another first timer DIY midi controller

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another first timer DIY midi controller
Posted on: 31.01.2013 by Rachael Tureson
Hey everyone!
So its my first thread here and probably like my 5th post ever, but I've been reading these community s / midi box / arduino playground etc etc for months and months and months now. Finally got off the interweb and decided to start working out my midi controller project. The Plan.jpg

So far I've gutted a Mixman DM2 Digital Music Mixer that I bought off ebay ($25.94) to try and salvage the jogwheels (No go thus far) and maybe use as a midi brain (no go, way too erratic)
Got a second hand arduino ($50), super useful (taught me many many things!) but in the end won't have enough inputs (got an UNO + kit)

This is a mockup based on what I do have/plan to get & the enclosure is still up in the air (maybe briefcase?)
big red button was for jokes, but then I went and bought it, so there's that... anyway, parts list:

SparkFun.com
  • 1 x COM-09181 - Big Dome Push Button - Red - $9.95
  • 1 x COM-09032 - Thumb Joystick - $3.95
  • 1 x COM-07835 - Button Pad 4x4 - LED Compatible - $9.95
  • 10 x COM-09939 - Rotary Potentiometer - 10k Ohm, Linear ($0.86 ea.) - $8.60
  • 1 x CAB-10649 - Ribbon Cable - 10 wire (3ft) - $0.95
  • 1 x CAB-10648 - Ribbon Cable - 6 wire (3ft) - $0.75
  • 4 x COM-09277 - Button Pad 2x2 - Breakout PCB ($4.95 ea.) - $19.80

Total + Shipping: $66.85

Djranking s.com
  • (50% off sale) 6 x Arcade Button - Black with Clear Rim - $6.54
  • (50% off sale) 2 x Arcade Button - Black - $2.18
  • (50% off sale) 2 x Arcade Button - Red - $2.18

Total + Shipping: $24.85

- which means so far, I only have about 60% of the parts I need

- I've also gone and gotten the usual first timer's works at a local electronics store, Soldering iron, solder, station, sponge, buncha resistors, buncha wire, couple wire cutters, 99c crossfaders, couple buttons here and there, spent $50 there

My original enclosure idea was going to be this nice thin wooden box I found at a thrift shop, but its a couple inches too small if I really want jogwheels (do I?) (k, thought about it, totally need anyway)

I believe I'll go with this (many of you may remember this instructable featured here on the blog) FBYAM08FN82OE6G.LARGE.jpg

someone's done it with an arduino mega and survived!


K, this is getting long, apologies.
Last but certainly not least:
I was going to get me a teensy 3.0 teensy3_pins.jpg $19 without pins, $22 with
but then I saw that Livid's announced an affordable brain! check it http://shop.lividinstruments.com/brain-jr/ $49, 16 digital connections and 16 analog connections.
That sounds like all I need.
If I'm wrong, good heavens please tell me.

Anyway so this is where I am now, still trying to pick a brain and not enough inputs on my arduino UNO so i'm unsure whether there's a point in starting the wiring, but if anyone has any suggestions for me, I'd welcome them and also would hope they'd help someone else (any thing you'd add to the controller? should I go midibox and scrap teensy/livid? should I get the $189 livid builder brain cause it'd save me a hassle? Have any of you successfully DIYed some jogwheels? Care to share the experience?)

Oi, that's enough out of me. thanks in advance for any input, folks!
Rachael Tureson
01.03.2013		Hey guys & girls, tiny update
i was real quiet even though I've just gotten the teensy 3.0 delivered (and bourns encoders came in today) because i was having the worst time trying to get a circuit running proper on it (its not that different from an arduino but still, hey, it is) but i've finally found an image that's cleared it up for me, and i wanted to share it in case anyone runs into similar issues ever, hopefully it shines a light: teensy.jpg
it seems ridiculous that i was even stumped here to begin with, but i was and well, now im not, so there's that.
i'll be back next week w more updates,
this week and the one before i've had to do double & triple gigs per evening so right now sleep is a THING.
tomorrow's a biiig double gig day so no staying up til 5 w electronics for this girl
thanks for your interest,
ps this is the page that unlocked my earlier blockage: http://www.xim3.com/community/index.php?topic=25969.0 i'm not following it step by step (it's HID and i need midi etc) but its my first week with a teensy so i'll take all the help i can get.
be well y'all
Random X
12.02.2013
Originally Posted by thesalivationarmy
she


Gotcha!
Rachael Tureson
05.02.2013		Screen Shot 2013-02-05 at 11.39.14 AM.jpg
found optical encoders for super reasonable pricing on ebay (14$)
i'll order 2 when i get home, which brings down my shopping list to :
arcade buttons (i'm short 14)
6 caps for my pots
5 caps for my faders (not urgent obv)
a brain once i settle on one (arduino uno won't do, im sure of it now)
rgb leds (also not urgent but i found a pack of 100 on ebay for 12$ so hey)
Rachael Tureson
04.02.2013
Originally Posted by Skirmitt
http://community .djranking s.com/showthr...=39322&page=14 okay, it took me many and many hours of work including the PCB and so on but hey, that's what it is all about.

