Please see the toolchain setup docs for info on the software I use: application_development

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A few handy things to have around the lab for experimenting….

• a complete set of resistors,
• breadboard PCBs to mount hardware-parts
• sockets with screws (eg for DIN-buttons)
• set of capacitors (esp. those 104's)
• some additional switches (like power-switches)
• enough cables with connectors

A MIDIBox is a serious project. Thanks to the efforts of TK and a few assistants, it is accessible to anyone who wishes for one, but don't be fooled into thinking it's going to be a walk in the park.

The forum is not school. It is not warranty. It is not tech support. It is a place where you can find a bunch of people just like you. It is a place where everyone should help everyone else as much as possible. If you have a question, ask it! Don't worry if your response is not forthoming in a short time, be patient, help will come along. If someone on the forum says to 'go and read ucapps.de' or 'search the forum' or 'google it', please don't be offended. They aren't trying to get rid of you :) It just means that they know that the perfectly documented and most easily understood response to your question exists elsewhere, and they want you to know where you can find it. If they answered in the forum, they'd probably just be giving you a less complete answer than the one elsewhere. If you've read something that says it is your answer, but you don't understand it, first try googling it and then come ask on the forum. Don't be shy, but don't be lazy either :)

A MIDIBox is not a cheap way out. If you're thinking “Heck, why buy one when I can build one of my own for half price?” then you are barking up the wrong tree. Your first project will involve not only the purchase of a large range of expensive tools, but a collosal investment of your time and efforts. Even if you only earn a few bucks an hour, you're FAR better off investing your time in a second job or some extra shifts, and saving that money to buy a commercial offering.

Take your time. If you're in a rush, go buy a commercial offering. Do not be fooled, a MIDIBox will take at least a couple of months to build, with the exception of some of the very simple devices like the clockbox. Talk to your wife and kids about this thing, or they might wonder if you're having an affair or something ;)

Read. READ. READ!!! Read until your eyes can't take it any more. If you think you've read enough to get started, go and read it again. Seriously, information is imperative. I personally spend around 2 hours every day (at least - it's not unusual for me to spend over 20 hours in a weekend) reading and learning about the electronics involved - but I do this for fun, not the end result.

Use the right tool for the job. Get all the tools you need. Don't be a cheapskate, get what you need. This doesn't mean you have to spend a fortune, but you will get what you pay for.

Be safe. Don't F*&% around with safety, tools, your workspace, etc - you can do anything from stripping a screw to killing yourself. Take every single safety measure available to you. Seriously, you never know… a tiny piece of scrap plastic can get flicked into your eye when you sneeze and leave you blind for life. There is absolutely NO need to be paranoid or concerned about this, PROVIDED that you don't be lax and you DON'T F*CK AROUND !!!!!!

Thanks to these websites for saving me having to think about this:

http://www.makezine.com/blog/archive/2006/01/10_most_needed_tools_for_the_e.html

http://www.diylive.net/index.php/2006/01/11/ten-most-needed-tools-for-the-electronics-diyer/

http://www.makezine.com/blog/archive/2005/12/makes_mostly_under_100_gift_gu.html

http://www.headwize.com/ubb/showpage5.php?fnum=3&tid=532

http://tangentsoft.net/audio/new-diyer.html

http://www.devrs.com/e/

http://www.streettech.com/archives_DIY/stToolkit.html

http://www.i-hacked.com/content/view/191/94/

http://tangentsoft.net/audio/

There are more, but that about covers it :)