From las8323@rs175174.ks.boeing.com Fri Dec 07 15:26:15 2001
Subject:Re: OT: A real OS

Dave,

> Linux is almost as bad a choice as Windows for this kind of project. Even
> VXWorks would be overkill. All you want is a simple, embedded
> hard-real-time kernel. Anything more will just cause you pain and make you
> buy hardware you don't really need. [I'm an embedded s/w engineer, can you
> tell? ;-)] At Gulbransen we pretty much did everything on an embedded
> 80C186 running our own little kernel.

See, the effect I was after was to be able to use existing softwares
and vendors with minimal development. So I go approach, letsjussay,
NI about their B4 and ask for a version that runs on some makeup of
linux so there's no W98 license involved (trying to keep those costs
down :-) *and* maybe a Pro52 package. The interchangable interfaces,
keybed(s), and cabinet are just front end for the s/w.

Then I figured that if it'll do *that* much, why not then go for other
studio s/w to run, too. C-quencers, FX, etc.

>
> Moving past the OS, my ideal performance keyboard would have a single
> 61-note waterfall upper keyboard and a 73-note semi-weighted lower piano
> keyboard, with the two keyboard set in very close proximity. Two sets of
> drawbars would be nice. The only internal sounds would be Hammond, several
> acoustic pianos, rhodes, clav, and wurli. Anything else, well that's what
> MIDI's for.

What I've long envisioined is just what you've described. I'm building
a hardware version, but wanted to eventually build a software driven
version with the interchangable front ends.

Take it into the studio with mouse and crt plugged in and develop sounds,
bites, patches, and controllers. Take it on stage and play it like a
kb. Then, between sets (or songs!) switch out, say, *one* set of drawbars
for a bunch of synth knobs. Ok, maybe all 4 sets. Maybe 2 sets of sliders.
Yank the pitch/mod wheel and put in a joystick. Everything resets. Dare I
be so promo-mad? "The possibilities are endless."

Figured that'd need some serious opsys, that's all. But hey, if we can
figure out how to do it simple, so much the better :-)

Larry