> Schneiders Beuro are planning something similar but as a
> standalone: i hope this links works
>
> http://www.schneidersbuero.de/index.php sect=products&lang=en&prod
> uct=Steckbox%208x8%20V1%20Verbindungsmatrix&hersteller=SchneidersB
> uero&kategorie=hersteller¤cy=EURO_BRUTTO
>
> maybe a joint venture could be interesting

I think a joint venture would be a bit over the top for such a simple
product (nothing but 80 sockets on one board). The main difference between
Schneiders Steckbox and the A-183-1 is that the Steckbox is a stand-alone
device with case. The A-183-1 is a module and because of the 3U height the
output sockets (A...H) have to be arranged right of the patch matrix.
Otherwise the number of rows would be only 7. We also discussed a version
without nuts for the patch matrix sockets (in this case the distance between
the sockets could be a bit smaller) but the thing should be as stable as
possible and I'm not sure if only soldering the sockets (without mounting
nuts) would be sufficient in the long run.

> the interesting thing about these ideas is that the jack plug
> could be a potentiometer, on off switch, a pressure pad, a light
> sensor... which takes us way beyond the VCS3!

That also possible for the A-183-1. You can solder any electronic part you
want (and that makes sense) between the terminals of the jack plugs.

Best wishes
Dieter Doepfer