Making a controller with MIDI capability was all well and good, but without some hardware controls, it was nothing more than software running outside of the computer. Adding the most rudimentary controls shouldn't be difficult, and it would not be necessary to add all the operators of the full-fledged version or even the knobs and rotary potentiometers. The Arduino Pro Micro could also fit into a small container. Three thumb-wheel potentiometers and a microSD case were the right size and readily available.
The Arduino fit in the area where the microSD to SD adapter would rest, and the potentiometers could peek out the sides at the corners, making them easy to access without exposing more than necessary. The containment area for the microSD card provided a backstop for the Arduino and two of the potentiometers.
Ground and power wires were connected to the Arduino, but they turned out to be too large and made them unmanageable. After trying hard to make them fit, they were removed entirely.
26 gauge wires were substituted. They were small enough that three of them could fit into a single board via. Each of the three potentiometers needed power, ground and a signal wire, so the ground and power terminals were full. Wires were laid in place and cut precisely to length to avoid stray wire.
Each potentiometer was given a couple of holes for their mounting feet to go into the case. Plastic along the edge of the enclosure had to be trimmed away with a knife and saw so they could stick out. The hinge end was trimmed away to expose the micro USB connector on the Arduino.
The potentiometers were held in place by their mounting feet and a piece of double-sided tape. It didn't seem necessary to hold the Arduino in place since there was very little room between the backstop and board, but it can move a bit.
Inputs were programmed based on the ElectronicWindChimes_Micro code, but this version is different because it uses hardware inputs. A browser-based DAW was used to test it, and the hardware controls made it easy to get the MIDI to line up with what the DAW expected. Serial print codes were added to show the channel, note, velocity, range, and tempo each time a signal was sent.
A short video demonstration was made to illustrate the device working in tandem while playing with a drum beat loop found on YouTube.
EWC_Pocket on GitHub.
The rest of the posts for this project have been arranged by date.
First time here?
Completed projects from year 1
Completed projects from year 2
Completed projects from year 3
Completed projects from year 4
Completed projects from year 5
Completed projects from year 6
Disclaimer for http://24hourengineer.blogspot.com and 24HourEngineer.com
This disclaimer must be intact and whole. This disclaimer must be included if a project is distributed.
All information in this blog, or linked by this blog, is not to be taken as advice or solicitation. Anyone attempting to replicate, in whole or in part, is responsible for the outcome and procedure. Any loss of functionality, money, property or similar, is the responsibility of those involved in the replication.
All digital communication regarding the email address 24hourengineer@gmail.com becomes the intellectual property of Brian McEvoy. Any information contained within these messages may be distributed or retained at the discretion of Brian McEvoy. Any email sent to this address, or any email account owned by Brian McEvoy, cannot be used to claim property or assets.
Comments to the blog may be utilized or erased at the discretion of the owner. No one posting may claim property or assets based on their post.
This blog, including pictures and text, is copyright to Brian McEvoy.
2019-04-10
Parts for EWC_Pocket
The Arduino fit in the area where the microSD to SD adapter would rest, and the potentiometers could peek out the sides at the corners, making them easy to access without exposing more than necessary. The containment area for the microSD card provided a backstop for the Arduino and two of the potentiometers.
Cut case and part arrangement
Ground and power wires were connected to the Arduino, but they turned out to be too large and made them unmanageable. After trying hard to make them fit, they were removed entirely.
Needlessly large wires
26 gauge wires were substituted. They were small enough that three of them could fit into a single board via. Each of the three potentiometers needed power, ground and a signal wire, so the ground and power terminals were full. Wires were laid in place and cut precisely to length to avoid stray wire.
Wired components
Each potentiometer was given a couple of holes for their mounting feet to go into the case. Plastic along the edge of the enclosure had to be trimmed away with a knife and saw so they could stick out. The hinge end was trimmed away to expose the micro USB connector on the Arduino.
Assembled: Top view
The potentiometers were held in place by their mounting feet and a piece of double-sided tape. It didn't seem necessary to hold the Arduino in place since there was very little room between the backstop and board, but it can move a bit.
Assembled: Bottom view
Inputs were programmed based on the ElectronicWindChimes_Micro code, but this version is different because it uses hardware inputs. A browser-based DAW was used to test it, and the hardware controls made it easy to get the MIDI to line up with what the DAW expected. Serial print codes were added to show the channel, note, velocity, range, and tempo each time a signal was sent.
Generating notes
A short video demonstration was made to illustrate the device working in tandem while playing with a drum beat loop found on YouTube.
(0:53) EWC_Pocket video
EWC_Pocket on GitHub.
The rest of the posts for this project have been arranged by date.
First time here?
Completed projects from year 1
Completed projects from year 2
Completed projects from year 3
Completed projects from year 4
Completed projects from year 5
Completed projects from year 6
Disclaimer for http://24hourengineer.blogspot.com and 24HourEngineer.com
This disclaimer must be intact and whole. This disclaimer must be included if a project is distributed.
All information in this blog, or linked by this blog, is not to be taken as advice or solicitation. Anyone attempting to replicate, in whole or in part, is responsible for the outcome and procedure. Any loss of functionality, money, property or similar, is the responsibility of those involved in the replication.
All digital communication regarding the email address 24hourengineer@gmail.com becomes the intellectual property of Brian McEvoy. Any information contained within these messages may be distributed or retained at the discretion of Brian McEvoy. Any email sent to this address, or any email account owned by Brian McEvoy, cannot be used to claim property or assets.
Comments to the blog may be utilized or erased at the discretion of the owner. No one posting may claim property or assets based on their post.
This blog, including pictures and text, is copyright to Brian McEvoy.
2019-04-10
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