i finally got around to building another all in one midibox sid since the tragic loss of my first bondo based edition that fedex broke (rest in pieces)
I built the front panel into an old bontempi organ that is really nice and heavy.
I have one core driving 2 sid modules and would like to hook the 37 keys to it.
I guess the logical path would be to put them on a 6x7 matrix but:
Here’s my question: Will the core handle the extra button matrix instructions in a reliable way or should I consider building a dedicated midibox for the keys.
Awesome work, Alkex! You must show some photos of the internals! Moar gear pr0n! Share the FPD file too perhaps? I’d be interested in building one like this!
Did you put all the LEDs/switches in a common matrix (like MB-6582)?
I would advise using a separate Core/DIN/DOUT modules to implement your keyboard switch matrix - if you have the space inside for one more Core/DINx1/DOUTx1, which you probably do.
Advantages:
You can do this completely separate to the existing modules you use for the MB-SID, and can keep the firmware separate. This means whenever there is a new version of MB-SID you don’t need to merge your keyboard matrix code into the new version.
There is already code to handle a keyboard switch matrix - look at the sample applications
There is very little spare RAM and flash memory available with the MB-SID application.
You can have separate MIDI In/Out for the keyboard controller - so if you want to route MIDI Out through a DAW or sequencer and then back into the MB-SID this would be an option - just by changing cables at the back, rather than more MB-SID firmware changes
However, it’s not impossible to do as MB-SID firmware changes… just harder and less flexible IMHO… if you can squeeze another PIC in that case then I’d advise doing it that way.
Thanks for the help. It does indeed make sense to have a separate core in there just for keys.
I actually used Thorsten’s design rather than Matrix but the front panel is clearly based on Wilba’s design
Here is a porn shot of the thing (not as nice as the outside) :
Bontempi sure rock! I love their toys - This one in particullar! It was allready stuffed with midi sockets, a nice power supply etc and the keyboard matrix is ready to hookup out of the box!
I designed the FDP on my pc laptop that I gave away but I should have it on Hdd somewhere. I’ll be sure to post it if it shows up.
vcos vcas and vcfs will be modulated by MIOS_SID software via AOUT_NG. I’ll design a faceplate as close as possible to the sid CS and try to benefit from all the cool features this CS has to offer (presets - mod matrix - lfos env etc)
the most challenging will be to stuff all that including bipolar psu in the case but it should fit with a little hacking.
I’m very excited about combining of the SID CS with this analog modular.
