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Same here, I don't like to be shut out from my own equipment. However, with my present health situation, it's unlikely I'll return to using an MFT in anger and the separate testers I've got are still relatively new and little used. Any hacking will therefore be for entertainment only.
It has been quite widely publicised that certain brands of electronic test equipment such as scopes can be hacked to higher spec with modest effort, because the lower models are mainly hobbled in configuration. Because my gear tends to get used on high-pressure, high stakes jobs, I'm not keen on anything with any question marks hanging over it. I tend to get the best and look after it and the quality pays for itself in the long run.
Here's a functionality upgrade hack for all you Wurlitzer home organ owners out there with lazy left hands, with late 1970s models e.g 950 and 630 that have the 'Programmed Rhythm Orchestra' using the General Instruments 141099 LSI. You'll be familiar with it producing major, minor and 7th chords in the accompaniment, but the IC itself can also generate minor 7ths when selected by a pin that is not connected on the PCB. Simply replicate the circuit used on the other three select pins, extend the key decode matrix D17-D47 to accommodate seven new inputs, and connect them to vacant lower manual keys of your choosing; then you can have minor 7ths in the accompaniment too. Of course, if you are a proper organist you'll have no interest in this function anyway, but don't say I'm not generous with creative tips.
It has been quite widely publicised that certain brands of electronic test equipment such as scopes can be hacked to higher spec with modest effort, because the lower models are mainly hobbled in configuration. Because my gear tends to get used on high-pressure, high stakes jobs, I'm not keen on anything with any question marks hanging over it. I tend to get the best and look after it and the quality pays for itself in the long run.
Here's a functionality upgrade hack for all you Wurlitzer home organ owners out there with lazy left hands, with late 1970s models e.g 950 and 630 that have the 'Programmed Rhythm Orchestra' using the General Instruments 141099 LSI. You'll be familiar with it producing major, minor and 7th chords in the accompaniment, but the IC itself can also generate minor 7ths when selected by a pin that is not connected on the PCB. Simply replicate the circuit used on the other three select pins, extend the key decode matrix D17-D47 to accommodate seven new inputs, and connect them to vacant lower manual keys of your choosing; then you can have minor 7ths in the accompaniment too. Of course, if you are a proper organist you'll have no interest in this function anyway, but don't say I'm not generous with creative tips.
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