A DIY EMS Spectre!??? (FPGA video synth)

Building an FPGA version of the VERRRY RARE EMS Spectre (also called the Spectron) video synth. Only 14 were ever made.
Links form the Video:
The Github for the Project: github.com/cfoge/OPEN_SPECTRE-
Mess Studios Melbourne: mess.foundation/
My socials:
insta: / catfullofghosts
FB: / cfogelectronics

[@bearheadwood]

Finally a manual for this! I'm keen as to pull the one at MESS out and figure the ins and outs :D Thanks for the pdf in the github.

[@robinsutcliffe-video_art]

A colleague of my Dad's at Rochdale Art College told me about this synth fairly recently. They went to EMS studio in Putney and had a demo, with a view to ordering one for the college. However given the expense the purchase didn't go ahead. Look forward to this being available, great project!

[@harry90244]

This is history in the making, can't wait to see this project evolve.

[@catfullofghosts4478]

😸

[@hintoninstruments2369]

The EMS Spectron (previously known as Spectre which does not translate well to some languages) was made early 1970s, not 1980s. That's a big difference in technology! It was used as the visual effects for Tangerine Dream's Rainbow concert in October 74 and Zorch made a film with it at EMS around the same time.

[@catfullofghosts4478]

my bad, just talking off the top of my head. You are right it was the early 1970's

[@t00bed]

This is so exciting !! I look forward to seeing this evolve.

[@catfullofghosts4478]

thanks, lots of work to be done

[@midi_lizard]

Is there going to be some kind or kickstarter to support this when it gets closer to a completed physical device?

[@catfullofghosts4478]

if it goes well enough, id love to make it avalible to people, thats a fair way off tho. haha

[@slokling]

You brought up the pin matrix, Erica synths have developed an led matrix that is directly based on the old EMS ones. might be the modern solution you're looking for

[@catfullofghosts4478]

i need to take alook into how they are doing that, it might be a cross point switch ic, one of the problems i forsee is just the sheer size of the matrix in this case, we are talking over 3000 leds to represent every point. i think there is gionna have to be another solution, like a little screen.

[@hintoninstruments2369]

Those LEDs are just the "etch a sketch" control interface, the signal matrix uses analogue summing ICs (not crosspoint switches which only select one input). The Spectron digital matrix uses diode pins which form an OR function. A major consideration is the speed that is required for crisp video pixels.

[@Breene4422]

Not sure if possible but consider speaking to people involved with the MiSTer FPGA platform? It already has a large following in the retro gaming community and would put it in the hands of many who already have one? Just a thought, great project!!

[@molo51]

Really nice idea ✌️

[@ehafh]

awesome idea!

[@suitandtieguy]

None of those 303 clones are actually clones. The RE-303 is, though. I do a lot of things like what you're talking about, translating what came before into what should be. I think this is such a cool idea. I wish I could meaningfully contribute beyond donating when I'm not broke.

[@catfullofghosts4478]

In waht way are they not clones? 😀 do you have a good definition for what is/isnt a clone? cos im just using my gut

[@superchromat]

Such a fantastic project idea! I really enjoyed hearing you share your thinking behind your approach & philosophy. Looking forward to see how it progresses. Only partially bummed that you're not targeting your hand made discrete LUTs :P

[@catfullofghosts4478]

hahaha, no, my DIY fpga stuff is just for fun, to do this justice id need thousands of my modules.

[@cyberboy666]

awesome project ! i saw that MESS SPECTRE in action at the Grainger Museum some years ago. the exhibition also played a collection of works that Australian video artists had made on it from its time in the synth lab there (if i remember correctly) maybe you saw this also rob ?

[@ron.h264]

For the matrix controls perhaps you could do a capacitive grid of toggles it’s close enough. Thanks for the fpga knowledge, so does that mean I can run C++ in the fpga if you can spool up MCUs inside there? Now that would be a trip haha

[@catfullofghosts4478]

yeah, you can put as many processors running c++ inside as you have space for. Can even run RTOS and lightweight linux if you have the space/

[@catfullofghosts4478]

tell me more about this capacitive grid idea?

[@ShawnEngler]

BO$$