hi list,
here is the answer from dieter:


--- Dieter Doepfer < hardware@... > wrote:

> From: "Dieter Doepfer" < hardware@... >
> To: "bakis Sirros" < synth_freak_2000@... >
> CC: "Chris Assall" < software@... >
> Subject: AW: let's end the shaltwerk
> discussion,O.K.
> Date: Tue, 26 Feb 2002 11:09:16 +0100
>
>
> "Dear Bakis,
>
> I have read hastily the discussion about the
> Schaltwerk update. I would have
> answered in detail but at the moment the preparation
> of the music fair is much
> more important.
>
> There are some incorrect claims in these messages
> and the writers do not know
> some of the technical details that prevented us from
> an hardware/software
> update. The processor used in the
> Schaltwerk/Regelwerk is a SAB80C535 and has
> 64kB memory for program and 64kB memory for data
> (the Schaltwerk and Regelwerk
> development started in 1994/95 and at this time the
> 80C535 was a
> state-of-the-art microcontroller). One cannot simply
> add more memory (of course
> we know that memory is cheap now) as the processor
> is not able to handle the
> bigger memory. Bank switching of memory id not
> possible as the emulators
> (required for program design) do not support bank
> switching. Changing to another
> processor means that we have to buy all the
> development tools (assembler,
> C-compiler, linker and especiall the emulator) for
> the new processor. This is
> an investment in the range of 25000 Euro ! We have
> to think carefully about such
> an investment as it has to pay.
>
> Anyway - we think about the general use of a new and
> more powerful processor.
> But this consideration has to take into
> consideration not only the
> Schaltwerk/Regelwerk but other devices too as the
> purchase price for the
> development tools is far too much only for a
> Schaltwerk/Regelwerk update. In
> spring 2002 we will decide which new processor will
> be used. We have
> short-listed some Fujitsu, Mitsubishi or Toshiba
> 16-Bit microcontrollers with
> flash memory. And possibly we will develop a
> completely new basic board for
> Schaltwerk and Regelwerk as soon as we (i.e.
> Christian Assall in the first
> place) have sufficient experience with this new
> processor. I cannot guarantee
> this but you can be sure that we do our best to keep
> our customers satisfied.
> All attempts to "tune" the 80C535 processor failed
> (e.g. more memory, higher
> speed). The only solution is to make a "cut" and
> change to a completely new
> processor. But this means that nearly the complete
> (!!!) software has to be
> written new as the processor languages are not
> compatible. I'm sure that the
> complaining customer has no idea about the efforts
> that are necessary to do
> this. Believe me: if there would be an easy way to
> offer an update for
> Schaltwerk or Regelwerk we would have done this !
>
> In addition I agree that the forum was establihed fo
> A-100 and not for
> Schaltwerk/Regelwerk (these were developed before
> the A-100 so that it is
> nonsense to call them A-100 extensions).
>
> For me it is completely confusing if there are polls
> and suggestions for new
> modules on one hand and the request on the other
> hand to stop the development of
> new modules but to make an Schaltwerk update instead
> of it.
>
> And concerning the blue LEDs: this was not our idea
> ! We offer the devices with
> blue LEDs not because we think this is a technical
> innovation but because many
> customers asked for (like you). I think the
> complaining customer really does not
> know the score. It takes definitely no development
> time to change red LEDs into
> blue ones. If the "development time" required for
> the blue LEDs would be the
> same as for a Schaltwerk/Regelwerk update of course
> we would have preferred the
> update!
>
> Please don't be annoyed if I cannot answer every
> message in detail but we are in
> the "hot phase" for the Frankfurt fair (the complete
> stand and all devices,
> prospectus, flyers, signs, lab coats, lightning,
> mixers, computers, main voltage
> distributors, amplifiers, loudspeakers, tables,
> tools, measuring equipment and
> and and ... have to be prepared)."
>
> Best wishes
> Dieter Doepfer
> Doepfer Musikelektronik GmbH
> http://www.doepfer.de
> email: hardware@...

O.K!!!NOW I HOPE THIS MATTER WILL COME TO AN END...
synthfreak
















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synthfreak(parallel worlds)
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