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Q-960 Voltage-Controlled Pulse-Width Modification

The Q-960 Sequential Controller is by far, the busiest rear panel PCB in the entire Synthesizers.com product line. But- for all that this module does and can do, it's not surprising. And by the way- this module IS much more than just a stepping sequencer... or at least, if you think outside of the box, it can be used for many things. So- even though the Q-960 is more expensive than the Q-119 Sequential Controller, it can do so much more. When you find yourself not needing a sequencer for the moment, think about other uses... like patching it up as a frequency-divider, a counter, part of a logic module, or even part of a 'preset'  patching scheme. 

There is a lot of 'stuff' behind the panel, and for the novice, it can be a little intimidating. But don't let that stop you. This is a very easy mod which allows the pulse-width of the Q-960's internal oscillator by voltage-control. Remove the jumper on the 2-pin connector (seen below).

There is very limited space available on the panel of the Q-960. If you  want to control the pulse-width manually with a pot, this is about the only location with enough space... and, it's close to the connectors on the PCB. This is also a good location to install a jack for the Voltage Control of the internal oscillator... and if you want to change over to a pot later, the hole is already there... although, it's larger than what the pot would use, you can still snug-it-up, and it should be fine. So- I first placed a 100k pot centered in the space, marked it, then drilled the hole... even though I intended to install a jack there.

You need to have a 1/4" 'switching-jack' for this mod. I also suggest that you use a 2-pin female MTA connector, just like what is normally used. it will slip right onto the male 2-pin without soldering. Pin # 2 of the 2-pin connector goes to the jack-tip. Pin #1 goes to the jack switch. There is NO ground. More info can be found on the Synth-dot-com WIKI page:

http://www.synthesizers.com/pmwiki/pmwiki.php?n=Modules.ModsQ960

The newly installed jacks will not line-up with the existing jacks. As you might expect, when you add switches, jacks and pots, you sometimes are forced to use locations available where you can, due to the geography of the rear side of the panel. You'll sometimes have to encroach on the silkscreening as well. However, it's not terribly obvious, and in my opinion, the gains far outweigh such an insignificant alteration of a front-panel.... 'function over beauty'.

In this particular location, the washer of the jack just barely covers part of the "T" on the word "INPUT". It certainly doesn't bother me... especially when I get voltage control of the Q960's internal oscillator's pulse-width so easily.

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