10. After learning about the hacking that could be done to the Monotron, I thought I might try my hand at integrating it with my collection as another oscillator & filter controlled via Control Voltages, maybe making it a bit more like an MS-20.

I've got minimal electronics experience, so I thought it would be an idea to document this in a blog so that others could have a go at modding their Monotrons too.

Some of the modifications I wanted to make:

• CV VCO Trigger input
• CV VCO Pitch input
• MG (LFO) Rate input
• Square Wave
• Pulse Width Modulation input
• Feedback Loop
• MIDI Connectivity (Depends how hard this is!)

I also wanted to re-house the Monotron circuit board in a more MS synth style, so I was thinking of making up a folded steel enclosure in a similar style to the MS-02 or MS-03.

So as I collect the info I'll post it up and share the news.

If you have any comments then add them too!