Symi - Greek Island

On my way to the Island of Symi.

Symi Island, also known as Simi or Syme, is a beautiful Greek island located in the Aegean Sea. It is part of the Dodecanese archipelago and lies just northwest of Rhodes, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Greece. Symi is a small island with a rich history, picturesque landscapes, and charming architecture that attracts visitors from around the world.

One of the main characteristics of Symi is its traditional neoclassical architecture. The island's main town, also called Symi or Gialos, is built amphitheatrically around a natural harbor, creating a stunning view. The colorful two- and three-story houses with their red-tiled roofs, wooden balconies, and ornate facades give Symi a unique and charming ambiance. The town's narrow, winding streets are lined with quaint shops, cafes, and taverns, creating a delightful atmosphere for leisurely walks and exploration.

Symi Island has a rich maritime history, and its main source of wealth in the past was shipbuilding and sponge fishing. The Naval Museum of Symi, located in the town's old market, showcases the island's maritime heritage, displaying various artifacts and exhibits related to Symi's nautical past.

Apart from its architectural beauty, Symi also offers stunning natural landscapes. The island is characterized by rocky cliffs, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and numerous secluded beaches and coves. Some of the popular beaches on Symi include Nos Beach, Marathounta Beach, and Agios Georgios Disalonas. These beaches offer visitors a chance to relax, sunbathe, swim, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

So quiet in the afternoon. Everyone is asleep

Cats having a nap on a hot day.

Symi Island is also home to several notable landmarks and attractions. The Monastery of Panormitis, located on the southern part of the island, is a major pilgrimage site dedicated to the Archangel Michael. 

The monastery is known for its beautiful Byzantine architecture and its unique icon of the Archangel Michael, which is believed to have healing powers.

,,

Below is a view from the Kastro of Symi.

The "Kastro" or "Castle of Symi" located on a hill above the town of Symi. The Kastro was built during the Byzantine era and was later reinforced by the Knights of St. John in the 14th century. It served as a defensive structure to protect the island's inhabitants from pirate raids and invasions.

The Kastro of Symi offers panoramic views of the town, the harbor, and the surrounding landscapes. Visitors can explore the remains of the fortress, walk along its walls, and enjoy the scenic vistas. Although the Kastro itself is not as grand or extensive as some other fortresses in Greece, it provides a glimpse into the island's history and offers a serene and picturesque setting.

..

Kibbutz - Israel

 Some old pics of the restaurant of a Kibbutz I visited while in Israel back in 2015.

I can't remember the name of this Kibbutz, but the food was great. If anyone can help me identify the place I'd be most greatful. I think it's in northern Israel near the sea of Galliee.

The 1st Kibbutz was established more than 90 years ago.

The name comes from the Hebrew word kvutza, meaning “group”

It's a voluntary society. 

People live on egalitarian and communal principles.

 in a social and economic framework.

It is based on the principle of collectivism.

All income generated by the Kibbutz and its members goes into a common pool. This income is used to run the Kibbutz, make investments, etc.

Though this sounds a bit like communism, its governed by a system of "direct participatory democracy".

Here, the individual can directly influence issues and events in the community.

Today there are approximately 250 Kibbutzim in the country, where about 125 000 people live. The majority of Kibbutzim are secular, but there are about twenty religious Kibbutzim, as well as Kibbutzim connected to both the Conservative and Reform streams.

This Kibbutz was founded in 1928.

I think the hebrew translates as "Aware"

And "70 years".

Founded 1928.

Kibbutz members receive the same budget (according to family size), regardless of their job or position. In terms of education, all children start equally and are given equal opportunity.

We arrived really late at night, and only had a chance to catch a meal.

I wish we could have stayed longer.

...

Coffee machine manufacturers

 A brief list of some of the major coffee machine manufacturers.

ACS coffee machines - Naples - Advanced Coffee Solution

               1962?

Ascaso - Spain, Barcellona. Est 1962.

               The founder, Jesús Ascaso, worked at Gaggia Spain

Aremede - Australia

Arrarex - Mid 1950 - Milan - famous for the caravel - known as the VAM 

                (Vetraria Ambrosiana Milano) .

                This machine was created in mid to late 1950's 1960 by Dr Emilio Salati of Milan. 

                The design of the machine is an absolute masterpiece, tastefully blending elements of 

                 Art Deco, Modernism, and Futurism. 

                 Dr Salati created the Caravel for one specific purpose: to produce small 

                 shots of perfect espresso.

Bellezza - 1975 - Heinz Berberich founded Berberich Kaffeemaschinen in Ketsch, Germany.

