For everybody who is interested in making his own Logic/Mackie Control: here are some insights in the current development state.
Yesterday I got the graphic LCD and started to write the PIC18F driver. I noticed that the performance is much better than expected, mostly the chip is in idle state, and the LCD can be served very fast due to the new instructions (i.E flash read is appr. 32 times, multiplications appr. 50 times faster!). So I’m assuming that beside of the display all encoders and buttons can also be handled by one PIC18F — the MIDIbox NG design phase begins right now (ok, next year, because I’m not at home in the next days… ;-))
The next interesting notice I made was, that the resolution of the LCD (240x64) is good enough for this application. All characters are displayed in a 3x8 font. Not all chars are looking aesthetical (especially the small letters like “m” and “w”), but can be read without problems. Here some snapshots (sorry for the bad picture quality):
The surface I plan to reallize looks different from the original design, because I’m planning to use it also with other applications (Reaktor):
Maybe I will add some more buttons at the right upper edge…
And finally here the current state of this surface - far from perfection, but everything is working well
For everybody who is interested in making his own Logic/Mackie Control: here are some insights in the current development state.
Yesterday I got the graphic LCD and started to write the PIC18F driver. I noticed that the performance is much better than expected, mostly the chip is in idle state, and the LCD can be served very fast due to the new instructions (i.E flash read is appr. 32 times, multiplications appr. 50 times faster!). So I’m assuming that beside of the display all encoders and buttons can also be handled by one PIC18F — the MIDIbox NG design phase begins right now (ok, next year, because I’m not at home in the next days… ;-))
The next interesting notice I made was, that the resolution of the LCD (240x64) is good enough for this application. All characters are displayed in a 3x8 font. Not all chars are looking aesthetical (especially the small letters like “m” and “w”), but can be read without problems. Here some snapshots (sorry for the bad picture quality):
The surface I plan to reallize looks different from the original design, because I’m planning to use it also with other applications (Reaktor):
Maybe I will add some more buttons at the right upper edge…
And finally here the current state of this surface - far from perfection, but everything is working well
After one day playing with a almost complete LC emulator I must say: I’ve found for what I’m looking for But still some effort is necessary to program an alternative mode which allows the use of the controller without help of a host application…
LCD: yes, it’s a “Displaytech 64240A” for 66 EUR - I love those Displaytech LCD’s because of the high quality.
But for people outside Germany I cannot recommend to buy the stuff at Reichelt due to the high shipping costs to foreign countries of about 35 EUR! Please post here if you know any alternative distributors for Displaytech products or KS0108 compatible displays
They also sell that LCD in finland, but it costs 140€, so it’s cheaper to buy it from that german place.
BTW the UI in your LCD looks a quite heavy. I mean, box inside box inside box I think a more clear UI could be made with just a couple of lines. Of course you have to support skins, when the final version comes out
With the help of you I can also write drivers for other graphic LCD displays which are available at Ebay or somewhere else. US people should take a look at http://www.eio.com/lcdprodt.htm where 240x64 displays with another controller chip are available for about US $30
It’s really difficult to estimate the costs for the whole MIDIbox, since the designs can be very different. For example, if the motorfaders are too much expensive, they can be replaced by common faders and could also be served by the PIC18F core module (with enabled snap/soft-takeover function!).
However, here the estimated costs for my implementation:
Memon: the LCD graphic layout is not final I’ve planned to add a field for the LED digits of the Logic Control (which normaly display the fader mode and the MTC). However, everybody is welcome to create his own skin (for example a big MTC display mode could be usefull)
With the help of you I can also write drivers for other graphic LCD displays
Does this include one’s using the LC7981? Only diff between this and the KS controller I can see is the CGROM for character generation. It also seems more available…
I’ve emailed reicfeilt (cant remember the name atm) a few times with an order but havnt gotten a respose from them or that Schaeffer Apparatebau place - I thought they both took international orders…mebbe there just slow…
Yes, the x-mas and NYe break was fine, but a little bit to long
Where can I download a datasheet for the LC7981-type display?
From my experience international requests are handled very slowly by Reichelt, because they know that normaly people will not order there due to the high shipping fees… Schaeffer Apparatebau definitely ships to the UK for EUR 16.70 (see website)
Is there ne1 in Germany who has a Paypal account I could send funds too to order from Reichelt for me - then send it over to london too? Just and idea…
Alright, the data transaction is similar to the protocol used by the KS0108, so I don’t expect problems.
Concerning Reichelt: I don’t have the time to handle the orders for other people (it’s not against you Dan), but if nobody else can help you, I could ask Chris who already sells the parts for the MBHP modules
WRT to the Reichelt order - heh, i wasn’t meanin you personally T - you do too much for all the midibox freaks already
I’ve already gotton in contact with Chris in order to get the modules pre made, but i think for the amount of modules i need it might cost too much for me atm - we shall see tho…
I can get most things here easily enuff - it’s just the odd thing here n there…
I will continue with the MIDIbox NG/LC when I get the panel from Schaeffer, thereafter it could get about one or two weekends until the new box is ready for the public.
As far as I know there is no functional difference between LC and MC, just only the device IDs are not the same to prevent a connection between Logic and MC
But still some effort is necessary to program an alternative mode which allows the use of the controller without help of a host application…