While searching for MIDI-controllerboxes on the internet i came accross the Midibox project. Now i`d like to build a Midibox that can be used as a midi controller and/or a sequencer. But there are still some questions unanswered. If one or more questions already have been asked in this forum, please forgive me.
Is there still the possibility that MIDIbox64 can operate as a sequencer with alternative firmware/software? If so, what firm/software and with what PIC should i use?
Do encoders work with the MIDIbox64 hard/software? (I know that the specifications say NO, but I think I have already seen such a box)
Does anyone have a tip about cheap pots shipped within germany? (6mm shaft, 12-15mm shaft length, serrated, front panel)
Does the LCD display have to be HD47780-compatible or what do I have to be carefull about the specifications/data sheets?
Can anyone recommend small, cheap, FLAT push buttons (menu control) for front panel mounting? (The cheap miniature push button are just to “high”)
Does anyone have the (approximate) dimensions of the basic platines (Core, DIN, AIN, etc.)?
What I have so far is a small housing (LWH 16x34x3,5 - 6,5 mm), which I’ve made of a side panel of a computer and some xy-wood.
What I`d like to have is a MIDI controller and/or sequencer like this:
Is there still the possibility that MIDIbox64 can operate as a sequencer with alternative firmware/software? If so, what firm/software and with what PIC should i use?
I’m pretty sure that is not gonna happen. The midibox64 app is big, and so is the seq app - if you programmed your own firmware you could sure have some midibox64 and some seq features mixed, but maybe 2 cores (1 for midibox64 and 1 for mbseq) would be a better solution.. or even 2 separate boxes
Do encoders work with the MIDIbox64 hard/software? (I know that the specifications say NO, but I think I have already seen such a box)
I think i heard something like that too at some point, but i’m not sure at all. I can say for sure that midibox64e can use encoders though
Does the LCD display have to be HD47780-compatible or what do I have to be carefull about the specifications/data sheets?
Midibox supports a handfull of different types of LCDs, but i guess that the HD47780 is so popular because it is a wellknown standard, goes well into the box, easy to work with, and ofcourse cheap
Not the very best answers i’m sorry, but i hope someone with more midibox64(e) experience can answer more precise.
Is there still the possibility that MIDIbox64 can operate as a sequencer with alternative firmware/software? If so, what firm/software and with what PIC should i use?
The MidiboxSeq was from a modified Midibox64 firmware. However, a “dual-use” box is not very useful in my opinion, unless you prefer an analog style sequencer (oh, further post for me says: yes, you do)
However, you would have to change firmwares to change operating mode.
Do encoders work with the MIDIbox64 hard/software? (I know that the specifications say NO, but I think I have already seen such a box)
For that, take a look at the Midibox64E (E for Encoders)
Does anyone have the (approximate) dimensions of the basic platines (Core, DIN, AIN, etc.)?
The one’s from Mike are:
Core 8: 8x6cm
DIN/DOUT: 4x10cm
/edit: please also post the picture of the box you have in the German thread, this helps everyone a lot to understand what you are aiming for.
thats nearly exactly what i want: [http://monopole.ph.qmw.ac.uk/~thomas/synthdiy/TBbox1.htm](http://monopole.ph.qmw.ac.uk/~thomas/synthdiy/TBbox1.htm) (of course i dont have a built-in soundgenerator so id like to send 6 controllchanges via midi-out)
and i`d like to be able to “switch” to midi-controller only mode (as you said) via softwarechange in order to control my plugin (see attachment) a or anything else.
Originally i wanted a more complex solution (see attachment) but since this will be my first midibox project, i wanted to keep it relativly simple.
refering to 64E: i`ll ask it this way: does the midibox64E support normal rotary pots?
i read many posts in this forum and had a closer look at the midibox wikipages, but since nobody seems to build the vintage style sequencer anymore its hard to find similar projects. concerning the midicontroller part of the box, things are clear. but when it comes to the sequencer part, i still need to know some things:
since thorsten wrote (in seqv3 history) that the PIC18F4620 microcontroller is hardware compatible to the PIC18F452, can i use this pic with the mb64 and would i benefit from it?
the mb64 hardware has a memory for 1 song*16parts*8patterns right?
could anybody please have a look at the layout i attached an give me some advice in case i missed something?
of course i cannot use all the menu shortcuts since the box will be tiny and i want to use lots of pots and leds.
the menu shortcuts are PATTERN, SONG, MUTE.
to controll the menu i will use an encoder and 2 buttons (ENTER, SNAPSHOT)
since i “only” have 48 pots i`ll only make use of 3 tracks and bind track 1 to the pushbuttons at the buttom.
welcome to midibox world!
