You wanted a simple cheap, ultra-versatile controller and we answered. The Wiard Model 1209 is a 3" Frac-Rac compatible controller module usable with any synthesizer.

The Joystick is a sadly underrated controller, up to now only available on high end vintage synthesizers like the VCS3 and Synthi. This unit was designed to be inexpensive and handy. You can even power it off a 9 volt battery!

Add to this a simple but effective debounced pushbutton manual gate and you have a versatile and compact controller. An LED illuminates to show that the gate is active. The debounced gate signal can also be used to advance sequencers or as a simple on-off control for a VCA. The most common use, of course, is to trigger envelope generators.

This also follows the ARP/Blacet/PAIA/Wiard 10 volt standard. The Gate pushbutton is conveniently offset for one or two handed operation.

There is enough room at the bottom to replace the 3.5mm jacks with banana or 1/4" connectors.

Power Supplies

The module uses a single supply between 9 and 15 volts. Output ranges are set by resitors to 2/3 of the supply voltage.
For use with 5 volt system just power it from 7.5 or 9 volts.
Since you can power it from a 9 volt battery, you can make a small case and have it completely handheld.
(You'll have to add a switch for the battery)

Schematic of the Controller (We Said It Was Simple!)

All Contents Copyright 2000 Grant Richter and Wiard Synthesizer Company