PSIM-1
(Last updated Tuesday February 20, 2007 at 06:48 PM)

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The SynthModules PSIM-1 by Brice D. Hornback, is a unique module unlike anything ever available before for your analog modular synthesizer.  It is fully compatible with Blacet, PAiA, and the Wiard 1200 series modules.

Power requirements: +/-15V or +/-12V

The heart of this module is a powerful miniature computer (microcontroller) that processes 100,000 instructions per second.  It is programmed with your Windows based PC in a simple and easy to learn form of BASIC.  Each of the four analog outputs can be programmed to output 1V/Octave CV-OUT as a pattern sequencer and complex event generator, or simply as a gate.  This is just the beginning.  Use any of its four analog outputs as a programmable LFO to gate your ADSR and set up extremely complex filter sweeps.  Clock your Binary Zone with complex events.  Imagine what you can do with your filters!  Generate CV along with extremely complex sequences that are only limited by your imagination.  Unlike most typical analog sequencers, you can change the timing of the spaces between notes and/or gates.  Like I said, this is all just the beginning.  Additional add-on modules will follow.  Unlike a one-time programmable ROM, you can change the program anytime you wish by simply plugging in a cable and downloading the changes to your module.  The program remains in memory even with the power off until the next time you want to change the program.  Once programmed, you can disconnect your computer and use it as you would any other module.  Want random gate and CV sequences?  Here you go!  Change a few lines of code and you have chaos at it's finest! 

Notice the four analog INPUTS?  The PSIM-1 makes a perfect QUAD Sample & Hold module.  Other uses include a QUAD Quantizer (equivalent to four Blacet/Wiard Mini Wave modules in quantizer mode!), frequency divider/multiplier, Analog Shift Register (ASR), transposing control voltages, programmable sequencer, etc.  The uses are almost endless and only limited by your imagination!  It can even provide many of these functions like Quantizing the Sample & Hold voltages and outputting them as MIDI notes (CV to MIDI requires an add-on MIDI interface module) at the same time!  Start and Stop of your sequences or other programs are also CV controllable!  The Start and Stop buttons are also fully programmable!  Most programs available now use the AUX jack as either a gate or clock input or output.  However, it can also output several different waveforms to use as a reference for tuning your VCO's.

For the DIY synth builder.... there are also additional I/O ports available to experiment with.  If you're not into experimenting... just plug in the module, load the software, and change a few lines of code.  It's that easy.  Not easy enough?  A CD of sample programs will be provided that will configure the PSIM-1 into various "common use" modules.

The image at the upper right is of an actual PSIM-1 pre-production model.  The panel is 2U wide and fits in any Blacet Rack Cage or PAiA Frac-Rack.  A power adapter is provided to connect to the Blacet PS500 power supply.  This module also comes complete with the RS-232 (9-pin) cable to connect to your PC's serial port and sample software.

PSIM-1 software programs are PUBLIC DOMAIN and made available in the files area of the SynthModules group as they are developed.  Users are encouraged to share their PSIM-1 programs. 

You do not need to be a programmer to use the PSIM-1.  Simply download the many available module programs from the files area.  Attach the supplied cable.  Download the program into the module by pressing a Program button on the supplied software, and that's it.  You can then disconnect the programming cable and use the module just as you would any other analog synthesizer module.  Yes, you can also leave the cable connected for convenience.

SynthModules PSIM-1 Programs & Files (Under Construction)

SynthModules PSIM-1 FAQ

SynthModules PSIM-1 Sample MP3's

I have recently uploaded the schematics and code for using the PSIM-1 for CV to MIDI to the group's Files area.

The PSIM-1 is programmed in MBasic using free development software and transferred from your PC to the PSIM-1 at 115Kbps via the RS-232 port on the front of the module. This means that the interface software will not work on a computer that does not have a serial port capable of 115Kbps. Most computers that have been shipped since 1996 have serial ports capable of 115Kbps. If you are using a laptop or new computer that does not have the traditional DB-9 serial connector, the PSIM-1 will program from a USB to serial adapter.  Here is one example of a USB to DB9M Serial/RS232 Cable for only $19.99.  Note: This particular unit has not been tested and is provided as a reference only.

Here are a few photos of a PSIM-1 REV1.0a in action!

SynthModules PSIM-1 REV1.0a

SynthModules PSIM-1 REV1.0a next to Wiard Noise Ring and Blacet modules.

SynthModules PSIM-1 REV1.0a running.

SynthModules PSIM-1 REV1.0b

Film composer Gary Chang's pair of PSIM-1 REV1.0c modules in temporary enclosure.

A whole bunch of PSIM-1 modules getting ready for testing and final assembly.

Listen to the MP3's!

Need a power supply and a rack to put your SynthModules PSIM-1 and other modules into?  SynthModules recommends the Blacet Rack Cage and PS500 Power Supply for use with the PSIM series of synthesizer modules.

Specifications and design are subject to change without notice. 

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