Bezzera - It was in 1901 when Luigi Bezzera patented the first espresso coffee machine 

                 introducing a new way of drinking coffee, starting the Italian Espresso Coffee culture.

                 Luigi Bezzera (born in the 19th century; died in the 20th century) 

                 was an Italian mechanic and innovator. 

                 He is the inventor of the first removable portafilter espresso machine, 

                 In 1901, the first patented espresso machine was invented by Luigi Bezzera, 

                 who almost immediately sold his patent to Desiderio Pavoni 

                 (whose name is synonymous with Italian-built espresso machines to this day)

BFC - Brutti Fullin Costruzioni - 1998

           all of BFC's coffee machine components are manufactured at the 

           Scomigo di Conegliano factory in Italy. 

Boema - established in 1956, Sydney Australia

               Signori Bordignon and Emer were two Italian immigrants that 

              decided to start there own coffee business, 

              hence, how the name Bo-ema name came to be. 

Breville - Founded in Sydney, Australia in 1932 by Bill O'Brien and Harry Norville, 

                who combined their two surnames to form the company name. 

                The company originally manufactured radios. 

                 During World War II, it made mine detectors.

                 Also known as Sage in the UK

Cafelat - Hong Kong - Famous for the Cafelat Robot Lever machine. 

              The founder of Cafelat is Paul Pratt.

              Cafelat’s design is due to the involvement of Danish artist and designer Karina Mencke. 

Cafello - China - (Tutto) 

Casadio - Bologna Italy 1950 (part of the Cimbali group).

                Nello Casadio was born on January 1, 1907.

                closely related to Bologna is the choice of the company's trademark: 

                the neptune with the trident, a famous sculpture by Giambologna that, in 1950, 

                became the official symbol of the Casadio company

                

CIME - Machine Espresso Italiane . Founded 2012.

De'Longhi - Founded in 1902 in Treviso, Italy.

ECM - Espresso Coffee machines (Monteriva)

            The original company ECM was founded in 1995 by Friedrich Berenbruch in Milan.

             Wolfgang Hauck founded ECM GmbH in 1996

             All of their machines and grinders are developed and designed in Germany 

             and produced in Germany and Italy. 

Elektra. Founded in Treviso Italy in 1947.

El Rocio - South Korea - founded April, 2013

                  Models: Manus, Zarre.

Espresso Deck - Australia - They invented the "undercounter coffee machine".

                           1990s ? These are custom built.

Expobar - Founded by Rafael Olaso Peirò in Spain - 1985.

                 Located in Gandia Valencia, They are part of the Crem group.

                 Crem has produced coffee machines for more
                 than twenty years including the brand Expobar

Faema - 1945 - Milan - the "Factory Electro Mechanical and Associated Equipment" 

              ("Fabbrica Apparecchiature Elettro Meccaniche e Affini” - FAEMA).

              In the 1950s, Faema began with horizontal boiler, lever piston machines, 

              which were typical of the time. ... In 1961, however, Faema released the E61

              (part of the Cimbali group)

Flair - California, USA - lever machines

Francio - UK - 1962 - Fracino are the leaders in dual fuel espresso coffee machines producing                              commercial machines that can run from LPG gas , Electricity or 

              a combination  of both.

Futurmat - Spain 1978 eg Rimini 

Gaggia - Founded in 1938 in Milan, Italy. 

               The Gaggia S.p. A company was purchased in 1999 by fellow Italian competitor 

               Saeco International Group, which in turn was purchased by Dutch manufacturer

               Philips in 2009.

Isomac - 1977 - Monteriva - founded by Giovanni Fontana

                The company is now owned by Pavoni

Izzo - founded in Naples, under the shadow of the famous Mt Vesuvius, in 1979 by Vincenzo Izzo

Jura Elektroapparate - Founded in 1931 in Switzerland.

KEES VAN DER WESTEN - Espresso machines built by eye in The Netherlands. 

                      1984 - founded

                      High precision, high performance. Unique design. Sculpture meets coffee

La Marzocco - Founded in 1927 in Florence, Italy. 

                        They specialize in high-end espresso machines.

La Pavoni -  Founded in 1905 in Milan, Italy

                     aquired by Smeg in 2019

La Cimbali - 1930 - Italy .

                      With more than 900 employees worldwide, Cimbali Group currently comprises 

                      six primary brands: espresso machine and equipment brands La Cimbali, 

                      Faema and Casadio; United States-based espresso machine brand Slayer 

                      (acquired by Cimbali in 2017); the Mumac coffee machine museum; 

                      and the Mumac coffee academy

Lelit - Lelit was founded by the Epis family in the 1980s in Baitella, Italy

          Headquarters - Brescia

          Purchased by Breville in 2022

Londinium - Founded 2012. Birmingham UK. 

