CGS vintage sequencer/programmer

The CGS vintage sequencer/programmer is nine step sequencer which has been prototyped, and works reasonably well. It requires a decent clock signal to step correctly. A noisy signal can cause skipping, or in some cases, cause the step to be lost, resulting in no stages being active. To run shorter sequences, individual steps can be deactivated using the "skip" switches. When operating as a programmer, push any button, and that relay latches in, and the others all release - basically your one-of-many latching switch bank. This can easily be constructed using 12 volt relays, 1N4001 (or better) power diodes and 12 volt lamps. Make sure you are running the correct voltage for the relays. Running this from +15 volts will over-saturate (magnetize) the cores of the relays, making them stay latched for a while after power has been removed.

All trigger and set inputs are +12 volts and should be of sufficient current to close a relay. Do not expect this to function from the gate outputs of a solid state synthesizer. ''The capacitors at the top of the PCB are part of simple incandescent lamp emulators, to make the LEDs look like old style lamps. The lamp emulator circuit is not shown on the schematic above. To the right is a 12 volt regulator.''

A note to readers: this circuitry is intended for the more advanced builder. Because high voltages are used, a shock hazard exists. We do NOT recommend that the novice DIY musician try to construct this synthesizer. Some experience with tube electronics is highly recommended.

CC-BY-NC
Readers are permitted to construct these circuits for their own personal use only. Ken Stone retains all rights to his work.