A-157 is a trigger sequencer subsystem that generates
eight trigger signals controlled by a 8x16 LED/button
matrix (some customers call it "Miniature Schaltwerk" as it is based
on the same matrix as the no longer available Schaltwerk).
The
subsystem contains three modules:
- A-157-1: 8 x 16 LED/button matrix and function
adressing buttons/LEDs
- A-157-2: Trigger Output module
- A-157-3: Control Inputs module
The LED/button matrix module A-157-1 is the core
of the subsystem. It is used to set or reset the trigger event on each of the 16
steps of each of the 8 rows. In addition the buttons and LEDs of the matrix are
used for other functions too (like setting the first and last step
of each row or adressing the preset memory).
The Trigger Output module A-157-2 outputs the 8 trigger signals and has an LED
display for each trigger available.
The Control Inputs module A-157-3 has manual controls and trigger
inputs available for the basic control functions start, stop, reset
and clock. In addition four functions inputs are available which
will be used in future firmware versions to assign these inputs to
special functions (e.g. shifting a row left or right by means of an
external gate/trigger signal or a second set of start, stop, reset
and clock for individual rows). A-157-1 In
addition to the main 8x16 matrix this modules contains also the
buttons and LEDs for these functions:
-
Mute button for each row, these
buttons are planned also as submenu buttons for future firmware version
-
Select button for each row, used
to address one or more rows for subsequent functions (e.g. first step, last
step, shift left, shift right ...)
-
Function buttons/LEDs, the
functions are divided into two levels, the second level is invoked by the
SHIFT button/LED on the buttom right position
-
The functions without SHIFT are
printed black, the SHIFT-functions are printed in reverse
-
On the front plate there are already printed
some texts for future/additional features/functions. Mainly in the
SHIFT-plane. As long as they are not explained in the manuals
they have no function at the moment and are only placeholders for the
future. Future versions of the firmware can be updated by the user via
USB.
-
Available Functions (first
firmware version):
-
Trigger Set / Delete: sets
or resets the currently addressed step of the selected row(s) while the
sequence is running
-
Shift Left / Shift Right:
shifts the complete row(s) of all selected row(s) to the left or
to the right relative to all other (not selected) rows
-
Invert: inverts all steps of
the selected row(s), i.e. "on" becomes "off" and
vice versa
-
Swap: swaps/mirrors the
selected row(s), i.e.step 1 becomes step 16, step 2 becomes step
15, step 3 becomes step 14 and so on
-
First/Last step: defines the
first and last step of all selected row(s) in combination with the
corresponding buttons of the matrix
-
Forward/Backward/Pendulum/Random:
defines the running direction of the selected row(s)
-
A-B/A-B-C-D: A-B = 32 step
sequence, A-B-C-D = 64 step sequence, the LEDs are used to display the
currently playing section of the 32 or 64 step sequence (Firmware
Update!)
-
Recall/Store: used to store
or recall complete sequences in combination with the matrix buttons/LEDs
(Firmware Update!)
A-157-2 This
is the trigger/gate output module that has 8 sockets with assigned
LEDs available. The width of the output signal depends upon the
width of the incoming clock signal, i.e. the width of the output
signals is the same as the width of the incoming clock signal.
The level of the output signal is software controlled (i.e. not
fixed to a certain value) as each outputs is equipped with a
separate DAC (digital-to-analog converter). In the first version of
the firmware the level is fixed to ?V. A-157-3 This
module is the master control unit for Start, Stop, Reset and Clock.
In addition four function controls and inputs are available that
will be used in future firmware versions to address certain
functions also from external signals (e.g. shifting a row ). Each
function has a manual operated button and a control input. The
voltage at each input has to be +3V... +12V to trigger the function
in question. Important
technical note for A-157-3: The pin header
JP2 at the bottom edge of the pcb is unused so far. It is labelled
"(OPTION) START/STOP/RESET BREAKOUT" and is planned for a
Start/Stop/Reset/Clock breakout module. That's why the A-157-3 module is
delivered without a cable connected to JP2 !
Do no connect JP2 to the A-100 bus ! This
will damage the A-157 modules and warranty is void ! The three modules
are internally connected via ribbon cables and can be arranged also
in another layout (e.g. A-157-2/3 on the right side of the A-157-1
or in a row above or below). The modules are available only as a
complete set. Firmware
Update: If some of the further
features ( f.e. AB,ABCD-Mode and Reload/Save did not work, as described in the
Manuals: A157_1_Manual.pdf,
A157_2_3_Manual.pdf
Anleitungen: A157_1_Bedienung.pdf,
A157_2_3_Bedienung.pdf
then your A157 needs a fimrware update.