                      Focus is on making modern lever coffee machines.

Miele - Founded in 1899 in Gütersloh, Germany. 

             They produce a range of household appliances including coffee machines.

Meraki - founded in Shenzhen, China - 

              A Greek word meaning to do something with soul, creativity, and love

Muvna - founded 2020, China. famous for their hand cranked coffee machine (MACH)

Nespresso (owned by Nestlé) - Nespresso machines were introduced in 1986.

Nuova Simonelli - 1936 - Nuova Simonelli is an Italian company that can trace 

                               its history back to 1936 when Orlando Simonelli made his 

                               first espresso machine, which was seen as one of the most 

                               technologically advanced units of its time.

Odyssey - 2019 - famous for the Argos Lever. Denver, Colorado

Olympia - 1928 - Switzerland.

Profitec - 1990 - German/Italian Company.... started in Bammental Germany

                            The Profitec brand was started by Michael Hauks father, and ECM 

                            started by Michael himself…they are both part of the same company run 

                            by Michael. There is a different look, but very similar construction

                            and components with ECM being the more premium brand.

QuickMill - 1945 - Senago, near Milan.

Rancilio -  founded in 1927 by Roberto Rancilio in Parabiago, Italy

Rocket - 2007 - Milano Italy

             Giotto - The first classic model produced by ECM

             Their top of the line R Nine One - PID, infusion control -- great for profiling

             The company was originally purchased from the financially troubled 

             ECM in 2007 by two New Zealanders, Andrew Meo and Jeff Kennedy, 

             They were responsible for the distribution of the ECM brand in New Zealand 

             prior to taking control of the failing company.

             Rocket is now independent 

             Production method: “fatto a mano,” translated to English as “made by hand”

ROK - UK - (2002 . Named Presso untill 2012)

            Simple Lever machine. No power ... water is heated in a kettle and poured into the grouphead.

Slayer - Seattle USA - 2007. Owned by La Cimbali

              Handcrafted, excellent quality and very expensive.

SAB - San Vittore Olona, Milan, Italy - since 1998

Saeco - Founded in 1981 in Italy. 

SanRemo - located in Treviso Italy, near the city of Venice.

Strietman - 2011 - Dutch - specialises in open boiler lever machines.

Stone - Milano Italy - Famous for their fast startup times.

Synesso - Seattle USA 2004

Thermoplan - Swiss - 

                       The Black&White4 CTS qualified for the 2024-27 World Latte Art Championships.

Unica - Swiss - Lucerne - 2023. Precise, accurate, quiet, fast heatup.

VBM - Vibiemme Coffee Machines.

             Founded on 12 January 1976, at Via Mauro Macchi, Milan. 

             by three ex-Faema executives .The company name came from the 

             names of the executives who left Faema: Valente, Biancolini, and Meroni. (V, B, and M). 

             It is pronounced like the letters of the Italian alphabet: Vee-Bee-Em-may. 

             Towards the end of the 70s, VBM started making machines for home use, 

            creating the first domestic espresso machine in history: Domobar.

Victoria Arduino - 1905 - the modern Black Eagle

Wega - WEGA was founded in 1969 by Nello Dal Uncle, heir to the Astoria CMA Group. 

            Then, in 1985, the name WEGA Macchine per Caffè was established. 

             In 2007 the company's headquarters were opened in Susegana (Treviso) - 

             incidentally the largest site for the production of espresso machines!

Wendougee - Mandarin for "Warm Bean Session". Flagship machine = DATA.

                     Founded China, 2014 as a coffee shop.

                     it opened five shops in Suzhou by 2015. In 2017, 

                     WENDOUGEE began manufacturing its own equipment, starting with 

                     the "Pioneer 1" coffee machine.

                     in 2019, WENDOUGEE expanded to Wuxi and launched the "Mantis"

                     machine. In 2020, it expanded its factory and introduced new products 

                     like the "RKONE" grinder and "MILK BOT" frother.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Coffee index. Click here :

https://djjondent.blogspot.com/2024/03/coffee.html

ARP 2600 - Filter

 A bit about the ARP 2600 filter.

The 2600 VCF is a low pass filter.

The top slider is labelled "initial filter frequency".

This is more commonly calked the "frequency cutoff. 

(Range is between 10hz & 10kHz)

You can fine tune this frequency with the next slider : Fine Tune.

The next slider is Resonance.

When the slider is fully to the right, it will self oscillate. ... this usually creates a sine wave.

