Monday, July 28, 2008
EHC knobs
The EHC knobs arrived. They are very nice, however way too expensive if you are buying more than one. I need roughly 56 knobs, so 56 x $6 = $336. Even Allied Electronics has them for under $5 but that still was going to cost a lot of money.
So instead I am still searching for something less expensive. Perhaps something plastic for now.
So instead I am still searching for something less expensive. Perhaps something plastic for now.
Posts on midibox.org
More detailed discussion into my midibox can be found at http://www.midibox.org/forum/index.php/topic,11847.0.html
It will discuss any low level technical problems I have encountered that this blog will likely not cover.
It will discuss any low level technical problems I have encountered that this blog will likely not cover.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Testing the AIN
So I was able to get some midi generated into Ableton. I used the MIOS studio to upload a .hex file that I found on the MIOS downloads section on ucapps.
Photos here are testing the AIN module and also a rough draft of what the layout for the front panel will be. FYI There are some missing pots in the layout.

Photos here are testing the AIN module and also a rough draft of what the layout for the front panel will be. FYI There are some missing pots in the layout.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Mackie Control emulator for UC33e
Here is the mackie control emulator for the UC33e. It allows you to use the UC33e as if it were a Mackie control. You can upload it to your UC33e using the Enigma software.
I use this for ableton and it allows me to select, play, and stop tracks without the use of a mouse!
Credit goes to the originator of the XML file.
http://jamie3.googlepages.com/UC33eMackieControl.xml
*Note* I have not been able to get this to work under Ableton 7.x (only 6.x). Others have report no problems using this emulator with 7.x but I haven't been so fortunate. If you do get it working please let me know!
I use this for ableton and it allows me to select, play, and stop tracks without the use of a mouse!
Credit goes to the originator of the XML file.
http://jamie3.googlepages.com/UC33eMackieControl.xml
*Note* I have not been able to get this to work under Ableton 7.x (only 6.x). Others have report no problems using this emulator with 7.x but I haven't been so fortunate. If you do get it working please let me know!
Monday, July 14, 2008
Powering the midibox for the first time
I went to canadian tire and purchase a multi-volt AC adapter. You can switch it between 1.5V and 12V, and supply a maximum of 500mA.
I used my breadboard to test the AC adapter with the midibox core module, powering approximately 7V to the core at the VS and VD pins.
I tested the voltage across the VS and VD pins for each of the Jumpers that will power the DOU/AOUT/LCD, etc.
Everything measured at a flat 5V. Voila! it worked!
The next step it to test the LCD and the potentiometer to determine if I am getting midi signals.
I used my breadboard to test the AC adapter with the midibox core module, powering approximately 7V to the core at the VS and VD pins.
I tested the voltage across the VS and VD pins for each of the Jumpers that will power the DOU/AOUT/LCD, etc.
Everything measured at a flat 5V. Voila! it worked!
The next step it to test the LCD and the potentiometer to determine if I am getting midi signals.
Got bitten by a mouse! I mean mouser!
So I ordered some parts from mouser.com, come to realize their ridiculous cost on shipping.
$20 flat rate shipping to Canada from the U.S.
This is OK, only if you are getting a bulk order, but for someone like me who is sampling parts and making small orders this was a big disappointment.
So beware of the mouser!
I am on the hunt now for some Canadian distributors or even distributors that offer cheaper shipping. Or if all else fails just buy a whole whack of parts!
So hopefully this blog will be a guide for you for buying parts.
$20 flat rate shipping to Canada from the U.S.
This is OK, only if you are getting a bulk order, but for someone like me who is sampling parts and making small orders this was a big disappointment.
So beware of the mouser!
I am on the hunt now for some Canadian distributors or even distributors that offer cheaper shipping. Or if all else fails just buy a whole whack of parts!
So hopefully this blog will be a guide for you for buying parts.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Illuminated pots and knobs
After taking a look at the impressive aurora mixer I decided to go ahead and order some of the same parts:
Essentially these parts will add style to the mixer, especially in the dark.
Essentially these parts will add style to the mixer, especially in the dark.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Hunting for DJ style Knobs and Faders
hThis week I spent researching various options for knobs and faders. Coming from a DJ background and playing on a variety of DJ mixers (Allen & Heath, Pioneer, Vestax, etc), I knew I wanted something durable and heavy duty, yet stylish at the same time.
I purchased some plastic knobs from my local electronics store, however I wanted something a little more heavy duty. They recommended a company called EHC (Electronic Hardware Corporation). EHC had some nice heavy duty aluminum anodized knobs for pots. I purchased two types:


The knobs were roughly $6.50 each, pretty pricey, so hopefully they will do the trick. The knobs are 3/4" in diameter and roughly the same in height. I wanted something somewhat compact but also wide enough that i can grip easily during performances.
Now the faders...
After spending some research I found out that the Allen & Heath and many other mixers use ALPS faders. My local distributor didn't carry ALPS so I had to order them from Mouser.
I wasn't 100% sure which one to purchase, so I bought a few to sample and see which one I like the most.
Here are the ones I purchased:
Now just waiting for them to arrive!
I purchased some plastic knobs from my local electronics store, however I wanted something a little more heavy duty. They recommended a company called EHC (Electronic Hardware Corporation). EHC had some nice heavy duty aluminum anodized knobs for pots. I purchased two types:


The knobs were roughly $6.50 each, pretty pricey, so hopefully they will do the trick. The knobs are 3/4" in diameter and roughly the same in height. I wanted something somewhat compact but also wide enough that i can grip easily during performances.
Now the faders...
After spending some research I found out that the Allen & Heath and many other mixers use ALPS faders. My local distributor didn't carry ALPS so I had to order them from Mouser.
I wasn't 100% sure which one to purchase, so I bought a few to sample and see which one I like the most.
Here are the ones I purchased:
- 60mm 10Kohm Illuminated Slider - ALPS website said they carried red illuminated sliders but I could not find them on the mouser website. Cost was $3.33.
- 100mm 10K - This one is not illuminated. It features
Now just waiting for them to arrive!
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Studio Pictures
The beginning of the Midi Box
Started construction of my midibox www.ucapps.de. This will be a 6 channel 19x14" controller for ableton. Will contain a built in firewire sound card, perhaps a motu.
The parts were ordered from Tim aka SmashTV. Great guy and professional packaging.

Thus far the core, dout, ain, and aout are assembled.

I am in the process of searching for pots, knobs and pcb assembly.
Performing a pot test using some LEDs and my old cell phone charger
The parts were ordered from Tim aka SmashTV. Great guy and professional packaging.
Thus far the core, dout, ain, and aout are assembled.
I am in the process of searching for pots, knobs and pcb assembly.
Performing a pot test using some LEDs and my old cell phone charger
First post
First blog post. This will contain entries to my music, technology and interests of all kind.
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