Mini Synthesizer Keyboard Retrofit

Original Casio keyboard

The Celtic Peasant is venturing into the realm of DIY electronics and has chosen, as a first project, to modify a toy keyboard to function as an analog volt per octave synthesizer controller keyboard. The above picture is of the original unmodified instrument.

As I am a newcomer to this field, I am privileged to be receiving instruction and assistance from the Electronic Peasant.

Major components of the original keyboard

The first step was to separate the original keyboard into its major components.

Original keyboard circuit board with components

Then came the "exciting" job of stripping the parts off of the printed circuit board. Every part will be removed except the rubber membrane key contacts.

CGS10 circuit board

Shortly after learning to solder I have almost completed populating my first pc board.

The circuit for this project will be based on Ken Stone's CGS-10 Mini Keyboard project, but will be expanded to cover all 29 keys of the original keyboard with extra circuitry. As well, pitchbend and glide functions will be added.

The expansion of our synth has caused a re-evaluation of the keyboard required, and a more ambitious project was undertaken by the Celtic Peasant. This was my first venture into the world of DIY electronics, so for now this project has been set aside ... I am sure at some point in the future I will find a use for this keyboard. In the meantime ...

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