Hi Paul,
When it gets closer to a reality, you can set the whole system up at groupbuy.com - This is how Andrew Jury and Jed Jorgensen handled their Polysix replacement mainboard project over in the Polysix group and it worked really well. I ended up buying 10 of these PCBS because as more people signed on the unit cost kept dropping and as we ordered more the price would drop again... :)
I completely agree with James - My Polaris still has a fully functional membrane panel, but I know the Synth Reaper awaits this classic unless I can arrange to have a backup membrane panel standing by. If such a part were to cost under $250 that would be a certain purchase for me, but I understand that low volume runs could mean it costing more than that.
While I am posting - I take it that the replacement design will use ribbons with a plastic formulation that is less prone to cracking with age? I have Roland synths from the 80s and 90s that use these kind of connectors and none of them have aged appreciably so surely the original issue is specific to the Polaris and its choice of ribbon connector supplier?
Anyhow you have my thanks and appreciation for taking the time and trouble to look into kicking off this project!
Cheers,
Tony
--- In chromapolaris@yahoogroups.com, "James Lonano" <fl_799@...> wrote:
>
> Paul,
>
> Would you be willing to take a straw poll on quantity and a per unit cost? I estimate a pair of working panels nicely executed is worth $200 to me. I think keeping these alive is worth the money!
>
>
> Sent from my Motorola ATRIX⢠4G on AT&T
>
> -----Original message-----
> From: "Paul D. DeRocco" <pderocco@...>
> To: chromapolaris@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Wed, Apr 6, 2011 16:53:34 GMT+00:00
> Subject: RE: [chromapolaris] replacement membrane panels
>
> > From: James
> >
> > Nelson Nameplate does 10 unit prototypes with a 24 hour quote
> > turnaround. Looks like they could do the project justice.with
> > a few updated printing options.
> >
> > http://www.nelsonusa.com/quote-request-form/
>
> That's one of the companies I visited, spent an hour with, was reasonably
> impressed by, and asked for a quote. I heard nothing back. I'll try them
> again.
>
> --
>
> Ciao, Paul D. DeRocco
> Paul mailto:pderocco@...
>