woozle

The only pad-like buttons I've found, if I understand what you're asking, are on sparkfun. 2x2 momentary silicone buttons. And momentary buttons are what you want, but that's just a category. More specifically you want SPST NO switches to use as buttons. "push to make" could be the same thing for all I know, but certainly don't take my word for it. Have you used the search? Check the wiki?http://www.midibox.org/dokuwiki/doku.php?id=parts_faq

Bought mine on the bay for less than $10 shipped. Lots of options available in one place. I've found myself going there more and more for parts.

Merge if you feel the need.

I believe I've exhausted my english language resources for this, as well as forum searches. I'm looking for a 20 or 30mm linear pot with a center detent. The only company I can find that makes these is Bourns. I'd prefer the PTA series, but the PDV or PTL series might do. I'm not really sure about the insulated post w/led. If it is durable it might be great but I question that. I've found the PTL series available for order, but the minimum is 250. Has anyone seen any of these on non-english supplier websites? The other option might be a rotary potentiometer with a pushbutton momentary switch. I'm not sure if this component even exists. Has anyone come across such a thing?

Thanks! First round of parts, tools, and samples ordered. How quickly the portion of the budget already expended gets into the triple digits! Rather intimidating to think of the whole scope of what I'm taking on, much easier to think of it piecewise. Will document my endeavors...

I guess what I meant to ask was if there is a problem mixing on the same board (ie switches on j5 and encoders on j4), or on the same pins (ie switches and encoders on j5) Probably want to cap things at around $400-500. Hopefully less. I did google, but you got some different results than I did. Seems like any hits I'm getting are on big Asian distributors which I'm assuming have big minimum orders. Once again, instead of assuming I should just check. I was hoping to find someone who stocked them in single units. I had already perused the Bourne catalogue but the only thing I found fitting the description were pots with plastic posts and an LED. Doesn't seem to spell durability. I'll just keep looking. Big thanks for the answers!

...but assuming has gotten me into trouble plenty of times in the past. Just wanted to confirm some thoughts and ask some questions. I believe I'm going to build a Midibox64E. I started out thinking I'd build a Midibox64 but I've come to realize that I want some rotary encoders with momentary switches. It seems harder to dig up info on the design of a 64E. Please confirm that I have my facts straight. 1)The hardware implementation of a 64E in terms of modules, with the exception of the number of DIN and DOUT modules, is identical to a standard 64. \ 2)One can have a total of 128 buttons or 64 encoders, or a mix of the two (ie 64 buttons and 32 encoders). 3)128 DOUTs, ie 128 LEDs are possible. 4)Banksticks and extra modules can be added at a later time up to the limits of the given project. And a few questions: 5)Could someone point me towards some info on how to wire up a combination of buttons and encoders to DIN modules? 6)The controller I plan on building will be used for gigging. I need ruggedness. I'm thinking for starters that it would be wise to panel mount power and MIDI I/O jacks as opposed to mounting on the PCB. Any other tips on keeping a unit road ready? 7)This doesn't have anything to do with the MBHP necessarily and it's putting the cart slightly before the horse, but I'm looking for 20mm travel detented slider potentiometers. Has anyone run across these? I can find them without detents, but that wont do... I'm sure I will have lots more questions along the way. Thanks to everyone in advance.