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Studio Photos | UniSynth Home | Videos | Analog Sequences Module Mod Page | Q115 | Q117 & Q113 | Q109 & Q125 | Q146 | Q147 | Q960 VC-PWM Q962 Sequential Switch Modification |
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The original design of Moog's 960 Sequential Switch has been followed very closely with the Q-962 Sequential Switch, and is an excellent module, which can be used for much more than just an assisting module for the Q-960 Sequential Controller. With a couple of easy modifications, you can improve the functionality of the Q-962. The Q-962 has two basic sections. The switching section, which can take as many as three inputs, and switch between them, outputting at two parallel jacks. This works in reverse, as well. The second section is the trigger input/output section, whereby the stages (or 'steps') can be controlled by the 'shift' or 'trigger inputs', or can control other modules via the 'trigger output' jacks. The 'shift' input jack allows a trigger-voltage to operate the stages in a sequential manner (i.e. 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3... or 1, 2, 1, 2). It's important to understand that in the original design, the third stage only becomes active IF a jack is plugged into the 'signal input #3' jack, which is a 'switching jack'. Whether there is a voltage present or not is irrelevant. One of the modifications of the Q-962 involves installing a simple toggle-switch to the hot leg of the 'shift' input jack, which allows you to 'enable' or 'disable' any plug which is inserted into that jack. There are times when you may want to start or stop the normal shifting pattern, while the sequencer is running. Without this modification, the only way to do this is to either plug or unplug the patchcord. This is somewhat of a clumsy way to do it... plus, it can sometimes cause glitches with unpredictable and undesirable results. By using a toggle-switch, you can simply turn the 'shift function' on or off. By the same token, inserting a plug into the #3 signal input jack can have unexpected and undesirable results, due to glitches. (The original Moog 962 had the same issues). Additionally, if you need to use all three stages of the trigger section, you have to plug an unterminated patchcord into that jack, to engage all three stages, because the #3 jack is a switching-jack. Using either a single-pole/triple-throw, or double-pole/triple-throw toggle-switch connected as shown below, allows for three modes: "enabled", "disabled", and "forced". "Enabled & disabled", as expected, either allows, or 'doesn't allow' stage three to function (stages 1 & 2 will function regardless). The "forced" mode basically 'fools' the circuit to operate in the 3-stage mode, as if a plug were inserted into the #3 jack. This is quite handy for times when you need to use the trigger section, either with or without using the switching section, to control of other modules, functions, or patches. Synthesizers.com WIKI modification page
Studio Photos | UniSynth Home | Videos | Analog Sequences Module Mod Home Page | Q115 | Q117 & Q113 | Q109 & Q125 | Q146 | Q147 | Q960 VC-PWM
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