What is the "HAWK-832" kit? *** Currently under development again! ***

The HAWK-832 is an electronic hardware and software upgrade kit (currently being developed) for the Korg Poly-800 MK1 (PS-800), and the EX-800 and the MK2 models. The HAWK-832 kit will give those three music synthesizers amazing new sound making capabilites along with advanced MIDI controls and, many new user performance features. For details on the many features, see the 'Main Features' section below. These pages also provide details of the previous upgrade kits known as the HAWK-800 and AtomaHawk. The HAWK-800 (and its corresponding AtomaHawk kit) are no longer being sold but all of the support pages are found here below. Meanwhile, the HAWK-832 kit will be a superior upgrade over the HAWK-800 when it becomes available (hopefully very soon!).

Project Updates

The HAWK-832 is still under development. Click here to see the project updates blog.

HAWK-832 Development Road Map...

A Little Background
The original HAWK-800 kit was developed and offered for sale in 2007. Over 5,000 kits were sold between 2007 and 2021. Those who bought and installed the HAWK-800 kit well know that the new and improved features are fantastic! Then Covid came along and disrupted the supply of flash memory chips that were used in the HAWK-800 kit. Prior to covid, the HAWK-800 kit also reached a point where there was no more memory capacity available in the HAWK-800 to improve features or add new ones. So capacity limits and chip supply led me (Mike) to revisit the idea of creating a brand new kit.
The Basic Concept
I worked with the STM32 (a 32 bit ARM CPU) line of processors on an entirely different project. So an upgrade kit using an STM32 based kit would allow a huge increase in memory and a 24 times more speedy CPU clock. The STM32 runs at a whopping 72Mhz compared to the 80C85 3Mhz. So, a new kit development effort is born! The HAWK-832, which use the STM32F373CC. The dramatic increase in CPU speed and storage capacity will provide a large amount of room for improving the performance of existing features and for implementing new ones. Also, the HAWK-832 kit will be much easier to install when compared to the older HAWK-800 - no soldering at all will be required! The HAWK-832 kit will now require removal of the 2764 EPROM (which is already in a socket). And the HAWK-832 module will be inserted into the EPROM socket. This will make installation of the kit dramtically easier and routine for anyone handy with a philips screwdriver and some patience and care.
And What About the Other Modifications?
For those that adore the AtomaHawk, the HAWK-832 will also operate with the most recent version of the AtomaHawk. And, a future expansion board (or two) is contemplated that will allow adding new tone generators (!). Initially, it seems feasible to add independent clocking of each DCO and PWM. Those two alone would dramatically improve the richness of the Poly-800 sound generator. But for now, development is focused on the HAWK-832 itself. Which will bring a dramatic improvement over the HAWK-800 which itself was a huge boost for the Poly-800.

Receive HAWK-832 Project Updates

You can receive regular HAWK-832 project updates if you would like to keep current on the progress of the HAWK-832 project. You can sign up by entering your email address below and pressing the "Subscribe" button. Note that you will received HAWK-832 project updates and nothing more. And, your email address will not be used for any other purpose. You can also sign up to our HAWK-832 email discussion group - see above.

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HAWK-832 Teaser - Prototype Pictures

HAWK-832 - Main Features

• A full and comprehensive MIDI implementation including CC and sysex!
• Arpeggiator with up, down and up/down modes across 1 to 3 octave range.
• Portamento Unison Mode! Combines chord mode with portamento.
• Four banks of 64 patches stored in non volatile flash memory!
• MIDI velociy sensitivity with control over VCF and envelope generators!
• Sustain pedal operation (both via the rear pedal jack and MIDI CC)!
• Four LFO's with many waveforms!
• Dozens more controls and improved user and sound generation!
• Click here for the full list of features.

HAWK-832 - Proposed New Features

• 4 envelope generators (EG1 and EG2 for DCO's. EG3 and EG4 (new) for modulators!
• New modulators using the additional EGs!
• High speed envelope generators (faster attack/decay slopes etc)!
• Selectable EG profiles (overall faster and slower EG durations)!
• Fully integrated patch and global parameters implementation!
• Simple kit installation (one 40 pin chip replacement)!

HAWK-832 - For Later (sw v2.0) Proposed Features

• Seven sequences with step and real time editing! Probably in software version 2.0
• Revamped sequencer step editing with parameter controls!
• An AtomaHawk kit to get control over Extreme Resonance, FM-800 and 12/24db per octave mods!

Buy the Kits

IMPORTANT: The HAWK-800 and AtomaHawk kits are NOT currently available. The HAWK-832 will be available soon!

HAWK-800 Technical Support

• Click HERE for technical support (such as, the latest software).
• In addition to the discussion groups (see above), I am also a member of the groups.io Vintage Korg forum and I recommend that you sign up HERE.

What is the "AtomaHawk" kit?

The AtomaHawk kit is another hardware upgrade kit for the Poly-800 (that was available for all three models) that takes control over the popular hacker modifications known as the Moog Slayer (extreme resonance including self oscillation), FM-800 (DCO modulation of VCF) and 12/24db per octave filter slope. The AtomaHawk kit was controlled by the HAWK-800 (no longer available) hardware kits so you must already have the HAWK-800 installed before you can install the AtomaHawk (no longer available). With both the HAWK-800 and AtomaHawk kits installed you have a revolutionized synthesizer with many new sound abilities.

HAWK-800 and AtomaHawk Resources

• Read the FAQ
• Demos of sounds, features and how-to's
• Look at pictures of the kits
• Testimonials and quick comments from HAWK and AtomaHawk customers

Where is the "HawkyStick" kit? *** The HawkyStick kit is NOT currently available. ***

The HawkyStick kit is another hardware upgrade kit for the Poly-800 (also available for the Mk2) that is a complete replacement of the original joystick. This kit is being redesigned so that the physical installation is dramatically improved. I don't know yet when the new kit will be available.