Every Roland MC-202 needs a Tubbutec !

goldplate · Post by **goldplate** » Thu Mar 10, 2016 5:13 am

Hey,

This message is for Tubbutec directly but is IMO interesting to have in an open thread.

Seeing what you did for the SH-101, I can't resist to insist (because yes I know I'm not the first one) to say that all the MC-202's are needing your work !

I so much already thought and talked about the subject that I'm too much into it = I'm too much subjective and so I don't know where to begin. Please excuse me if my message could sometimes look not convincing in its own because would looks like some things already talked or thoughts somewhere, but I need to say that I feel there is something to do here ! This is my last request to someone else for this subject.

I know the main told issue is that the CPU is a surface mounted device (SMD). When I talked to the subject to various pretenders for this job, they always replied that this was a no way issue, but I know sometime (maybe on the Social Entropy (Quicksilver 303/606) forum now deleted) someone brought a technical workaround for it. It was a kind of SMD to thourgh-hole adapter and it seemed to be a way to look into.

Finally I felt that the technical barrier was a pretext to hide the fear that the thought-to-be-a-fact that "the MC-202 is not so popular" would result in a commercial flop. But there I have to reply something:

The MC-202's sequencer is so much unpleasant to use that anyone would want to buy a nice replacement one. I think this last speculation is the counterbalance to the "MC-202 is not so popular" one.

Also the work would include a suitable and final well thought and built and not-so-destructive replacement for the connectability (MIDI and proper CV/gate) which also is a huge and needed improvement that any MC-202 needs.

Finally I know that Colin Fraser (Sequentix) and John Kimble (Social Entropy) were interested in this idea, but I also know they don't have the time to do it, but as anyone they always have some time to talk to interesting requests, so maybe they could share some very good ideas from their love and experience with those kind of Rolandish gear.

Thanks ! You rocks !

tubbutec · Post by **tubbutec** » Thu Mar 10, 2016 3:47 pm

goldplate wrote: I know the main told issue is that the CPU is a surface mounted device (SMD). When I talked to the subject to various pretenders for this job, they always replied that this was a no way issue, but I know sometime (maybe on the Social Entropy (Quicksilver 303/606) forum now deleted) someone brought a technical workaround for it. It was a kind of SMD to thourgh-hole adapter and it seemed to be a way to look into.

The problem here is not so much, that it is impossible to design a CPU replacement for a surface mount part. The way I would probably do it is to design a PCB with edge connections, so it can be soldered directly in place of the original CPU.
The issue here rather is that potential customer (and I believe this even includes some synth techs) are not fit to desolder a 64-pin SMD cpu and solder something equally complex in its place.
From what I have seen some people already have problems with through hole.

Finally I felt that the technical barrier was a pretext to hide the fear that the thought-to-be-a-fact that "the MC-202 is not so popular" would result in a commercial flop.

Given the obstacles of soldering described above, the fear of a commercial flop is not quite unjustified, imho.
See, the first question a developer might ask is: "Is this mod needed? And will it improve the synth significantly?"
But the second question usually is: "If I spent several months of my life developing this, will I get paid?"

goldplate · Post by **goldplate** » Fri Mar 11, 2016 6:57 am

Thank you for your reply! I'm pleased to get this talk in this way.

About the soldering and the "being paid" subjects, I could add that many people buy DIY or modding kits before even thinking about how to assemble or install it. The more the result seems to be great and fun and beautiful, the more you are ready to pay and also the more you will do whatever will be needed to get the result.

I think the balancing subjects are here and I think there is a viable way for the MC-202. But then of course there is this last thing:

I spent several months of my life developing this

You have to like to do it ! And that's why I asked you ! You seems very passionated to add more options that anyone would ever do !

rv0 · Post by **rv0** » Sun Mar 27, 2016 3:32 am

In my experience, desoldering an smd ic is much easier than desoldering a through hole chip. Of course using a heat gun, which a lot of DIY'ers dont have
I'd buy a mod instantly. Imo the mc202 is one of the most underrated instruments of all time, only because of the limited sequencer and lack of storage

So yes, please be a hero and save the 202

Id even consider getting a 2nd 202 when it ever happens

nutjob · Post by **nutjob** » Wed Apr 06, 2016 3:19 am

What about leaving the existing uP in place and adding a tiny board that interfaces with CV, Gate, Buttons/Display, and sync boards?

goldplate · Post by **goldplate** » Wed Apr 20, 2016 7:45 am

Interesting idea !

