TK.
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Posts posted by TK.
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I just uploaded the list of components:
http://www.ucapps.de/mbhp/mbhp_mf_orderlist.txt
yes, the MAX4427 could also work - Which H-Bridge is the cheaper one?
Best Regards, Thorsten.
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You forgot the picture :)
A good idea! So you can reuse the knobs and faders when the firmware provides a control surface :)
Best Regards, Thorsten.
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Hi Pete,
1. How to jump to specific presets - Thorsten, your flooboard design is wonderful! We'll use this alongside the MB64 (in the same physcial chassis) and add your MIDIMerger to join the signals from both subsystems!Thats a good idea! Note: so long as you don't use the MIDI-In for other MIDI gear, you can get use of the internal MIDI merger and plug the floorboard directly into the MIDIbox64 - the program change commands will just be forwarded to the MIDI Out.
2. Patch Up and DOWN - who cares! With the floorboard design you can get to almost anywhere with relative ease ... and to select one patch up or down is as simple as going up two ... or three ...Yes, and the fastest way to select patches :)
3. Can't wait for the "next generation" (unless it's near????) so how else can I minimise the number of switches etc? We could use the bankstick but this seems clumsy ... we can have 4 buttons to send CC's for effect selection and the POD then will respond to and "effect tweak" parameter which we can assign to a pedal - but this is untested ... ideas? When's the next-gen????I plan to implement the ideas for the "next generation" step by step. Most ideas will be integrated into the MIDIbox64/MIDIbox16E/MIDIbox MF firmwares: Pot/Button-Groups with seperate banks, Button-Matrix like known from calculators, MIDIbox-Link which allows to build a network of up to 16 MIDIboxes without a MIDI chain, Display PlugIns which allow to customize the display output - and all upcoming ideas :)
It seems that the MIDIbox projects will never be finished ;-)
Best Regards, Thorsten.
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Alright, it's on the ToDo list now.
Btw.: the next MIDIbox64 version will not provide motorfaders anymore (due to the redesign, which comes with a seperate firmware) - this frees some memory for nice new features.
Btw2: In one of the next releases, the sequencer part will be seperated - so I'm able to add functions which are currently under discussion (Pot/Button-Groups with seperate banks, Button-Matrix like known from calculators, MIDIbox-Link, Display PlugIns with customizable "skins"), and for the sequencer all the features which are listed under http://www.ucapps.de/midibox64.html :)
Best Regards, Thorsten.
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Hi Serge,
thanks a lot for this great enhancement!
Although all the values whithin the .ini file will put off most of the users, the customization feature opens a lot of new possibilities, which cannot be found on any other freeware or shareware tool!
Now I can start to create a special .ini file for the MIDIbox SID which allows everbody to control the sound parameters without a hardware controller - of course, this is not the perfect solution -- we all want to get rid of those colourful PC mouseclicking tools ;-) -- but it will be the most prefered solution for people who don't want to spent too much money for the SID synth.
Btw.: to simplify the creation of the .ini file, I will just write a perl script which generates the setup based on my constraints :)
For MIDIbox SID control, one important function would be necessary, could you please add it? It's a "pot element", which isn't a pot, but in fact a set of 7 toggle-buttons, which allows me to switch on/off flags within a CC parameter.
For example this parameter:
CC # | Hex | Description | Range | Reset 32 | 20h | Voice 1/2/3 Waveform | | 4 | | Bit 0: Triangle | | | | Bit 1: Saw | | | | Bit 2: Pulse | | | | Bit 3: Noise (disables all other waveforms)| | | | Bit 4: Disable Voice | | | | Bit 5: Sync | | | | Bit 6: Ringmodulator | | | | Example: 02h = 2 = Saw | | | | Example: 05h = 5 = Triangle & Pulse | | | | Example: 21h = 33 = Triangle & Sync | |
can only be handled with such an "set of toggle-buttons"
I will publish my MIDIbox SID skin, as soon as this feature is available! :D
Best Regards, Thorsten.