As for the jogs, buy optical encoders and you're settled. Don't go the harddisk way.
wow Skirmitt that is some gorgeous work. v grateful for the build log
Rachael Tureson
04.02.2013
Originally Posted by 32Digits
you clearly have not read all posts...
He said he wasn't 'in it' because he would save $$

He wanted to learn from it.
she


on a slightly related note, (i'll search the community s for this) but what's the general consensus on using xsession pro as a brain?

(I might save this for a later project, seeing as I've already gone and invested so much learning time into teensy/arduino/midibox )

seems like it'd make a cool build anyway.
Have to be out and about now but I've settled on an enclosure (briefcase), will post pics later.

thanks for all the input y'all
Rachael Tureson
04.02.2013
Originally Posted by 32Digits
didn't even notice that at the time O.o

Are you sure you want those cue points up there? and the pitch why up that much? - imo it would be better to have your pitch faders next to your jogs, it's more efficient.

If you can add them: Filter knobs are really nice to play with
Oh and maybe 2 knobs for each deck: that turn the cue point buttons into effect buttons just like a Midi Fighter.
I'd advise you too to make a scaled sketch: it would give you a better base to see visually to see what you miss.

Oh and this is gonna be an expensive project and take quite some time, so do you should be 200% enthousiastic
anyway good luck

maybe you should also message Joel santos http://community .djranking s.com/member.php?u=38299
he knows quite a lot I noticed in another thread
32Digits, thanks so much, I realized I've kind of gone with "standard cheap controller" layout with location of pitch faders and so on, and sort of forgot I get to do what I want
I've rethought the design a bit last evening , made a scaled sketch w SketchUp (nooottt my fav software, oi)

thanks again for the input, I might send Joel a shout when I've gotten all my parts.
The PLan.jpg
Awilda Boggie
04.02.2013
Originally Posted by Skirmitt
http://community .djranking s.com/showthr...=39322&page=14 .
saw your work! great job, and respect man both look amazing!
Dannielle Glassey
04.02.2013
Originally Posted by dripstep
If you believe you are going to build a midi controller to save money, you will be sadly out of luck. Anyone on here that builds/has built controllers does it for the enjoyment. If you are looking to save $$ and build instead of buy, maybe look into midrange controllers and buy one.

Another option is to pick up something like an xsession pro, and use the board as your brain. Wire all of your pots, faders and buttons into it.
That's not completely true. I build a 2 deck controller and midifighter clone with high build quality with a budget lower than a midrange controller. http://community .djranking s.com/showthr...=39322&page=14 okay, it took me many and many hours of work including the PCB and so on but hey, that's what it is all about.

As for the jogs, buy optical encoders and you're settled. Don't go the harddisk way.
Awilda Boggie
03.02.2013
Originally Posted by dripstep
If you believe you are going to build a midi controller to save money, you will be sadly out of luck. Anyone on here that builds/has built controllers does it for the enjoyment. If you are looking to save $$ and build instead of buy, maybe look into midrange controllers and buy one.

Another option is to pick up something like an xsession pro, and use the board as your brain. Wire all of your pots, faders and buttons into it.
you clearly have not read all posts...
He said he wasn't 'in it' because he would save $$

He wanted to learn from it.
Ulysses Okelly
01.02.2013
Originally Posted by thesalivationarmy
k, wow, maybe, just maybe I was in it for a learning experience about midi, electronics, coding, and microcontrollers?

anyway, yeah, as I've said, I'm new at this, I'll make a drawing to scale, (I just photoshopped based on parts mounted on cardboard) and again, maybe some things could be added and somethings could be removed, open to actually constructive suggestions like I've already stated. Here to learn, yeah?

