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| .: Further Procrastination leads to project work :.: Mar 12th 2006 | 7.35pm :. |
| Just continued to dream about my synth project, I downloaded the source code for the MidiBox SID v1.7a. Pretty sweet for configuration, I've been customizing to my setup. I think for the most part I'm going to leave out OSC rotary encoders (but leave a chunk of console space for them in the future), but have encoders for LFO/Filter/Envelope. I'll still be able to modify everything via the menu panel, as well as only use a single DINX4 module. As well I don't really want to use a DOUT module (don't have one ordered) so for now my panel will be rather plain. That's okay, I don't need a lot of feedback, and from what I've heard any input change will show it's effect on the LCD, so I don't necessarily need LEDs for all of my current state.
I'll probably never make a custom sequencer, I'll probably just end up purchasing a RM-1x or something similiar. Too bad, I'd like to have a 100% homebrew setup. We'll have to see.
| | .: Start of Project Blog :.: Mar 12th 2006 | 2.55pm :. |
I've decided I should be logging my progress as I build my midibox projects.. My goal is a MidiBox SID, followed by a MidiBox FM module, followed by a custom drum sequencer based a bit on MidiBox SEQ. However I'm attempting to keep focussed on getting something done, and therefore have to set my goals pragmatically. My current plan of action is:
- MidiBox SID
- MidiBox SID simple control panel & banksticks
- More dedicated knobs
- MidiBox FM
- custom sequencer
With the idea, I should start watching my purchases - I've been buying for all three when I should be stick to just the SID - otherwise before I'm done I'll have spent way too much money.
Anyways, here is what I have so far in vintage parts:
- SID chip, from ebay - ca. 20$ US
- C64 Power supply, from some auction site - ca. $10 US
As well, I'm waiting on a shipment from SmashTV's excellent website, for
- 1 CORE kit w/PIC - 23.95 US
- 1 SID kit - $15.00 US
- 1 DIN kit - $10.00 US
- 1 Rotary encoder - $1.00 US
- Pinheader/ribbon cable/LEDs
That gives me everything I need for a simple MidiBox SID, and some parts for the extension. I've also purchased 2 2x20 LCD modules with LED backlight off of some asian ebay site, and began asking around for OPL3 chips - I figure I might as well start doing the hunting for the rare parts needed for that project - they're cheap and may take awhile to come across (although I really need to check my junk bins for those chips as well).
What else do I need? Hrm.. A soldering iron with tiny tip, and I'm thinking a cheap drill press for when I get to that part of the project. I'm still up in the air as to what I should use for a case, although I've found that mouser prefab enclosures are way to expensive. That's okay, though.. I'm sure I can find something suitable for cheap. I want it to be like a desktop module. It shouldn't be too hard. Other parts that I will need are:
- Banksticks. I'm thinking an initial purchase of 12 would be find for at least the SID and FM modules - I'll probably make a couple sweet SID patches and stick to them, I usually just tweak on the fly anyways. In either case, I'm getting them from mouser.
- Knobs
- Buttons. I'll try to get a large number of good quality buttons from mouser. I don't want crap
- ?
- Oh, a 32pin PDCC socket for the flash chip from the sunray - unrelated but it's part of the mouser order :)
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