OFF TOPIC - Inspired!

[Shift838]

All,

 

Just wanted to share something with everyone here. Thanks to JediMatt42 and his USB Keys for the TI-99/4A and Geneve it inspired me to look into the Teensy.

 

Thanks JediMatt42 for inspiring me!

 

Here is my story...

 

When I first received the USB Keyboard components a few months ago and installed it and saw it work it got me very curious about this little Teensy device.

 

After some time of researching and seeing all it's capabilities I started thinking what could I do, or what would be cool to be able to do with this device, but my mind was drawing a blank.

 

A few months back I replaced all my guitar rack gear with more high end professional grade because I really wanted to start recording. Once I got it all lined out and obtained the recording software I started down the path of recording various songs on the computer. After a week or so i decided using the mouse sucks and i really would like a USB interfaced MIDI foot controller to be able to use as keyboard shortcuts for recording such as 'Record', 'Start Over' and 'Stop'. So I purchased one that was very reputable and cost around $100.00 but it only had 3 switches. I figured that would be plenty.

 

Well all was good for a few weeks then I started recording more and more and realizing that 3 buttons just was not enough. There were other actions within the recording software I was using quite frequently. So I started looking at buying yet a bigger and better MIDI USB Foot controller to pass Notes and Control messages, but the more stomp switches I wanted the more pricey these things became. I quickly found that one the way I wanted would run close from $500 to $600 US.

 

That's when it hit me like a ton of bricks (quote from a Queensryche song!)

 

I startted looking into the Teensy again and found out it could be programmed as a USB MIDI Device. That got me more curious, this was just a few days ago. I then realized I still had a Teensy 3.2 not being used. So I decided to start playing with it.

 

After a few days of research, borrowing a few code snippets here and there and pounded out some code for the AVR (I think that's what it is called). I compiled it with a very basic setup (1 button) and it worked!

 

I uploaded it to the Teensy and configured my Recording software (Reaper) to recognize the MIDI Control code and tested it with a momentary switch and it worked!

 

So I was on my way. I ended up setting up a total of 8 buttons with 2 banks that is controlled by a toggle switch to send the MIDI and Note codes that I wanted. And all was working great. I then decided I think I need a couple of different color LEDs (I used 2 in the design because I did not have a dual color LED to use - that's coming)so that I know what mode I am on (CC MIDI Mode or Note MIDI Mode) so I added a few extra lines of code to force the signal High and light up the LEDs and turn the off when needed as well as detect what the switch mode is in when the Teensy boots up.

 

So now I am waiting for my extra switches so I can make the full blown MIDI Foot Controller.

 

I may want to try and add a LCD to it also to tell me what MODE it is in as well. If anyone has any suggestions on how to do that I would appreciate it.

 

I plan on posting pictures once I have it done and probably with a video of it working.

 

I got all the parts on order and I have spent less than $50.00. Of course when I add the LCD it will go up a little bit as I am looking at a 'LCD that is Negative' like this one HERE

 

[+jedimatt42]

That sounds like a ton of fun!

 

Now I've got completely made up images of you managing 8 buttons with your foot. / feet?

 

It is crazy that we are back to a point where custom electronics are feasible (cost & component wise) for modern application. So much possibility now. And this stuff is so accessible.

 

Looking forward to pictures of finished setup!

 

-M@

[Shift838]

So here is my finished USB MIDI controller.

 

I even added a USB B panel port to the enclosure as the Micro USB on the teensy can come off (I know from experience).

 

So I sued a USB-B Panel mount to MicroUSB cable.

 

I used Velcro to secure things as you can see in the pictures.

 

Here are some poictures of the final product starting with my 'Proof of Concept' that uses one LED and one Momentary SPST soft tough and the Teensy 3.2 board.

Edited September 18, 2016 by Shift838

[Sinphaltimus]

Incredible. Nice job.

[firepod]

Looking good Chris!!!

[Shift838]

i finally got around of making a video of this thing in action.

 

HERE