I mean if I had the money to buy an S4, I'd probably still be doing this, it'd maybe look different who knows, but that isn't the point. Jeesh.
I wasn't trying to flame you at all, i was just trying to work out what it is you are building, as i was going to recommend buying a 2nd hand controller, and modding it to suit your needs, as it looks like your parts list is a tad on the expensive side.
Awilda Boggie
01.02.2013
Originally Posted by thesalivationarmy
there was a "most things are 50% off" sale right around early december - around the time the OG midi fighter was discontinued/sold at discount- ack, almost bought it too but needed money for travel+christmas
didn't even notice that at the time O.o

Are you sure you want those cue points up there? and the pitch why up that much? - imo it would be better to have your pitch faders next to your jogs, it's more efficient.

If you can add them: Filter knobs are really nice to play with
Oh and maybe 2 knobs for each deck: that turn the cue point buttons into effect buttons just like a Midi Fighter.
I'd advise you too to make a scaled sketch: it would give you a better base to see visually to see what you miss.

Oh and this is gonna be an expensive project and take quite some time, so do you should be 200% enthousiastic
anyway good luck

maybe you should also message Joel santos http://community .djranking s.com/member.php?u=38299
he knows quite a lot I noticed in another thread
Rachael Tureson
01.02.2013
Originally Posted by troopa
How are you getting 50% off buttons from djtt?
there was a "most things are 50% off" sale right around early december - around the time the OG midi fighter was discontinued/sold at discount- ack, almost bought it too but needed money for travel+christmas
Rachael Tureson
01.02.2013
Originally Posted by sev
As all i see is a substandard controller that will cost you far too much.
If you were creating something different, i could understand.

Anyway, are the buttons across the top all arcade buttons? if so i believe you need to make a scale drawing.
k, wow, maybe, just maybe I was in it for a learning experience about midi, electronics, coding, and microcontrollers?

anyway, yeah, as I've said, I'm new at this, I'll make a drawing to scale, (I just photoshopped based on parts mounted on cardboard) and again, maybe some things could be added and somethings could be removed, open to actually constructive suggestions like I've already stated. Here to learn, yeah?

I mean if I had the money to buy an S4, I'd probably still be doing this, it'd maybe look different who knows, but that isn't the point. Jeesh.
Rachael Tureson
31.01.2013		Hey everyone!
So its my first thread here and probably like my 5th post ever, but I've been reading these community s / midi box / arduino playground etc etc for months and months and months now. Finally got off the interweb and decided to start working out my midi controller project. The Plan.jpg

So far I've gutted a Mixman DM2 Digital Music Mixer that I bought off ebay ($25.94) to try and salvage the jogwheels (No go thus far) and maybe use as a midi brain (no go, way too erratic)
Got a second hand arduino ($50), super useful (taught me many many things!) but in the end won't have enough inputs (got an UNO + kit)

This is a mockup based on what I do have/plan to get & the enclosure is still up in the air (maybe briefcase?)
big red button was for jokes, but then I went and bought it, so there's that... anyway, parts list:

SparkFun.com
  • 1 x COM-09181 - Big Dome Push Button - Red - $9.95
  • 1 x COM-09032 - Thumb Joystick - $3.95
  • 1 x COM-07835 - Button Pad 4x4 - LED Compatible - $9.95
  • 10 x COM-09939 - Rotary Potentiometer - 10k Ohm, Linear ($0.86 ea.) - $8.60
  • 1 x CAB-10649 - Ribbon Cable - 10 wire (3ft) - $0.95
  • 1 x CAB-10648 - Ribbon Cable - 6 wire (3ft) - $0.75
  • 4 x COM-09277 - Button Pad 2x2 - Breakout PCB ($4.95 ea.) - $19.80

Total + Shipping: $66.85

Djranking s.com
  • (50% off sale) 6 x Arcade Button - Black with Clear Rim - $6.54
  • (50% off sale) 2 x Arcade Button - Black - $2.18
  • (50% off sale) 2 x Arcade Button - Red - $2.18

Total + Shipping: $24.85

- which means so far, I only have about 60% of the parts I need

- I've also gone and gotten the usual first timer's works at a local electronics store, Soldering iron, solder, station, sponge, buncha resistors, buncha wire, couple wire cutters, 99c crossfaders, couple buttons here and there, spent $50 there

My original enclosure idea was going to be this nice thin wooden box I found at a thrift shop, but its a couple inches too small if I really want jogwheels (do I?) (k, thought about it, totally need anyway)

I believe I'll go with this (many of you may remember this instructable featured here on the blog) FBYAM08FN82OE6G.LARGE.jpg

someone's done it with an arduino mega and survived!


K, this is getting long, apologies.
Last but certainly not least:
I was going to get me a teensy 3.0 teensy3_pins.jpg $19 without pins, $22 with
but then I saw that Livid's announced an affordable brain! check it http://shop.lividinstruments.com/brain-jr/ $49, 16 digital connections and 16 analog connections.
That sounds like all I need.
If I'm wrong, good heavens please tell me.