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Darauf wird es in den naechsten Jahren wohl hinauslaufen, allerdings so weit rueckwaertskompatibel, dass man Stueck fuer Stueck seine bereits fertig gebaute(n) MIDIbox(en) erweitern kann - ich habe keine Lust, meine fertigen Gehaeuse in den Muell zu werfen, und alle anderen User sicherlich auch nicht ;-)
Mit dem MIDIbox-Link moechte ich zunaechst einmal erreichen, dass man nur noch eine MIDIbox an die MIDI-Schnittstelle des PCs anschliessen muss, und die MIDI-Chain obsolet wird. Welche Box den Master spielt, und welche Boxen eine eindeutige Slave-ID erhalten, ist sekundaer - jeder kann, wenn er will, aber es kann nur einen geben. ;-) Desweiteren soll es moeglich sein, von einem Master aus Kommandos an die Slaves zu uebermitteln, wie z.B "Bank Switch", "Snapshot" oder "MIDI Learn". Diese Kommandos sind ja bereits implementiert, es fehlt eben nur noch der Link (der wird ueber die superschnelle synchrone serielle Schnittstelle gehen!) und die Moeglichkeit einer effizienten Bedienung - deshalb moechte ich das in ein neues Tastaturinterface gleich einfliessen lassen.
Das Handling das Du beschrieben hast, ist bereits realisiert: bei der MIDIbox16E gibt es 4 x 8 Baenke, die sich via SFB ueber 12 Taster ansteuern lassen. Siehe auch http://www.ucapps.de/midibox16e/midibox16e_sfb_table.txt. Was fehlt, ist das Interface zu einer Matrixtastatur - und die muss ich wohl bald mal in Angriff nehmen, mir gefaellt die Idee naemlich sehr gut (gerade in Hinblick auf den MIDIbox Sequenzer :)
Was ich nicht unwichtig finde ist die Moeglichkeit, Bankgruppen zu bilden (siehe Saschas aka AK12 Posting). Das sollte dann soweit gehen, dass man auch jedem einzelnen Bedienelement mehrere Baenke (bzw. Zuweisungen) verpassen kann, die sich fuer jedes Element einzeln anwaehlen lassen - und zwar voellig ohne komplexe Menuestrukturen.
Leider kann ich momentan erstmal nicht viel mehr dazu beitragen (eigentlich wollte ich ja drei, vier Wochen erstmal gar nix mehr mit den MIDIboxen machen und mich voll auf meinen Beruf konzentrieren ;-)) aber bald geht es weiter!
Gruss,
Thorsten.
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For all who are interested: the MF module is up and running :D
Schematics and PCB layout can be found on the MBHP MF page http://www.ucapps.de/mbhp_mf.html
The first alpha firmware will be available as soon as I have more sparetime again.
Here are some informations for the guys who want to upgrade their existing MIDIbox MF: in difference to the old design the motors are now supplied with 8V. So, you need a LM317 regulator to adjust the correct voltage. With higher or lower voltages the faders will not be moved correctly, since I calibrated the PWM generator for this voltage manually. In worst case (all motors are active), the current load is about 1A!
With my current test program, the motorfaders are repositioned very exactly with a 8 bit resolution (planned:9 or 10 bit) in less than 0.5 seconds. There is only one imperfection: they are not moved with exactly the same speed. This is not a software problem, but a mechanical problem (I exchanged the faders to ensure this). I will try to implement some kind of automatic calibration which tries to find out the optimal PWM table values for each fader seperately - an interesting task ;-)
Best Regards, Thorsten.
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Jep, das kommt ziemlich nahe an die "Next Generation" MIDIbox. Ein Tastenfeld macht auf jeden Fall Sinn, und der Bankmechanismus muss ergonomischer werden. Ich sammle diese Ideen nun erstmal und versuche irgendwann, alles unter einen Hut zu bringen. Bei der Bedienung muessen zum Beispiel auch noch die Moeglichkeiten durch den "MIDIbox Link" beruecksichtigt werden, so dass man von einem Terminal (Tastenfeld+Display) aus alle MIDIboxen ansteuern kann.
Gruss,
Thorsten.
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We could share a free webspace account for uploads - does anybody know a good provider with a fast connection?
Best Regards, Thorsten.
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Just curious, is it also possible to use pc touchpads, since you can easily get them from gutted laptops(ebay or try a local computer store-I just asked & got one for free).
I don't want to open my laptop just to test this ;-) but since touchpads are based on the same technology, it should work on the same way.
