In 1982 I wrote a book entitled Electronic Music Circuits (EMC) that presents schematics and techniques to build your own modular analog music synthesizer. Out of print since the mid-80's, due to increased interest I now self-publish it in an enlarged 8 1/2" x 11" formatted size with corrected schematics and updated parts sources. I also put together a collection of SSM and Curtis electronic music IC data sheets and app. notes into what I entitle The Electronic Music IC Databook . Check this area out for info on each and how to order.

I've had my DX7 since new. I haven't used it much because I got tired of the sound. But playing it through my SE70 brings new life to it so I think I'll keep it around. You may not have realized it but you can use the Breath Controller or Volume inputs as voltage control inputs for modulation, pitch, and amplitude control. Here I describe this and also my attempts at using alternative op amps on the main board.

I seem to spend more time trying to understand the circuitry in my K2000S than actually playing it! Check this area out for comments on LCD replacement, SCSI termination and routing, voltage control, and more.

I bought this synth, thinking I could easily turn it into a polyphonic controller for my analog modular system. Well, it turned out to be too much of a project. But check this area out for comments on its circuitry.

I purchased a used Sony D3 and use it to record various things in binaural sound using in-ear electret mics I made. I also describe construction of battery packs.

I don't know why I am interested in bubble machines - I guess it is because everyone is intrigued by bubbles. It's funny how the kids want to pop them and the adults want them to go on forever. The machines are inexpensive and easy to make and the resulting bubbles are sure to draw a large crowd.

Check out this area for photos of Jimmy Lee's XRAY tube laboratory. Mr. Lee was a very interesting character that my parents knew well. I paid a visit to his home after he died and these are the photographs I took. I was in awe. It was like being in Frankenstein's and Thomas Edison's laboratories at once.

Other Stuff

I had last updated this page in 2002. Since then I have repaired a PPG Wave 2.2 and purchased a fun Nord Micromodular synth as well as the Neuron VS, thanks to Juergen Haible's help. My work at Western Digital in the External Storage team really takes up my time. I get home too late to really enjoy my toys much anymore. My ham radio transceiver has a ton of dust on it. I had a spurt of about 2 years where I really got into rc electric planes - to the point of making my own wings with a foam cutter. My wing probably could go over 100mph. I have not yet made the switch to lipoly batteries - that would even make it more amazing. A haven't really touched stunt kites in a couple years either - that hobby died for many as we pushed the state of the art in design to its probable max. I still have an old '78 Cobalt boat that is great for pulling waterskiers and wakeboarders - but mostly now we take our new lab pup out to swim after ducks at Havasu. I might fly a plane with my dad once a year - I took off and landed a Cessna 172 about a year ago with him. He's now over 80 and still flies!

For several years now I have had Angela, my "Brazilian princess" as my companion. She doesn't quite appreciate electronic music like I do but has other qualities that I really appreciate. I have no idea why she hangs around with me.

As I say above, I have a D200 camera that I hope to be able to spend some time with and share photos here on the site. I sold my Celestron C8 years ago - I hope to win a new scope at the OPT raffle in Oceanside one of these years. Please feel free to shoot me an email if you wish. I do trade books for NAMM tickets too BTW...