Tempo and cue light display

[The Elf]

Thanks for the thoughts.

I'm the only one that consistently uses (and prefers) IEMs. We have experimented with audio cues, but they really don't work for all kinds of reasons.

A simple box with a few lights on really should hit the spot - and has the approval of all concerned, which is no easy thing to achieve!

I'm confident I'll be able to get this working now. What daunts me is how to box it, but I'm ignoring that voice right now.

[innerchord]

If you have the budget I'd consider the MIDI to DMX route. So much flexibility and choice there.

[James Perrett]

Our lad says just use the hardware - "emulators are too fiddly" were his words.

The cloud emulator has been very helpful in allowing me to fine-tune my code and my circuit design. I've gone from 'Hello World' to optimised multi-tasking-capable code that handles all my six lights, with variable brightness, variable flash time... and all done so I can just plug the MIDI library code in when I have it available. It's been quite a day!

Sounds like you are doing well - you'll be building all kinds of gadgets now!

[Wonks]

What daunts me is how to box it, but I'm ignoring that voice right now.

How about building it into a stage set based on Stonehenge?

[The Elf]

If you have the budget I'd consider the MIDI to DMX route. So much flexibility and choice there.

I'm sure you're right, but I've chosen a path now and I'll continue to travel it until it takes a wrong turn.

And besides, the journey is quite inspiring. If at the end of this process I have no more than a few Arduino coding skills it will have been worth it. In one day I built (virtually!) the device I need. With what I've learned I now really could turn my hand to all kinds of useful little devices.

I've nothing more to do now until the starter kit turns up.

[The Elf]

What daunts me is how to box it, but I'm ignoring that voice right now.

How about building it into a stage set based on Stonehenge?
Oh, I'm warm to that idea - very warm!!!

[The Elf]

This is what I ended up making. It works over MIDI and/or USB. I chose lit arcade buttons for their large, clear display.

This version is hard-coded to the MIDI channel and controller IDs I use, but in theory I could use the arcade buttons I've chosen to do some basic settings for channel, controller numbers, message type, or the like - probably with a display of some kind to make it friendly. For me this suffices.

Quite proud of this!

https://youtu.be/CBTiqZldzpo

[BJG145]

...oh, very nice.

[BobTheDog]

Very neat, what is in there a Teensy?

[The Elf]

Very neat, what is in there a Teensy?

Arduino. I ordered Nanos, but I also received a couple of additional, unsolicited (brushing?), Micros before I completed the second box. Serendipitously, it turned out that the Micros are the better ones to use, since they additionally support MIDI over USB. It's on my list to take a look at the possible suitability of Teensy, since I understand I can easily give these a USB name.

The first prototype runs MIDI-only (Nano) and the subsequent ones run MIDI and USB (Micro).

Now I've upgraded the hardware to include a backlit LCD screen, with contrast control, and the software to take input from the buttons. I've set the buttons to scroll and edit a list of parameters - MIDI channel; CC/note number for each light; LED brightness factor.

The display/backlight turns on/off automatically when any button is activated and settings are stored automatically between power cycles.

So now it's user-configurable!

I'm even more proud of this project now. It's already very much in favour with the band and I've been asked to make them for other players, which validates what I've created, though this would be too onerous. Maybe if I could design and have made a dedicated circuit board and custom case (the prototype cases take ages to drill/cut and are woefully reflective of my physical DIY skills! ).

When the latest version is up and running (I'm awaiting a few parts to complete the build) I'll make a new video showing what it can now do.

This is one of those devices that is hard to explain to people, but when they see it running they get it. The next prototype is allocated to 'the other place' for artist cueing in the studio.

[Eddy Deegan]

That looks (and the refinements sound) really smart. Good work!

[Wonks]

Could you (or someone) 3-D print a case?

[N i g e l]

if its just cusom front panels you need there are companies that will make them.

eg Schaeffer

https://www.schaeffer-ag.de/en/

the more you buy they cheaper each individual panel becomes.

The design software they provide includes pricing so you can see how much every hole or tool change costs.

[The Elf]

The front panel has been the simplest part of the physical build. It's the square(-ish)-cornered holes in the sides (and also the front, now I have an LCD to acommodate) that really cause the trouble.

Yes, I had considered 3D printing, but it seems it's actually far more complex than I might have hoped!

[James Perrett]

3D printing has struck me as something that is easy to do - once you've spent 3 months learning how to do it! I had a colleague at my old job who could knock out 3D designs ready for printing very quickly - but she had been designing mechanical parts for a good few years.

However, it does look a really useful skill to learn - I've certainly spent a few pounds on 3D printed parts.