Instructions:
The update program is a standalone windows program, means no need to be installed or something.
And no need to have an extra update file - it is included in the program.
Switch off the A157 - connect it over USB with you PC.
Then switch on the A157 while holding the A157 Shift key.
Then start the updater program and follow the instructions ( you can still make the A157 switch on/shift key procedure when you still have started the updater program - but first way is more compatible with some computers).
Only the short moment when the updater erases and reprograms the flash you should not switch off
the A157 nor should be there a electrical problem with you case/module in any way.
It works on Win 7/8/10 - desktop, laptop, tablet. Is also tested it with a low priced
tablet with Atom CPU. - Works.
Sorry, no Win XP/Vista and no Mac/Linux version.
Download
Version: V1.4_161207
Known issues/flaws:
-some combinations of First/Last step could lock the A-B,A-B-C-D mode during running.
- If you do a reset in A-Mode (single preset) - not A-B-,A-B-C-D mode, the A157 switches to the 'old' preset that is stored . And all current changes that you've made since you recall the preset are
overwritten.
Download
Version: V1.5_170515
fixed: "If you do a reset in A-Mode (single preset) - not A-B-,A-B-C-D mode, the A157 switches to the 'old' preset that is stored"
Known issues/flaws:
-some combinations of First/Last step could lock the A-B,A-B-C-D mode during running.
- !!!! Always connect a Clock signal to Clock in (A157-3) - if not, some functions f.e. recall/store will not work as expected.
If you really have no clock signal for the A157-3 at the moment, you can simulate this by pressing the Clock button of the A157-3.
(F.e. after you did a recall operation, you have to press it 2 or more times, that the recall will be executed.)
Also be aware, that without a clock signal, you are not in run mode ( if you pressed 'Start' on the A157-3 before). To unlock this 'deadlock' then press then 'Stop' on the A157-3.
Difference between V1.4 and V1.5.
V1.4_161207 was in use since 12/2016 without any known problem beside the ugly glitch with the reset in A-Mode. This glitch is now carefully fixed in V1.5_170515 to prevent to introduce new bugs as a result of the fix. But as we haven't the experience over 6 month as we have for the V1.4 the V1.5 is maybe not as stable as the v1.4. But I think there should be no problem to use the V1.5. If there is any problem, you can always downgrade from V1.5 to V1.4 without no problem ...
Attention with Reset: Operating the reset button/input
signal prepares the sequencer to jump to the first step as soon as the next clock signal (!)
appears. We believe that it makes more sense to carry out the jump to the first step not until the
next positive clock transition occurs. Otherwise the next clock would cause an advance to step 2 (in forward
mode and first step =1). Especially for synchronous operation of several sequencers this type of reset control
is more useful from our point of view.
Attention!
In this detail the A-157 control differs from the A-155 control and from other
'old-style' sequencers. For the A-155 the reset was independent from clock. Operating
the reset button caused to jump to step 1 independent from the clock signal and the next
clock caused an advance to step 2. Operating the clock button triggers an advantage to the
next step.
We plan to introduce also the 'old-style' Reset mode as an selectable option in
the A157 in one of the next updates.
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Matrix Module
A-157-1 (44 HP = 223.2 mm)
(final version
November 2015)
The above picture shows
the final version of the A-157-1 front panel. We had to come to an
end and to define the front panel printing. Unfortunately the front
panel printing cannot be updated via USB like the firmware
:-). We tried to include as many suggestions for additional
features from customers as possible (e.g. Set and Delete of steps
"on the run", Repeat = Ratcheting feature). |
Output Module
A-157-2
(4 HP = 20 mm)
final version November 2015
max. 12V trigger level, the level can be set via software
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l
Module
A-157-3
(4 HP = 20 mm)
final version November 2015,
four function inputs, connection for optional outputs (breakout
module) for Start, Stop, Reset and Clock
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Matrix Module
(revised version August 2015):
It turned out
that the control buttons at the right side of the module are not sufficient
to include all the additional features customers are asking for. That's why
we decided to add a SHIFT button at the bottom right side. Whenever SHIFT is
activated (indicated by SHIFT LED = on) the lower function of each button is
valid (black background / white printing). Otherwise the upper function
(black printing) is valid. That way much more functions are possible and the
pushing of two buttons at the same time can be avoided. The
above picture shows just the basic structure. We are still about to define
the final printing of the panel (it will be possible to update the firmware
of the module via USB but not the front panel printing :-) As
soon as the final functions are defined we will start with the front
panel production and then also start the production of the module.
It will be available about end of 2015 (as of November 2015). |
Output Module
(revised version September 2015):
only single output
for each row
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Control
Module
(revised version September 2015):
2 more function
inputs have been added
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