And I´d like to know the price of the Yamaha ribbon controller?I'm not sure, but my experiences with the Yamaha service center are very good. Some years before I wanted to replace a damaged key; after I phoned with the german agency, I got a replacement in between 2 days for about 10 DM (= 5 EUR) (inclusive shipping!)
Best Regards, Thorsten.
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Is that the reason why the encoders must not be "mechanically detented" as you write on the 16E-page? Otherwise you would always increase the values in steps of two (from e.g. 72 to 74 to 76 etc.) when turning the encoder one step?
yes, thats exactly the reason! :)
Best Regards, Thorsten.
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Alright it makes sense. This feature can be implemented for all MIDIboxes except MIDIbox Plus, since this firmware uses the whole EEPROM memory for storing the snapshot data of 16 banks.
Best Regards, Thorsten.
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Auf jeden Fall werde ich ein 2x40 Zeichen Display unterstuetzen, das verwende ich naemlich bereits zur Darstellung von Debug-Infos :D
Man koennte natuerlich auch mehrere Displays parallel ansteuern, dazu muesste man lediglich die Enable-Leitung multiplexen. Allerdings frage ich mich dann so langsam, in welcher Form ich die Firmware veroeffentlichen soll. Vielleicht sollte ich einen festen Einsprungsvektor fuer die Display-Routine einrichten, der auf einen reservierten Bereich zeigt. Diesen koennte man dann jederzeit mit seinen eigenen Display-Routinen ueberschreiben (von mir aus auch via MIDI). Neudeutsch nennt sich das "PlugIn"... oder "your private MIDIbox-Skin"? ;-) Hinzu kommen dann feste Adressen zur Berechnung und Darstellung von Dezimal/Hexadezimalzahlen, Grafikzeichen, Textausgabe - und feste SFR adressen fuer die aktuellen Poti/Fader/Encoder/Button-Werte
Benni: die will ich haben!!! Leider habe ich meinen ELV-Katalog verschlampt, und die Webseite rueckt nicht besonders viele Informationen ueber die LED-Anzeigen heraus - hast Du vielleicht zufaellig die Bestellnummer parat? :)
Ilmenator: diesen Controller koennte man so richtig Galaxy-maessig aussehen lassen, vielleicht passend zum Alesis Andromeda? ;-)
Jo, wenn man die Encoder versetzt, koennte es klappen. Was die Ansteuerung des Displays betrifft, so wird mir die PlugIn-Geschichte immer sympathischer; das Grundgeruest fuer die verschiedenen Display-Typen stelle ich gerne bereit, die Ausgabe darf jeder selbst programmieren.
Gruss,
Thorsten.
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...sure, if you write me how to translate "Contributions in greek language" :)
Best Regards, Thorsten.
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Hm... do you notice the same effect when you use an isolated plug for the power-in and connect the ground of the MIDIbox with the metal case? Because this should be the common wiring.
Best Regards, Thorsten.
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Rippon controllers can be connected like common pots and don't require special electronic parts; here an example:
This controller is from an AN1x synthesizer (it can be ordered as replacement part from Yamaha). With no pressure it has a very high impedance, thats the reason why a 10k pull-down is connected between the output wire and ground in order to prevent floating values. With preasure the resistance varies from 0k to 13k from the left to the right side.
Best Regards, Thorsten.
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Hi Christoffer,
I've just uploaded a pdf file which is much easier to read :) http://www.ucapps.de/mbhp_lcd.html
> A is Vled + and C is Vledg - Right?
yes, A stays for Anode, C for Cathode
Best Regards, Thorsten.
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Hi Macwreck,
these are all special requests where I have to say "sure, the MIDIbox64 can do it, if you modify the firmware by yourself". I can only provide programming examples or ready-made programs which I use by myself, but customizations for controllers which I never touched by myself is nothing for a sparetime project ;-)
Here are some inspirations:
to 1) see http://www.ucapps.de/floorboard.html,
to 2) registered values can be realized with meta events. I can send you a modified source code via email, which includes a up/down meta event as example.
3) groups and individual control will be provided by the "next generation" MIDIbox which is currently discussed on the german board (english summary later...). But it can take a long time until this project is ready for your requirements... ;-)
Best Regards, Thorsten.