There one filter output and 8 inputs.

The inputs are divided into

5 audio & 3 CV

The audio inputs are:

+ Ring mod

+ VCO 1, 2, 3

+ Noise

The Control section:

keyboard, ADSR, VCO2.

These inputs control the filter frequency (or cutoff)

To test the keyboard input, put the filter into self oscillation mode ( resonance slider to the right)

and play your keyboard.

Re the VCO 2 input: remember, this VCO can be audio or Low Freq.

When you first use the filter its important to make a few more settings:

There are 4 basic settings you'll need to make to the VCA & mixer

The audio from the filter needs to pass into the VCA.

Thus, on the VCA section

1. fully open the VCF & AR inputs.

    (all other inputs are closed)

2. close the initial gain (slider to left).

The audio then passes from the filter to the mixer.

Thus on the Mixer:

1. Open the VCA input.

     Note: the VCF input should be fully closed.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

There are two types of filter circuits available on the ARP 2600 synthesizer: 

the 4012 filter and the 4072 filter.

The very early 2600s use the 4012 filter

(up to around 1975)

This early filter circuit was used in the metal cased Blue Marvin (2600) & Grey meanie (2600C), and the grey tolex covered 2600P & the 2601v1.0 versions of the ARP 2600.

The filter has a distinctive sound that is often described as slightly brighter, more aggressive when compared to the 4072 filter.

The 4012 filter is a 4-pole low-pass transistor ladder, very similar to a Moog ladder filter.

They were encapsulated to conceal their inner workings.

The 4072 filter, on the other hand, was introduced later in the production run of the ARP 2600, and it has a slightly different tone compared to the 4012 filter. The 4072 filter is also a 4-pole low-pass filter, but it has a maximum cutoff frequency of around 7 kHz. The 4072 filter has a slightly darker and more mellow sound compared to the 4012 filter, and it is often favored by synth enthusiasts for its ability to create warm and rich bass sounds.

Both filter circuits have their own unique characteristics and can be used to create a wide range of sounds on the ARP 2600 synthesizer. Some users prefer the 4012 filter for its brightness and aggression, while others prefer the 4072 filter for its warmth and richness. Ultimately, the choice of filter circuit depends on the sound you are trying to achieve and your personal preferences.

So both versions are 4 pole.

The "4-pole" designation refers to the number of filter stages, which affects the slope of the filter curve. A 4-pole filter has a steep curve, which means that it attenuates frequencies above the cutoff more quickly than a 2-pole filter would.

The filter on the ARP 2600 has controls for cutoff frequency, resonance, and keyboard tracking. The cutoff frequency determines the point at which the filter starts to attenuate frequencies, while resonance boosts the frequencies near the cutoff point, creating a characteristic "squishy" or "squelchy" sound. Keyboard tracking adjusts the cutoff frequency in relation to the pitch of the notes being played, which can be used to create interesting tonal variations across the keyboard.

-----------------

Even though its just a LP filter

You can configure it to be high pass & bandpass-ish

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kw65oO_nlQ8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nm7t3jQaOBc

--------------

filter feedback

Patch 1 filter feedback -- patch the output of the filter back into itself via the noise input.

patch 2 - also feed the VCA output back into the VCF

-------------

Some eurorack modules based on these filters which you make like to try:

Steffcorp VCF-12 --- based on the 4012 filter  G-Storm Electro Tonus --- based on the 4012 filter  Studio Electronics 4075 STG Soundlabs Post-Lawsuit Filter -- " not a clone of the ARP 4072 submodule. 

                                                                     It does, however, have an identical topology with the same                                                                                 transistors and operational amplifier array."

More links

+ ARP 2600 - Envelope Generators

+ ARP 2600 - Sample and hold (& electronic switch)

+ ARP 2600 - Ring Modulator

+ Arp 2600 - Envelope Follower & pre-amp

+ ARP 2600 - Voltage processor

NLC Mix - build notes

Such a simple module, but so useful..

 

A 4 hp attenuverting mixer.

The pots are 0 at centre.

I've built a few of these

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 I'm using 10R resistors for the reverse voltage protection in this module, but with others I used no protection.... just a strip of wire. 

If you do accidently plug it in backwards and see the dreaded puff of smoke, the 10uF caps are the most likely component to blow.

 

100k x 8, and just one 1 k resistor

..

The op-amp is a TL-072

the pots a all linear B-100K

The pots are 0 at centre, -1x gain to the left (inverts) and

1x gain to the right. 

Thus is you are using this as a audio mixer it can be a bit tricky to find the exact centre

of the pot where its totally silent.

