The MIDI Shield is here
I received my two MIDI Shield circuit boards from Batch PCB over the weekend. I’m happy to report that they came out 100% error free. However, I think I’m going to make one or two minor tweaks before getting a bunch produced.
MIDI requires the use of the Arduino serial port pins, which are also used by the on-board USB programmer. With my current design the MIDI Shield has to be unplugged before the Arduino can be programmed, which is a pain in the ass. Instead, I’m going to add a jumper to the MIDI Shield. Remove the jumper, program the Arduino, then put the jumper back on. Much better than pulling the whole shield off every time you need to upload code.
The other changes I need to make are to the silk screen. I forgot to label the positive leads of the LEDs and some of the other lettering is a bit wonky. All easy fixes that won’t require an additional prototype to be made.
I also need to create a few examples to get people started coding with this thing. I spent about half an hour coding up a MIDI theremin, but it’s definitely a little rough around the edges. It works, but I think I need to limit the note range to one or two octaves instead of all 128 MIDI notes. I might also try to create a dead-simple 16 step sequencer. With only two buttons and two knobs, it’s going to be pretty primative, but it’ll show people what kind of things the Arduino (and MIDI) can do. If I come up with anything cool I’ll post a youTube video.
David Said,
October 8, 2008 @ 1:28 pm
Looks great…
Will you sell these PCBs ? If so, I’d be interested in one or two (feel free to email me
).
Laen Said,
October 8, 2008 @ 1:52 pm
A couple of options on the whole “Serial programming” thing:
* You could use the SoftwareSerial arduino library to talk to the Midi. That clears up your RX and TX pins for the actual serial port.
* I *think* if you put a resistors on RX and TX to your board, it’ll allow enough current to go to the Arduino’s serial port that you’ll be able to program it with the shield in place.
I hear there’s also a “program over MIDI” AVR bootloader out there, but it’s probably not Arduino compatible.
Love the shield!
loydmilligan Said,
October 8, 2008 @ 2:47 pm
Also very interested in buying a pcb, let me know if you are selling.
Thanks
Amos Said,
October 8, 2008 @ 2:55 pm
Yes, I’ll be selling PCBs and possibly complete kits once my final revision is tested and I have a few examples coded. I’ll have a parts list, construction guide, and other documentation posted soon.
Michael Una Said,
October 8, 2008 @ 3:04 pm
Just wanted to say, this looks great and I also am interested in purchasing a few of these little guys once you get them produced. If it’ll help the production, I’d be interested in pre-ordering.
Thanks, and keep up the good work, sir!
Wayne H Said,
October 9, 2008 @ 1:15 am
>With my current design the MIDI Shield has to be unplugged before the Arduino can
> be programmed, which is a pain in the ass. Instead, I’m going to add a jumper to
> the MIDI Shield. Remove the jumper, program the Arduino, then put the jumper back
> on. Much better than pulling the whole shield off every time you need to upload code.
Why not add a mux to the circuit that automatically switches off the Midi Board’s connection to the serial port pins when the reset pin is toggled. I think this would work…
Wayne
Matt Said,
October 13, 2008 @ 10:46 pm
This is so cool! I have a couple of questions about what the code would look like, and also an idea or two about the design… what do you think? Anyway, drop me a line when you get a chance… I’ve been looking for something just like this, and I really like the perspective shot in the upper left corner!
William Said,
October 17, 2008 @ 10:34 am
i can’t wait till these are available. So many projects in mind…
Don’t rush perfection, but hurry up
linde Said,
October 20, 2008 @ 4:31 pm
Very cool and useful for fast prototyping. I’d very much like to buy one once they’re done.