Anyway so this is where I am now, still trying to pick a brain and not enough inputs on my arduino UNO so i'm unsure whether there's a point in starting the wiring, but if anyone has any suggestions for me, I'd welcome them and also would hope they'd help someone else (any thing you'd add to the controller? should I go midibox and scrap teensy/livid? should I get the $189 livid builder brain cause it'd save me a hassle? Have any of you successfully DIYed some jogwheels? Care to share the experience?)

Oi, that's enough out of me. thanks in advance for any input, folks!
Rachael Tureson
01.03.2013		Hey guys & girls, tiny update
i was real quiet even though I've just gotten the teensy 3.0 delivered (and bourns encoders came in today) because i was having the worst time trying to get a circuit running proper on it (its not that different from an arduino but still, hey, it is) but i've finally found an image that's cleared it up for me, and i wanted to share it in case anyone runs into similar issues ever, hopefully it shines a light: teensy.jpg
it seems ridiculous that i was even stumped here to begin with, but i was and well, now im not, so there's that.
i'll be back next week w more updates,
this week and the one before i've had to do double & triple gigs per evening so right now sleep is a THING.
tomorrow's a biiig double gig day so no staying up til 5 w electronics for this girl
thanks for your interest,
ps this is the page that unlocked my earlier blockage: http://www.xim3.com/community/index.php?topic=25969.0 i'm not following it step by step (it's HID and i need midi etc) but its my first week with a teensy so i'll take all the help i can get.
be well y'all
Random X
12.02.2013
Originally Posted by thesalivationarmy
she


Gotcha!
Era Roka
12.02.2013		Sounds cool, will keep checking this
Rachael Tureson
05.02.2013		Screen Shot 2013-02-05 at 11.39.14 AM.jpg
found optical encoders for super reasonable pricing on ebay (14$)
i'll order 2 when i get home, which brings down my shopping list to :
arcade buttons (i'm short 14)
6 caps for my pots
5 caps for my faders (not urgent obv)
a brain once i settle on one (arduino uno won't do, im sure of it now)
rgb leds (also not urgent but i found a pack of 100 on ebay for 12$ so hey)
Rachael Tureson
04.02.2013
Originally Posted by Skirmitt
http://community .djranking s.com/showthr...=39322&page=14 okay, it took me many and many hours of work including the PCB and so on but hey, that's what it is all about.

As for the jogs, buy optical encoders and you're settled. Don't go the harddisk way.
wow Skirmitt that is some gorgeous work. v grateful for the build log
Rachael Tureson
04.02.2013
Originally Posted by 32Digits
you clearly have not read all posts...
He said he wasn't 'in it' because he would save $$

He wanted to learn from it.
she


on a slightly related note, (i'll search the community s for this) but what's the general consensus on using xsession pro as a brain?

(I might save this for a later project, seeing as I've already gone and invested so much learning time into teensy/arduino/midibox )

seems like it'd make a cool build anyway.
Have to be out and about now but I've settled on an enclosure (briefcase), will post pics later.

thanks for all the input y'all
Rachael Tureson
04.02.2013
Originally Posted by 32Digits
didn't even notice that at the time O.o

Are you sure you want those cue points up there? and the pitch why up that much? - imo it would be better to have your pitch faders next to your jogs, it's more efficient.

If you can add them: Filter knobs are really nice to play with
Oh and maybe 2 knobs for each deck: that turn the cue point buttons into effect buttons just like a Midi Fighter.
I'd advise you too to make a scaled sketch: it would give you a better base to see visually to see what you miss.

Oh and this is gonna be an expensive project and take quite some time, so do you should be 200% enthousiastic
anyway good luck

maybe you should also message Joel santos http://community .djranking s.com/member.php?u=38299
he knows quite a lot I noticed in another thread
32Digits, thanks so much, I realized I've kind of gone with "standard cheap controller" layout with location of pitch faders and so on, and sort of forgot I get to do what I want
I've rethought the design a bit last evening , made a scaled sketch w SketchUp (nooottt my fav software, oi)

thanks again for the input, I might send Joel a shout when I've gotten all my parts.
The PLan.jpg
Awilda Boggie
04.02.2013
Originally Posted by Skirmitt
http://community .djranking s.com/showthr...=39322&page=14 .
saw your work! great job, and respect man both look amazing!
Dannielle Glassey
04.02.2013
Originally Posted by dripstep
If you believe you are going to build a midi controller to save money, you will be sadly out of luck. Anyone on here that builds/has built controllers does it for the enjoyment. If you are looking to save $$ and build instead of buy, maybe look into midrange controllers and buy one.

