I know they make a “long life” version of TL1100, but you have to pay for it :). Switches are just damn expensive, especially for nice-feeling ones. The rubber buttons are nice to play and do have a bit of a “click” as well. Plus, they can light up when pressed.
I think the technology has improved since (vintage?) Roland keyboards. It’s not a greasy graphitic substance but something that feels well integrated into the rubber.
If you tell me the switches you’re after (Marquardt I suppose ;)) I can see if it’s doable to make a multi-format pad.
If you tell me the switches you’re after (Marquardt I suppose ;)) I can see if it’s doable to make a multi-format pad.
I guess the main problem with multi-format is that you will have to accomodate the LEDs for your pads somewhere close to the center, which is where the Marquardts have one of two contact pins. I’d say don’t bother, and if I ever feel so inclined I can always come up with a similar layout for “proper” switches (and then include multiple footprints as on the latest version).
Of course, I remember this one well :). Also a lot of horror stories about how difficult it is (not even including the conductive part)! A very important feature of the adafruit/sparkfun pads though is the little guide “nubs” that sit inside PCB holes and stop things wobbling too much.
4 minutes ago, ilmenator said:
I guess the main problem with multi-format is that you will have to accomodate the LEDs for your pads somewhere close to the center, which is where the Marquardts have one of two contact pins. I’d say don’t bother, and if I ever feel so inclined I can always come up with a similar layout for “proper” switches (and then include multiple footprints as on the latest version).
Okay, if the general idea is okay we can consider a rubbery one and a rigid one.
So how much flexibility is there for the BLM configuration (8x4, 4x4, 8x8) when it comes to assigning SEQ functionalities to the buttons? Do we need to recreate the original Wilba BLM in terms of schematic / PCB layout?
With stickers that might be a very cheap and effective way to label things, nice idea! Hopefully the feel wouldn’t be too plasticky and the glue sticks to the silicone okay. Would be nice to send the adafruit pads to Formulor and get them to laser cut directly, can use a v1.0 BLM PCB to hold 16 at once :).
I have the advantage of a 16*4 BLM already done for SEQ v4L, so I can always see if a layout is possible with all registers on one of the copies and connecting the matrices over ribbon cables. On the other hand, the registers could be split and just the SRIO chain extended. The layout and components would be present anyway, so it’s just a few extra components to buy (plus the spare 0.5*595 could find use as extra LED drivers, beat LED etc
In order to switch between different modes (common button assignments, BLM) a special button will be required.
The encoder switches could be used for this purpose
I think we (you) had the idea first, but it’s getting pretty close to the Deluge:
Have a laugh at the Kiwi “akksnt”
No, I’m not suggesting a full RGB matrix, but I do think we could “reclaim” some of the features, especially the zoom control for the 16*16.
For this 16*4 version, would it make sense for “BLM duties” with only a single colour for three of the rows? I’m not sure about doing another full duo BLM, plus one motivation was to go for a shorter PCB height to fit it into 3U Euroracks. I’ll have a look anyway :).
I think the switches that feel the most reassuring / solid are the 909 / Sequentix Cirklon style, a quick google spat out that they are the same (the ones in the 909) as those used in old computer keyboards, Alps SKFL.
I think the switches that feel the most reassuring / solid are the 909 / Sequentix Cirklon style, a quick google spat out that they are the same (the ones in the 909) as those used in old computer keyboards, Alps SKFL.
Also used on the Social Entropy Engine by the looks.
I think that the Cirklon (and the Nava 909 clone) are using Cherry Mx. Those are nice and it’s easy to get keycaps in any size and color. Plus, you have lots of different switch types with different actions, plus the Gateron clones to pick and choose from.
Anyway, you might want to avoid the more clicky variants.
Also used on the Social Entropy Engine by the looks.
No, that are more the 808 / Prophet-5 style ones. I bought a lot of those for absolutely silly prices when I first tried to build my own frontpanel for the sequencer (still V3 / pre-Wilba). I failed of course
If layout of 4x16 RGB LEDs is problematic, I would prefer 4x16 duo colour
Best Regards, Thorsten.
The adafruit pads have a 3mm cavity, meaning it’s not possible to fit e.g. a 5050 LED underneath. There are new components around, I’ll try a search.
I assume that WS2812B will use too much memory? That would be an easier way to do it if there are decent mounting strategies. There are also newer APA102 LEDs that run over SPI (clock and data) – easier to manage?
RGB and maybe even duoLED would need a 4 layer PCB, although the task is simpler with 4*8. In this case we could even consider splitting over 2 PCBs per 8*4, with SMT LEDs shining from underneath and the button pads/matrix on the top.
46 minutes ago, u-link said:
13 minutes ago, mongrol said:
11 minutes ago, jojjelito said:
Re: Cherry MX: that could also work with the newer clear version (MX3A-L1NB I think), though they’re still not readily available as far as I can see. Buy a keyboard and bust out the desoldering gear? The caps normally have different sloping angles too, but I see the Far East has bundles for cheap.
I assume that WS2812B will use too much memory? That would be an easier way to do it if there are decent mounting strategies. There are also newer APA102 LEDs that run over SPI (clock and data) – easier to manage?
WS2812B is possible for V4+, but the LEDs consume so much power that the device can’t be supplied from a USB cable (strongly recommended todays!)
No, that are more the 808 / Prophet-5 style ones. I bought a lot of those for absolutely silly prices when I first tried to build my own frontpanel for the sequencer (still V3 / pre-Wilba). I failed of course
Ah yeah, of course. Brain failure. Cherry MX’s are great switches and as you say there’s a ton of action types and support from various communities. There’s also loads of “custom” keycap styles available and a few with different profiles (signature plastics do low profile caps)
It might just squeeze into 110mm, maybe you’d have to file down the LCDs. Are the switch pads okay like this? No need to cut them then, and this would be the most stable arrangement.
