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Roland FC-100 MKII

Roland FC-100 MKII Foot Controller

Features and Specifications:

  • Compatible Devices: Roland GP-8, GP-16, GR-50, GM-70 and RMC-1
  • Switches: 8 Number Pedals, Bank Pedal, Control Pedal, Group Pedal
  • Indicators: 8 Number Indicators, Control Pedal, Point (shows current Mode and the On/Off state of the MIDI mix) and Group Indicators (2)
  • Connectors: RRC Out Connector, Expression Pedal Jack (EXP2), Tune Signal Out,
  • Mode: Mode Select Switch
  • Power Consumption: 110 mA
  • Dimensions: 490 mm (W) 50 mm (H) 180 mm (D)
  • Accessories: RRC Cable, 7.5 m
  • Weight: 2.6 kg / 5lb 13 oz

Introduction to the Roland FC-100 MKII:

The FC-100 MK II is a greatly enhanced version of the original Roland FC-100 foot controller. The original FC-100 was basically an extension of the device it was connected to, as there was no programming of the original FC-100. The FC-100 MK II, when used with the rare Roland RMC-1, offered quite a bit of MIDI control, including MIDI system exclusive messages.

If you take a close look at the photos below, you will notice that many of the parts are labeled as either FC-100/FC-100 MKII components. A look at the interior of the original FC-100 shows no such alternate labeling.

Note for GM-70 Users:

The most obvious difference between the original FC-100 and the FC-100 MK II is the addition of a second EV-5 Expression control pedal input. For users of the Roland GM-70 vintage pitch-to-MIDI controller, this second expression pedal is not recognized by the GM-70. Functionally, for GM-70 users, there is no difference between the FC-100 and the FC-100 MKII.

Links to more information:

Photos:

Roland FC-100 MKII Roland FC-100 MKII Roland FC-100 MKII
Roland FC-100 MKII Roland FC-100 MKII Roland FC-100 MKII
Roland FC-100 MKII Roland FC-100 MKII Roland FC-100 MKII
Roland FC-100 MKII Roland FC-100 MKII Roland FC-100 MKII
Roland FC-100 MKII Roland FC-100 MKII Roland FC-100 MKII
Roland FC-100 MKII Roland FC-100 MKII Roland FC-100 MKII
Roland FC-100 MKII Roland FC-100 MKII Roland FC-100 MKII
Roland FC-100 MKII Roland FC-100 MKII Roland FC-100 MKII
Roland FC-100 MKII Roland FC-100 MKII Roland FC-100 MKII
Click on any image for larger view.

Videos:

Modifications:

Hacking a FC-100 or FC-100 MKII to add a MIDI Output (RMC-1)
FC-100 Modified with MIDI Input-Output

While it would be great to have a RMC-1 to effectively turn a Roland FC-100 or FC-100 MKII into a standard MIDI foot pedal, the RMC-1 is pretty rare. From time-to-time you will come across a FC-100 that has been modified to include a MIDI output jack.

I do not have a FC-100 to work with, but my guess is that if you needed to hack together a RRC to MIDI OUT circuit to mimic the RMC-1, you could try connecting the RRC pin 5 (output) directly to pin 5 (output) on a MIDI DIN jack. Connect the RRC pin 3 (+9 volt) to pin 1 of a +5 volt 78L05 voltage regulator (or similar), connecting pin 2 of the 78L05 to ground, and pin 3 (+5 volt output) to a 220 ohm resistor, then connecting the 220 ohm resistor to pin 4 on the MIDI DIN jack.

Also, it appears that the MODE switch would be set to position II, the position used for the RMC-1. You may need to experiment.

Optionally, add a 0.1 uF and a 47 uF capacitor on the +5 volt output. This helps to smooth out the +5 volt power supply, but the circuit will work without these additional capacitors. Note that while the 0.1 uF capacitor is non-polarized, the 47 uF capacitor is polarized, so be sure that you connect the positive (+) terminal of the capacitor to the +5 volt output of the voltage regulator.

RRC Midi Output Modification

Click on image for larger view.

Schematics - Repairs - Service Bulletins:

There are no known service bulletins from Roland addressing any FC-100 problems.

Replacement RRC Cable for FC-100

DIY Roland RRC Cable DIY Roland RRC Cable DIY Roland RRC Cable
DIY Roland RRC Cable DIY Roland RRC Cable DIY Roland RRC Cable
Click on any image for larger view.

The Roland PG-200, PG-800 and the Roland GM-70 all use a six-pin cable, frequently referred to as the RRC cable. The cables are tough tough to find, since they may get misplaced after thirty years, and often sell for $30 - $50 in the used marketplace. If you have some basic soldering skills, it is easy to make a replacement cable.

The replacement six pin connector is readily available, usually referred to as a power connector. You also need some six-conductor wire. Old computer serial cables use eight conductors, or you can search for specialized wire. The cable is wired "straight-through" that is, pin 1 on the first connector is wired directly to pin 1 on the second connector, etc.