A-157 Trigger Sequencer Subsystem

Manuals: A157_1_Manual.pdf, A157_2_3_Manual.pdf
Anleitungen: A157_1_Bedienung.pdf, A157_2_3_Bedienung.pdf

click to enlarge

click to enlarge

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.


Breite/Width: A-157-1: 44 TE/HP (223.2 mm) / A-157-2: 4 TE/HP (20.0 mm) /  A-157-3 mm: 4 TE/ HP ( 20.0 mm)
Tiefe/Depth: A-157-1: 40 mm, A-157-2: 35 mm, A-157-3: 45 mm (gemessen ab der Rückseite der Frontplatte / measured from the rear side of the front panel)
Strombedarf/Current (A-157-1/2/3):
+12V: 350 mA (all 128 LEDs of the matrix "on" and all mute and select LEDs "on" = worst case), 80 mA (all LEDs "off")
-12V: 20 mA

Preis/Price: Euro 500.00 for the module combo A-157-1/2/3 (the modules are available only as a complete set, not individually)
The price in US$ depends upon the exchange rate between Euro and US$ at the payment day.

History of the A-157 development

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
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

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

Control Module (revised version September 2015):

2 more function inputs have been added

Matrix Module (revised version May 2015 based on customer suggestions at NAMM and Musikmesse):

  • additional bright vertical separation lines in the black blocks

  • double functions for some buttons to obtain more features (e.g. Shift Left + Right = Swap, Forward + Backward = Pendulum)

  • two unused buttons (labelled "???") for new functions

  • some LEDs with different colors (e.g. steps 1/9 and Mute, just a suggestion, it's not for sure that different colors will be used and if applicable which colors will be used)

  • May 2015: maybe we can add the ratcheting feature (but it's still unclear how to operate this feature with the existing buttons and LEDs

  • Two function inputs that can be assigned to any of the functions normally controlled by buttons (e.g. shift or invert), maybe they can be used also as additional clock signals (to have 2 or 3 different clocks available)

Output Module

Control Module
Matrix Module
(version NAMM 2015, with modified function block for more features)
Output Module
(version NAMM 2015)
Control Module
(version NAMM 2015)
Matrix Module (new version summer 2014, with function block) Trigger Output Module Basic Control Module
Matrix Module (old version, just 8x16 matrix without function block)
Picture of the second prototype (8x16 matrix with frontpanel, still without printing, without function block)
Picture of the very first prototype (only 8x8 matrix, without front panel, only pcb for the matrix)
with an alternative display at the left side which will be not realized !

A-157 is a trigger sequencer subsystem that is used to generate up to 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 system is still in the prototype state. Consequently the specifications on this page are still preliminary !

The subsystem will probably contain several modules:

  • the LED/button matrix module A-157-1
  • the trigger output module A-157-2
  • one of the control modules (A-157-3, A-157-4 ...)

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.
The trigger output module A-157-2 outputs the 8 trigger signals and has an LED display for each trigger. We will probably add a mute button or mute switch for each row that allows to turn the trigger output off/on independent for each row.
In the final version the modules A-157-1 and A-157-2 will be probably merged into one module only because both modules are essential for the subsystem.

The module A-157-1/2 (or the merged module that will contain both units) can be connected to a simple control module or a more sophisticated control module which is planned for the future (similar to the A-155 and A-154 conceptual design where the A-155 includes a simple control unit that can be replaced by the A-154 which offers a lot of additional functions).

At the beginning a simple control module A-157-3 similar to the A-155 control unit will be available. It offers only the functions clock, start/stop and reset (both with manual controls and control inputs). For this standard control unit the tempo (clock) is the same for all 8 rows, the direction is forward and the length of each row is 16.

We also plan a more complex control module A-157-4 that allows additional functions like 128 memories for trigger sequences, different clock/start/stop/reset for 2 or 4 groups of rows (e.g. common for rows 1-4 and 5-8, or in pairs), independent first/last step for each row, independent direction (forward/backward/pendulum/random) for each row, one-shot mode, LC display and so on. But these ideas are very preliminary and we will have to find out which functions are essential.

There are also plans for a stand-alone version adapted to the design of Dark Energy and Dark Time with the same case dimensions and wooden side panels (provisional name "Dark Flow")

Latest news (as of July 2014):

Based upon suggestions of customers the matrix board has been completely redesigned. The functions MUTE, SELECT, SHIFT LEFT, SHIFT RIGHT and INVERT ROW (when shift left and right are operated simultaneously) have been added for each row. This requires also a redesign of the processor board to support the new functions. Therefore the planned release date has to be postponed (without any obligation).

Latest news (as of May 2015):

 

Based upon suggestions of NAMM and Musikmesse visitors the matrix unit has been revised once again:

  • additional bright vertical separation lines in the black blocks

  • double functions for some buttons to obtain more buttons for additional features (e.g. Shift Left + Right = Swap, Forward + Backward = Pendulum)

  • two unused buttons (labelled "???") for new functions

  • some LEDs with different colors (e.g. steps 1/9 and Mute, just a suggestion, it's not for sure that different colors will be used and if applicable which colors will be used)

  • maybe we can add the ratcheting feature (but it's still unclear how to operate this feature with the existing buttons and LEDs

  • Two function inputs that can be assigned to any of the functions normally controlled by buttons (e.g. shift or invert), maybe they can be used also as additional clock signals (to have 2 or 3 different clocks available)