HandiCon

I'm going to break the traditional descriptive format for describing these modules for this one and just talk.

The HandiCon is a contraction of Hand (i or y) Con troller. I spelled it both ways on the graphic because the spelling doesn't matter. It sounds the same either way and gets the point across.

The complete system consists of two parts: the control module (shown) that mounts in the case and a controller device that is connected through the DB25 connector.

The DB25 connector was my choice because I needed a lot of wires to connect the two parts and "typical" available connectors were too big or too pricey for what I needed. Also, if you need another or longer cable, just run down to the local electronics outlet or computer store and grab a DB25 cable. Just make sure it's pin-for-pin straight through and uses all 25 pins. Easy. Widely and easily available and no big proprietary connector and cable. The signals are all analog. There are no digital signals used for the pair. Even though it makes it look hi-tech, it was just a matter of convenience, cost and space.

There are seven identical, independent channels so we'll focus on one. Lets just pick PL (far left column).

The switch allows you to select either a +V, -V or external CV signal (if one is patched to the jack). The control panel sends it out the DB25 connector to the controller half. The Min/Max attenuator at the top of the column allows you to set the desired output level for the processed CV. The CV out jacks allow you to patch the processed CV's wherever you would like to use them.

I based the controller off of the left-hand controller I designed for the Syntar in 1979, except I won't be using fish hooks. :)

Place your left hand on a flat surface and just rest it there totally relaxed. Imagine a plunger at the end of each finger that slides under your palm when you curl your finger or thumb. Your palm is resting on a small half-dome rise.

Beneath those plungers are attenuators that process the CV's coming down the cable from the control panel and send the signal back to the control panel.

Therefore the seven channels are:

PL: Palm Left

PR: Palm Right

LF:Little Finger

RF:Ring Finger

MF:Middle Finger

IF:Index Finger

Th:Thumb

Whatever CV signals that are selected for the channels are controlled by your left hand movements. The attenuators on the control panel limit the output amount of the CV to allow for full travel limit settings. For instance, you use your ring finger to process a +V CV going to the 1V/O input of a VCO. The panel attenuator lets you limit the full-stop finger travel to say...a third, minor 7th, fifth...whatever interval you choose. Now, multiply that CV processing control by 7 channels.

This was actually the first module I designed. I need to prototype the hand controller but I have to carve out a time slot to do it. It's going to be pretty slick.

GM

Availability

As of 5-19-2014, this module will be released under the Mattson brand as a four-channel Eurorack format foot pedal controller interface module named "Express".

Stay tuned for updates.