Syndyne.com ~ MS8400 Master System

The MS8400 Master System Benefits

Simply Elegant

Easy to program, simple to install, and a breeze to wire
Harnesses technology to deliver an extremely powerful yet elegant design
Our user friendly touch screen interface helps guide and direct organists
Allows organists to practice their passion rather than search for a manual
Builders are empowered to configure the organ at will, right from the console
Eliminates the frustration, expense, and delay of vendor configuration changes
Multiple adapter board and connector options are available to simplify wiring

Robust and Reliable

Our history spans over 50 years in the industry, with over 20 years in control systems
The MS8400 system was designed utilizing our experience and extensive feedback
Data is transmitted via CAN buss, designed for challenging environments
CAN helps keep airplanes in the sky and automobiles safely on the road
The MS8400 employs distributed computing without a central processor
If one part of the system fails, the remaining parts continue to operate
Every note and stop output is protected by an automatic self resetting fuse

Powerful Flexibility

Powerful enough to tame the largest instruments in the world
Flexible enough to handle the challenges of controlling small systems affordably
An intelligent and expandable design utilizing standard, stockable hardware
System boards are mounted in a compact, robust, and expandable steel chassis
Boards have a custom engineered aluminum board stabilizer to prevent sagging
Standard note outputs are capable of driving hefty loads down to 10 Ohms
Lightning fast: outputs turn on between 4-8 milliseconds after a note is pressed

Supported and Servicable

System components are standard, simplifying the system service and RMA process
Most components are typically stocked, minimizing system downtime
Many times we can ship replacement boards overnight to a system location
Built in system error checking and diagnostic features speed up troubleshooting
Organ configuration and memory can be backed up via USB drive for fast re-installs
Our experienced and responsive staff help provide quick and simple solutions

System Capacities

MS8400 System Capacities

Main System

32 Divisions of Keying
4 Consoles
1280 Stops
224 Pistons Per Console (All with lighted outputs)
4 Rotary Selectors Per Console
32 Expression Shoes
600ft Ethernet Cable Length (Fiber Optics option increases length)
12-24 Input Voltage System Memory

System Memory

50 separate users
100 memory levels per user (5000 Total)
Memory levels can be expanded using a USB Drive

Crescendo

2 Physical Crescendo Shoes
Each user has 4 memory levels per crescendo shoe

Tuttis

2 Separate Tuttis
Each user has 4 memory levels per tutti

For more features and capacities, view the catalog or website page for each individual MS8400 component.

2 Manual System Capacities

Syndyne developed a cost effective version of the MS8400 system for smaller consoles. This gives the impressive features of large instruments at a price that is attainable for smaller installations. The capacities are the same except for the following:

2 Manuals and Pedal
1 Console
60 Stops
44 Unlit Pistons (Indicator Outputs for Tutti)
2 Rotary Selectors
2 Expression Shoes

How the MS8400 Works

Core System Components

MS8401 General Controller

1 MS8401 per Console
Connects to Touch Screen, Crescendo, and 3 more pots
4 Selectors, LED/LAMP Indicators, and more...

MS8402 Stop Controller

1 MS8402 per 20 Stops or Couplers
Wired to Stop Sense Inputs, On/Off Coil Outputs,
and Stop Sense Feed

MS8403 Piston Controller

1 MS8403 per 28 Pistons
Wired to Piston Inputs, Piston Lamp/LED Outputs,
and Piston Lamp/LED Return

MS8404 Keying Controller

1 MS8404 per Manual or Pedal
Wired to Keying Inputs, Keying Return, and
Expression Shoe Potentiometer

MS8405 Touch Screen

1 MS8405 per Console
Connects to MS8401 via Ethernet cable
Used to configure and control the organ

MS8406 Chamber Driver

Each MS8406 has 80 Outputs
Wired to Chests, Stop Lines, Swell,
Shade Motors, DC Chimes, and more..

Data Connection

The MS8400 system uses a customized version of the incredibly robust and reliable CAN Buss Protocol to communicate data between the system components. CAN was originally developed for harsh environments where data integrity is critical, such as keeping airplanes in the sky and automobiles safely on the road.

MS8420 Fiber Optic to CAN Converter

Communications for the MS8400 system can be transmitted using standard off the shelf CAT5 Ethernet cable. CAT5 cable is daisy chained to each board in the system. Fiber optic options are also available for installations where there are long cable runs or when extra lightning protection is desired.

System Chassis

When designing the MS8400, we wanted to provide a mounting solution that looked attractive, maintained a low profile, was strong and rigid, all while staying extremely customizable. Our chassis solution took a long time to engineer, but the end result was well worth it. The MS8400 offers two chassis sizes, one for the console, and one for the chamber. Thumb screws hold the system cards securely, but allow for quick and easy removal. A matching steel cover is attached on the top and bottom of the chassis, and in-between every four chassis segments for increased rigidity. Attractive and convenient power blocks can be mounted directly to the chassis cover for easy power distribution.

Organ Configuration

The MS8400 empowers the builder with the ability to easily change the way the organ plays, right from the front of the console, in just a few steps, and without the use of a computer. The MS8405 touch screen controller sports an intuitive interface that helps guide and direct the builder throughout the setup process. Here is an example of how the system is configured: