NOOB - appreciates some help

Design Concepts
1

Hi

I found out about this site when looking to buy a  midi controller. Since I find this stuff really interesting and I decided to give it a shoot. First of I have some questions as I dont want to spend time and just get lost in the middle and do nothing in the end.  ???

So I dont have any understanding of electronics, I know average programming in C and Delphi. I dont have any idea what is that you are all talking about like LC, DIN..etc.

The only clear understanding I have of this project so far is the Parts List.  So I need a basic controller with faders - motorized, many knobs like 40-50 is ok, and possibility of expansion when I get the knowledge to do so.(controversial :P)

1/ Which project is good for me?

2/ How much time would a project take to get finished if you are an experienced guy that knows what he is doing(leave out the casing please)? And if you are not experienced?no casing again pls

3/ The main problem that I have is that the information that I read here is presented like buildig with lego blocks - It is clear but I dont get the interrelated stuff and dont understand how all this soldering is going to give me the unit that I want in the end. Any help with that?

Long post I know  :P

Thanx

2

Hey,

 Construction for most people takes a while, depending on the complexity of the project you are undertaking. I have a fair amount of experience (14 years as a hobby) and to build the LC took me about 3-4 months of my spare time!!

 What will you be using your midibox for? Controlling hardware or software?? Knowing this will help us to point you in the right direction…

good luck, and have fun!!!

3

hi thanx for the replay

basiclly what i need is a general controller mostly used for software synths but i guess i would like to be able to use it with hardware as well when needed.

i intend no to go into electronics too deep but rather use more time on programming because i will find more use of that in the future.

i saw there are pre-made boards now available i want to get those and just use them as modules to minimize the electronics involved and then reprogram the unit to my needs.

no idea if that’s the way it works

does this sound like a managable project by a nooby in electronics?

when u have the unit done how much depends on the sowftware u write? is this something standartizied of minor importantce or it acctually is important?

thanx

4

Hello, since you mostly want to control software synths and hardware, I would recommend that you not try to build the motorized fader portion at first. I would think that they are mostly useful for controlling a recording software i.e. cubase with automation.

    I definately recommend you go with the premade PCB boards available. They save a ton of time and headaches. I just got my second core in the mail, and I had it running in an evening. It will probably take you a bit longer though.

    The great thing about Thorsten’s design, is that you can start with a very minimal controller, and then add on as you gain experience. I think a great thing to start with is a Midibox TC

http://www.midibox.org/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?board=mios_toy;action=display;num=1047332441

the connection diagram is very easy:

http://www.ucapps.de/mios/midibox_tc.pdf

All you need is a core, din (Digital Input Module), LCD, 6 buttons and an encoder.

You also need a JDM programmer to load the bootstrap loader first.

As far as configuring the midibox TC, you just have to change some text files.

All of Thorsten’s programs are written in microchip’s Assembly language, although Thorsten has hinted that there might be a C option in the future.

I hope this helps a little. As long as you have a soldering iron, and a digital multimeter, you can build these projects. There is a ton of support here on the forum too, so if you have questions, just post them here.

Justin

5

thanx for the advices i will go with what u said and try to go as further as possible before posting new questions … wont be long i guess :-[ :stuck_out_tongue:

later