Members NixerX Posted May 21, 2009 Members Share Posted May 21, 2009 Anyone know where I can find info on where to start this project? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members ChrisAlbertson Posted May 21, 2009 Members Share Posted May 21, 2009 Anyone know where I can find info on where to start this project? The first step would be to write up a more detailed set of requirements saying in some detail what you want the foot switch to do. For example, I assume it would have a midi-in and midi-out and when the switch is depressed it would somehow change the channel assignments of the data passing through it. How to specify how the re-map is done? A set of switches? or keypad and LCD panel, rotary shaft encoders? The first step is always a very detailed description of the product and the user interface. Midi is just serial data. A micro controller would read the data from midi-in and copy it to midi-out and also at the same time monitor a switch in the pedal and any user interface like rotary encoders or keypad. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members electrafied Posted May 21, 2009 Members Share Posted May 21, 2009 I'm currently in the prototyping stage of building a midi control footswitch (channel switching like you want) with a micro-controller and temporary components on a breadboard (right now it just controls the LEDS, I've not gotten to actually sending MIDI data yet, waiting on parts). I found this project online and have used that as my jumping off point, check out Max Greco's microfoot project. Not much info on exactly what to do, but what I did learn from that project was about the micro-controller he used, and from researching that found a wealth of information on how to use that controller in terms of sending midi data (though like I said I haven't gotten to that point in my build yet). We both are using an Arduino micro-controller (about $30 for the latest model). It's nice as there is a very active following for this board with a lot of examples and libraries already written to do a lot of what needs to be done for a project like this. I'm modeling mine more like a Line 6 Shortboard with bank up/down footswitches with one (or more) 7 segment LED displays, 4 "patch" change footswitches and an expression pedal that will toggle between volume and wah controls. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members ChrisAlbertson Posted May 21, 2009 Members Share Posted May 21, 2009 I'm currently in the prototyping stage of building a midi control footswitch (channel switching like you want) with a micro-controller and temporary components on a breadboard (right now it just controls the LEDS, I've not gotten to actually sending MIDI data yet, waiting on parts).I found this project online and have used that as my jumping off point, check out Max Greco's microfoot project. Not much info on exactly what to do, but what I did learn from that project was about the micro-controller he used, and from researching that found a wealth of information on how to use that controller in terms of sending midi data (though like I said I haven't gotten to that point in my build yet). We both are using an Arduino micro-controller (about $30 for the latest model). It's nice as there is a very active following for this board with a lot of examples and libraries already written to do a lot of what needs to be done for a project like this.I'm modeling mine more like a Line 6 Shortboard with bank up/down footswitches with one (or more) 7 segment LED displays, 4 "patch" change footswitches and an expression pedal that will toggle between volume and wah controls. The Arduino ($30) is an expensive way to buy a $5 ATmega168. And the "mega168" is likely overkill for this project, A $0.98 part would work. But if you only are building just one pedal there is only $30 to be saved at most. I think a MUCH better controller board is the ATmel "butterfly". First off it's $10 cheaper. It uses the exact same CPU chip (ATmega168) and the best part is the included LCD display panel. The Panel allows for a much more sophisticated user interface then just some LEDs and again it's $10 less moneyhttp://www.atmel.com/dyn/products/tools_card.asp?tool_id=3146 Most of the work is going to be the software. For me, I find it much easier to write and debug the software on a desktop computer, then after it's working port it down to the micro controller. As for the physical design. I think A Hammond die-cast box with midi in and out, a 9V or 12v input jack then several 1/4 inch jacks for pedal switches. It would add only the cost of the 1/4" jack to allow for multiple foot switches Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.