Another option is to pick up something like an xsession pro, and use the board as your brain. Wire all of your pots, faders and buttons into it.
That's not completely true. I build a 2 deck controller and midifighter clone with high build quality with a budget lower than a midrange controller. http://community .djranking s.com/showthr...=39322&page=14 okay, it took me many and many hours of work including the PCB and so on but hey, that's what it is all about.

As for the jogs, buy optical encoders and you're settled. Don't go the harddisk way.
Awilda Boggie
03.02.2013
Originally Posted by dripstep
If you believe you are going to build a midi controller to save money, you will be sadly out of luck. Anyone on here that builds/has built controllers does it for the enjoyment. If you are looking to save $$ and build instead of buy, maybe look into midrange controllers and buy one.

Another option is to pick up something like an xsession pro, and use the board as your brain. Wire all of your pots, faders and buttons into it.
you clearly have not read all posts...
He said he wasn't 'in it' because he would save $$

He wanted to learn from it.
Yong Aptekar
02.02.2013		If you believe you are going to build a midi controller to save money, you will be sadly out of luck. Anyone on here that builds/has built controllers does it for the enjoyment. If you are looking to save $$ and build instead of buy, maybe look into midrange controllers and buy one.

Another option is to pick up something like an xsession pro, and use the board as your brain. Wire all of your pots, faders and buttons into it.
Ulysses Okelly
01.02.2013
Originally Posted by thesalivationarmy
k, wow, maybe, just maybe I was in it for a learning experience about midi, electronics, coding, and microcontrollers?

anyway, yeah, as I've said, I'm new at this, I'll make a drawing to scale, (I just photoshopped based on parts mounted on cardboard) and again, maybe some things could be added and somethings could be removed, open to actually constructive suggestions like I've already stated. Here to learn, yeah?

I mean if I had the money to buy an S4, I'd probably still be doing this, it'd maybe look different who knows, but that isn't the point. Jeesh.
I wasn't trying to flame you at all, i was just trying to work out what it is you are building, as i was going to recommend buying a 2nd hand controller, and modding it to suit your needs, as it looks like your parts list is a tad on the expensive side.
Awilda Boggie
01.02.2013
Originally Posted by thesalivationarmy
there was a "most things are 50% off" sale right around early december - around the time the OG midi fighter was discontinued/sold at discount- ack, almost bought it too but needed money for travel+christmas
didn't even notice that at the time O.o

Are you sure you want those cue points up there? and the pitch why up that much? - imo it would be better to have your pitch faders next to your jogs, it's more efficient.

If you can add them: Filter knobs are really nice to play with
Oh and maybe 2 knobs for each deck: that turn the cue point buttons into effect buttons just like a Midi Fighter.
I'd advise you too to make a scaled sketch: it would give you a better base to see visually to see what you miss.

Oh and this is gonna be an expensive project and take quite some time, so do you should be 200% enthousiastic
anyway good luck

maybe you should also message Joel santos http://community .djranking s.com/member.php?u=38299
he knows quite a lot I noticed in another thread
Rachael Tureson
01.02.2013
Originally Posted by troopa
How are you getting 50% off buttons from djtt?
there was a "most things are 50% off" sale right around early december - around the time the OG midi fighter was discontinued/sold at discount- ack, almost bought it too but needed money for travel+christmas
Lori Altmiller
01.02.2013		How are you getting 50% off buttons from djtt?
Rose Schneeberg
01.02.2013		Looks awesome
Hopes
Rachael Tureson
01.02.2013
Originally Posted by sev
As all i see is a substandard controller that will cost you far too much.
If you were creating something different, i could understand.

Anyway, are the buttons across the top all arcade buttons? if so i believe you need to make a scale drawing.
k, wow, maybe, just maybe I was in it for a learning experience about midi, electronics, coding, and microcontrollers?

anyway, yeah, as I've said, I'm new at this, I'll make a drawing to scale, (I just photoshopped based on parts mounted on cardboard) and again, maybe some things could be added and somethings could be removed, open to actually constructive suggestions like I've already stated. Here to learn, yeah?

I mean if I had the money to buy an S4, I'd probably still be doing this, it'd maybe look different who knows, but that isn't the point. Jeesh.
Ulysses Okelly
31.01.2013		i don't quite follow you here. What are you trying to build? As all i see is a substandard controller that will cost you far too much.
If you were creating something different, i could understand.

Anyway, are the buttons across the top all arcade buttons? if so i believe you need to make a scale drawing.

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