"Oramix" synthesizer - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

Tractorfan · 7th Jan 2012, 5:32 pm

Hi,
I've just watched an interesting item on the BBC news "Click" programme about the early synthesizer (for the want of a better word) designed in the 1950s by the late Daphne Oram of BBC Radiophonic Workshop fame. It was called the Oramix and it has just gone on display somewhere. The people in charge of it say that it's too fragile to restore. This seems a little odd to me as it was of good solid valve construction and looks enormous. I can't believe that it's unrestorable as it doesn't even have any printed circuits, and what under-chassis views I saw showed standard components of the day.
It used marks painted on clear 35mm film that was fed past some kind of optical reader.
Does anyone else have knowledge of this fascinating machine?
Cheers, Pete

paulsherwin · 7th Jan 2012, 5:47 pm

I believe the correct name is 'Oramics machine'. It's on display in the Science Museum (London) at present.

I suspect the restoration difficulties stem from the lack of any design documentation or even circuit diagrams.

richrussell · 7th Jan 2012, 6:16 pm

I was down in London a couple of months back, and happened to visit the Science Museum and have a look at the whole 'Oramics' display. Very definitely of the 'I'm the only one who's going anywhere near this' construction, with lots of exposed live parts, and bits held in place with tape and bent wire. She obviously altered bits all the time to get the effects she needed, and it's likely that it's only partially documented as it was in a constant state of change.

Diabolical Artificer · 8th Jan 2012, 11:29 am

I find it strange that Daphne Oram designed a Synth. She was well known for her dislike of electronic music. Most of her music was done using tape machines-The Dr Who theme for instance. Andy.

paulsherwin · 8th Jan 2012, 11:32 am

Are you mixing her up with Delia Derbyshire?

7th Jan 2012, 5:32 pm	#1
Tractorfan Dekatron Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: St. Frajou, l'Isle en Dodon, Haute Garonne, France.(Previously: Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, UK.) Posts: 3,183	"Oramix" synthesizer Hi, I've just watched an interesting item on the BBC news "Click" programme about the early synthesizer (for the want of a better word) designed in the 1950s by the late Daphne Oram of BBC Radiophonic Workshop fame. It was called the Oramix and it has just gone on display somewhere. The people in charge of it say that it's too fragile to restore. This seems a little odd to me as it was of good solid valve construction and looks enormous. I can't believe that it's unrestorable as it doesn't even have any printed circuits, and what under-chassis views I saw showed standard components of the day. It used marks painted on clear 35mm film that was fed past some kind of optical reader. Does anyone else have knowledge of this fascinating machine? Cheers, Pete __________________ "Hello?, Yes, I'm on the train, I might lose the signal soon as we're just going into a tunn..."

7th Jan 2012, 5:47 pm	#2
paulsherwin Moderator Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Oxford, UK Posts: 27,947	Re: "Oramix" synthesizer I believe the correct name is 'Oramics machine'. It's on display in the Science Museum (London) at present. I suspect the restoration difficulties stem from the lack of any design documentation or even circuit diagrams.

7th Jan 2012, 6:16 pm	#3
richrussell Heptode Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Selby, North Yorkshire, UK. Posts: 979	Re: "Oramix" synthesizer I was down in London a couple of months back, and happened to visit the Science Museum and have a look at the whole 'Oramics' display. Very definitely of the 'I'm the only one who's going anywhere near this' construction, with lots of exposed live parts, and bits held in place with tape and bent wire. She obviously altered bits all the time to get the effects she needed, and it's likely that it's only partially documented as it was in a constant state of change.

8th Jan 2012, 11:29 am	#4
Diabolical Artificer Dekatron Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Sleaford, Lincs. UK. Posts: 7,662	Re: "Oramix" synthesizer I find it strange that Daphne Oram designed a Synth. She was well known for her dislike of electronic music. Most of her music was done using tape machines-The Dr Who theme for instance. Andy. __________________ Curiosity hasn't killed this cat...so far.

8th Jan 2012, 11:32 am	#5
paulsherwin Moderator Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Oxford, UK Posts: 27,947	Re: "Oramix" synthesizer Are you mixing her up with Delia Derbyshire?