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I will try it with 9bit - this will increase the resolution by 8 times compared to standard midi CC; the LSB is always required to eliminate the 1/2 bit error, I don't want to do it without.
Encoders: 72 steps are really ok for the daily work; if you want to turn a parameter from min to max value with one twist of your fingers, you can enable the "fast" mode which works progressively - that means: than faster you turn, than higher increment/decrement values will be send.
Hardware solution: well, see http://www.ucapps.de/howtoenc.html - but why do you want to replace the software handler by hardware? The software works very stable, the 16 encoders are sampled every 800 uS, the sample routine requires about 200 uS, which means 25% CPU load. Maybe it works also with higher resolutions, but I never tried it... if not, just only the sample rate has to be increased.
To ensure the realtime behaviour (no encoder Tick and no incoming MIDI byte should get lost) and to minimize my support effort if something should not work as expected with an exotic encoder, I limited the routines to 16 encoders. If you need more, just link multiple core modules --- or modify the din_enc program under http://www.ucapps.de/mbhp_prg.html for your needs :)
Best Regards, Thorsten.
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Hi Rochey,
yes, this will be possible in conjunction with the individual touch sensors for each fader. If your motorfaders don't come with a sensor pin, you can use buttons instead. It's also important that your software supports an automization mechanism (Logic Audio: Read/Touch/Write/... mode)
Best Regards, Thorsten.
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Zum Graphikdisplay: man kann die Zeichen natuerlich auch Byte fuer Byte aus einer Tabelle laden und an das Display uebergeben. Dabei ist es dann egal, ob die Zeichen vertikal oder horizontal dargestellt werden, ausserdem ist man so nicht auf den meist sehr knapp gehaltenen Zeichensatz (wenn ueberhaupt vorhanden) reduziert und kann mit graphischen Elementen arbeiten. Mit der Uebertragungsgeschwindigkeit gibt es keine Probleme; pro Byte sind mit ca. 3 uS rechnen, pro 64-bit Zeile 192 uS, fuer das gesamte Display 5.8 mS... wenn man die Displayansteuerung intelligent genug programmiert und nur die Teilbereiche refreshed, die sich wirklich geaendert haben, kann das also locker nebenher laufen. Bleibt nur noch das physikalisches Problem: das Display ist gerade mal 18 cm breit (bzw. hoch), somit bleiben fuer jeden Encoder ca 2.25 cm uebrig - das reicht nicht! Der Abstand zwischen den Achsen sollte mindestens 3 cm betragen, damit man mit seinen Wurstfingern nicht ungewollt die benachbarten Encoder mitdreht. :-/
LED-Anzeige: alternativ koennte man ja auch eine alphanummerische Anzeige verwenden:
allerdings sind die von Reichelt ca. 2 cm breit; kennt jemand einen Distributor fuer schmalere Digits?
Die 4stelligen Punktmatrix-Anzeigen sind mir etwas zu teuer fuer den Spass, aber bekanntlich gehoert Farnell ja nicht zu den guenstigsten Haendlern - auch hier die Frage: wo gibt es die irgendwo guenstiger?
Gruss,
Thorsten.
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Thorsten, hast du das Editorial der Keyboards gelesen?
Ja - die im Editorial vesprochenen "traumhaften Umsaetze" werden mich trotzdem nicht dazu bringen, die MIDIbox zu vermarkten ;-)
Gruss,
Thorsten.
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Hi Amando,
ESD is a really new issue! Are you using a metal or a wooden case? If metal: It makes sense to connect the ground of the MIDIbox with the chassis, just to ensure that Vss is on the same voltage level like the outer world. On this way, the circuit should not be affected by discharges. I'm not sure if an additional cap could help.
Best Regards, Thorsten.
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Sure, seperate touch sensores are planned :)
Best Regards, Thorsten.
Core Modul: Resistor R1 ?? 100kohm /100 Ohm
in Parts Questions
Posted
Sorry, this was an error in the part list (fortunately the schematic, the PCB and the Reichelt ordernumber was correct) - it should be a 100 Ohm resistor. Btw.: the resistor just only opens the possibility to reset the PIC without a power-off by applying Vss to MRST# for a short moment. It's for my personal use ;-) --- instead of buying a new resistor, you can just bypass it (take a bridge and clamp the MRST# pin directly to +5V)
Best Regards, Thorsten.