Pot 4 will act as a voltage offset if nothing is patched into

input 4. It can supply -5V to +5V of offset. If you do not

want any offset, leave pot 4 at midpoint, or patch your signal

into input 4.

The module will work with audio and CV signals. It is useful for creating sequences from logic modules such as the Divide and Conquer , Bools or 1/n .

Finally done.

Links

+ Wiki

+ Build notes

Electric City

 

There is a new collaboration with New Sound Waves and Vitalise continuing Electronic Arts meetups in 2023!

Over the past 3 years Elk Elektronik have been running Synth Sessions mainly in Wollongong NSW.

In 2023, Ed has teamed up with the people behind New Sound Waves and Vitalise to continue running regular meets, but also to be able to join with other great initiatives work together on these events.

The Synth Sessions have evolved over this time, introducing elements of video and projection arts, tech talks from local manufacturers and more! With this in mind, we’ve chosen a new name “Electric City - Electronic Art Exploration“, incorporating a wider variety of electronic art forms.

"Electric City" will alternate between Wollongong and Sydney on the same schedule as previously - once every 2 months.

Nice !

Elektron OT Mk 1 vs Mk2

The Octatrack MII has a few more buttons than my old Mk1

Deciding if I should get a MkII ??

This may help.

I understand that the firmware is identical. The screen on the Mk1 is larger,

but the buttons on the Mk2 are better lit for club work.

Maybe the fader on the Mk2 is smoother too.?

The Record buttons: 

REC1, REC2,REC3 on the MK2 replace just 2 buttons on the MK1

The Mk 2 also has Proj, Part, AED, MIX & Arr buttons

There are 1000s of shortcuts. Here is short list of some of the basic ones.

Mk1

Mk1 Project

[FUNCTION] + [MIXER] will open the PROJECT menu.

[Cue] +[Tempo] will activate/deactivate the metronome.

Mk 1 TRACK RECORDERS AND PICKUP MACHINES

[FUNCTION] + (SETUP AB/REC1) Open recorder setup menu page 1

[FUNCTION] + (SETUP CD/REC2) Open recorder setup menu page 2

[REC] + [BANK/EDIT] will open the Audio editor.

[Track 1-8] + [Bank/Edit] will also open the Audio Editor for the respective track

You can edit the sample by pressing LFO

Press [FUNCTION] + [BANK] or [ENTER/YES] 

to open a window displaying the available edit 

commands.

To delete a file:

1. press SELECT ALL. This will select the whole file

2. press [FUNCTION] + [ ► ] to Clear the recorder buffer 

or scroll to "SELECTION to SILENCE" & YES

Mk1 - PARTS

Parts store machines (+ their settings), effects (+ their settings), 

scenes and track volumes.

[FUNCTION] + [MIDI/PART] will open the PARTS menu.

► ◄  [up], [down] Select part

[FUNCTION] + [EDIT] Part Edit popup menu

[FUNCTION] + [COPY] | [CLEAR] | [PASTE] will Copy / clear / paste parts.

Mk1 Arranger:

FUNCTION + PATTERN will enter arranger mode.

Then press [FUNCTION] + [BANK/EDIT] to open the arranger menu

[F] + [down] Insert an arrangement row

[F] + [up] Remove an arrangement row

[left] [right] ► ◄ Move the focus between the columns

MIDI

Access the MIDI mode by pressing the [MIDI] key

Mk2

[PROJ] opens the project menu.

[FUNC] + [PROJ] saves the project.

[PART] opens the part select menu

[FUNC] + [PART] to edit the current part.

[AED] opens the audio editor

[FUNC] + [AED] opens the SLICE GRID menu.

[MIX] key. Opens a menu where settings for the in- and outputs can be made. 

Tracks can also be muted and soloed here.

[FUNC] + [MIX] toggles the metronome on/off.

[ARR] key. Opens the ARRANGER menu. 

Press [FUNC] + [ARR] to toggle the ARRANGEMENT mode

on/off.

Mk2 Recording

[REC1], [REC2] keys are used for real-time sampling through the external inputs. 

[FUNC] + [REC1/2] opens the RECORDING SETUP 1/2 menus.

[FUNC] + [REC3] opens the RECORDING EDIT menu.

[REC3] key is used for real-time sampling from internal sources.

Mk2 - CUE

Pressing [CUE] + a [TRACK] key will cue the track. 

The audio of the track will then be routed to the cue outputs

[FUNC] + [CUE] reloads the active part to its saved settings.

[MIDI] activates the MIDI editing mode.

[FUNC] + [MIDI] opens the MIDI sync settings.