The DIYer would have to cut the tracks connecting the CPU to various parts, then he would have to solder wires of the new CPU to those parts.

The best would be to have both possibilities available (along with the SMD adapter). So there is a way to do non-destructive job for the ones who feel able.

razzmtazz266 · Post by **razzmtazz266** » Sun Jun 12, 2016 9:22 am

I am also up for paying waaay to much money for a mc-202 upgrade.
The size and weight, plus two channels, plus modding, and euro compatibility make it a no brainer. To offset tubbutec costs, could this maybe be a kickstarter project. Where the first backers get it a cheaper price, to give the man the money he needs to waste some of his life to make mine more awesome?

Just a thought.

jjq · Post by **jjq** » Mon Jul 11, 2016 5:13 pm

This is also very interesting for me!

trainspotter · Post by **trainspotter** » Mon Jul 11, 2016 6:48 pm

i would also pay into a kickstarter or something to that effect to support and guarantee payment for tubbutec researching and developing.

warmtape · Post by **warmtape** » Wed Oct 19, 2016 7:51 pm

trainspotter wrote:i would also pay into a kickstarter or something to that effect to support and guarantee payment for tubbutec researching and developing.

i would also pay into a kickstarter.

reverberation · Post by **reverberation** » Thu Nov 10, 2016 9:26 am

Yes. My 202's and I really need this.
Now, do it. Thank you!

polysixer · Post by **polysixer** » Mon Jun 19, 2017 7:46 pm

Count me in for a kickstarter of this the minute it's ready.

maxwellravitz · Post by **maxwellravitz** » Sun Jun 25, 2017 1:57 pm

I would also pay for this or a kickstarter.

polysixer · Post by **polysixer** » Mon Jul 03, 2017 1:26 pm

Sorry for the side-topic but they've made a poll on Gearslutz to vote for the interest in an MC-202 mod. Vote if you can: https://www.gearslutz.com/board/electro ... unite.html

tubbutec · Post by **tubbutec** » Mon Jul 03, 2017 2:47 pm

Hi,

thanks for the poll and to the rest of you supporting this cause.

We were actually working on this as a side-project in the last months and believe we have found a solution to create an 'easy'* to install CPU replacement.
Wanted to go public later with this, but what the heck..

As soon as we have a proof of concept ready and some time, there will likely be a crowd funding campaign... so stay tuned please. thanks

*Easy means: There is some SMD-level soldering skill necessary, but nothing impossible. Pitch is 1mm, so this is absolutely doable. If not by you, than certainly by a tech - and it is cheap to ship the 202.

maxwellravitz · Post by **maxwellravitz** » Tue Jul 11, 2017 12:53 am

amazing news! very excited

warmtape · Post by **warmtape** » Fri Jul 14, 2017 6:49 am

i didn't poll, but am very excited for this and will contribute to a crowd funding campaign for sure. cheers

biam · Post by **biam** » Mon Jul 31, 2017 6:17 am

jjq · Post by **jjq** » Thu Aug 31, 2017 10:54 am

Happy joy

tron23 · Post by **tron23** » Thu Aug 31, 2017 11:17 am

keep it on!

jjq · Post by **jjq** » Mon Oct 09, 2017 1:44 pm

Excited

BugBrand · Post by **BugBrand** » Mon Oct 09, 2017 3:12 pm

I'd support a kickstarter or buy one direct, surething.

jjq · Post by **jjq** » Wed Dec 06, 2017 5:28 am

Any news?

tubbutec · Post by **tubbutec** » Mon Dec 11, 2017 12:24 pm

No news as yet. Still a few unfinished projects / products to be done before we can start with the 202. We want to be able to spend as much time as possible on this project once we start.

goldplate · Post by **goldplate** » Mon Dec 11, 2017 4:38 pm

MUFF WIGGLER

MUFF WIGGLER

Every Roland MC-202 needs a Tubbutec !

Every Roland MC-202 needs a Tubbutec !

Re: Every Roland MC-202 needs a Tubbutec !