DIY Noooob

DIY Noooob
Posted on: 01.03.2011 by Katlyn Dorval
So I'm new to digi DJing (actually new to any djing) but I'm already super interested in making my own Midi controller. I want to make something similar to the Midi Fighter with a couple faders and pots but don't have the money to pay for a custom Midi fighter from the shop.
I'm a computer repair tech and can solder just fine, but I really have no experience in creating my own tools (i.e. midi controllers).

Obviously I need a case, buttons, faders, pots, and a PCB plus the wiring to put it together. BUT I can't find out exactly what I need as far as a PCB goes.

I've seen lots of people mentioning gamepad PCBs, Hale Microsystems, and U-HID. When I check out the Hale and U-Hid sites I'm completely lost as to what I should buy and/or need.

Can anyone give me the basics of what I need. I'm believeing 16 arcade buttons plus at least 2 faders and 2 pots. LEDs would be nice but lets stay basic here to get me going. Sooooo...what PCB?!
Louisa Oberc
03.03.2011
Originally Posted by MiL0
just buy a USB to Midi interface and install it inside your DIY midi controller enclosure.
That's exactly what I am going to be doing once I finalize my controllers... its much simpler and quicker to just add a cheapie $8 usb to midi that can be installed inside the controller... the rest is just simple wiring.
Katlyn Dorval
02.03.2011
Originally Posted by MiL0
I'd recommend this:

http://highlyliquid.com/midi-controllers/midi-cpu/

which would give you up to 128 switches, 14 potentiometers or 12 encoders (or a combination of the three) for $44.95.

the good thing about this board is the tech support is excellent.. post on the support community and you'll get a reply with
a schematic and the code you would require to program the brain.

and speaking of programming, it's much simpler to program compared to an Arduino or Midibox.

you can also daisy-chain them together easily if you need more inputs.
So that CPU (highly liquid) is pretty cool but I'd really prefer something with USB :/
Katlyn Dorval
02.03.2011
Originally Posted by MiL0
The midifighter is essentially a teensyduino which you can pick up for even less than an Arduino. All the midifighter code is opensource and available on this community .
Thanks..maybe I'll check that out too then.
Katlyn Dorval
01.03.2011
So I'm new to digi DJing (actually new to any djing) but I'm already super interested in making my own Midi controller. I want to make something similar to the Midi Fighter with a couple faders and pots but don't have the money to pay for a custom Midi fighter from the shop.
I'm a computer repair tech and can solder just fine, but I really have no experience in creating my own tools (i.e. midi controllers).

Obviously I need a case, buttons, faders, pots, and a PCB plus the wiring to put it together. BUT I can't find out exactly what I need as far as a PCB goes.

I've seen lots of people mentioning gamepad PCBs, Hale Microsystems, and U-HID. When I check out the Hale and U-Hid sites I'm completely lost as to what I should buy and/or need.

Can anyone give me the basics of what I need. I'm believeing 16 arcade buttons plus at least 2 faders and 2 pots. LEDs would be nice but lets stay basic here to get me going. Sooooo...what PCB?!
Louisa Oberc
03.03.2011
Originally Posted by MiL0
just buy a USB to Midi interface and install it inside your DIY midi controller enclosure.
That's exactly what I am going to be doing once I finalize my controllers... its much simpler and quicker to just add a cheapie $8 usb to midi that can be installed inside the controller... the rest is just simple wiring.
Arcelia Siebeneck
03.03.2011
just buy a USB to Midi interface and install it inside your DIY midi controller enclosure.
Katlyn Dorval
02.03.2011
Originally Posted by MiL0
I'd recommend this:

http://highlyliquid.com/midi-controllers/midi-cpu/

which would give you up to 128 switches, 14 potentiometers or 12 encoders (or a combination of the three) for $44.95.

the good thing about this board is the tech support is excellent.. post on the support community and you'll get a reply with
a schematic and the code you would require to program the brain.

and speaking of programming, it's much simpler to program compared to an Arduino or Midibox.

you can also daisy-chain them together easily if you need more inputs.
So that CPU (highly liquid) is pretty cool but I'd really prefer something with USB :/
Katlyn Dorval
02.03.2011
Originally Posted by MiL0
The midifighter is essentially a teensyduino which you can pick up for even less than an Arduino. All the midifighter code is opensource and available on this community .
Thanks..maybe I'll check that out too then.
Dean Naumes
02.03.2011
I finally succeeded in mapping my xbox controller to Traktor. After hours of trying to figure out how to make the outdated and unsigned drivers and software work on win7x64 I found Fergo's joystickmidi app, yessssssss, now time to wait for the parts to get here
Arcelia Siebeneck
02.03.2011
The midifighter is essentially a teensyduino which you can pick up for even less than an Arduino. All the midifighter code is opensource and available on this community .
Katlyn Dorval
01.03.2011
I'm also believeing of getting some old usb game controllers just to get some experience messing with PCB's and buttons and all. I really wish I could find the PCB that DJTT uses in their midi fighters, I would just order the one they have w/o the buttons and such but a.) I wanna learn this stuff without the box already coming and b.) they're on backorder and I want one now haha (it's my money and I want it now..call JG Wentworth...hate that commercial)
Dean Naumes
01.03.2011
Hey, pretty new to the boards here...

I have some old xbox controllers lying around and I just ordered a whole bunch of arcade buttons. I'm gonna attempt to make my own version of a midifighter and hopefully add some faders if I can figure out how to replace the triggers/sticks. I believe rigging the arcade buttons to the controller buttons will be relatively easy but I'm not sure how the axises work and if I could somehow replace them with faders or maybe use them as is for effects control or something. I'll take pics and document everything to share
Oliver Gobrogge
01.03.2011
There has been a huge debate as to which is better. But, if you are willing to invest in digital DJing gear, Serato or Traktor would be a great choice. I use both. I love Traktor because the sync frees the DJ up and let's them craft there own unique sets without beat matching. But, if you want a company who offers online updates, free promotional music, and an all in one mixer/software deal, then Serato is another choice. If these do not meet your bugdet you should demo the product from a fellow DJ, e-mail or mail a letter to the company, or research new digital DJ software. I have yet to use Torq or Mixvibes, but I've seen most DJs test Virtual DJ before moving forward. I've also been using vinyl for most of my DJ life, so I believe that Serato/Traktor offer something close if not better and will help innovate your DJing.
Fannie Lafranca
01.03.2011
I am also in a similar situation here-will you post updates of how you get on here?
Exciting!
Katlyn Dorval
01.03.2011
That's exactly what I was looking for..a little more research and I'll get started.

Thanks for the response! :eek:
Arcelia Siebeneck
01.03.2011
Here's an example of the kind of support you can expect:

http://community .highlyliquid.com/showthread.php?t=499
Arcelia Siebeneck
01.03.2011
I'd recommend this:

http://highlyliquid.com/midi-controllers/midi-cpu/

which would give you up to 128 switches, 14 potentiometers or 12 encoders (or a combination of the three) for $44.95.

the good thing about this board is the tech support is excellent.. post on the support community and you'll get a reply with
a schematic and the code you would require to program the brain.

and speaking of programming, it's much simpler to program compared to an Arduino or Midibox.

you can also daisy-chain them together easily if you need more inputs.
Katlyn Dorval
01.03.2011
also...if this is has been asked and answered somewhere else I'm sorry! I've searched this site for probably around 8hrs regarding this subject but all I do is see cool things people have made (and get jealous) and a bunch of jargon that leaves me lost.

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