MIDI Remote - ABBUC Hardware Competition

[PeBe]

I'd like to introduce you to a gadget that is quite closely related to the world of MIDI and the MIDICar device - but not only.

MIDI Remote is an external device whose main purpose is to be able to control MIDICar Player (in its latest version) via remote control. In addition, it also allows you to present the title of the currently playing song, and visualize the MIDI data stream you are listening to.

It uses the MIDI protocol for communication, which is natively supported by MIDICar or via the SIO connector, allowing it to be used with other MIDI devices, such as MIDIBox or MIDIMate.

The remote control can be used to control program functions such as Play/Pause/Stop, next/previous track, type of song/list looping (loop mode), moving through the list, changing equalizer parameters for DreamBlaster S2 (volume, low, mid, treble)

Summary

Type of device: Gadge
Purpose: Atari 8-bit, MIDICar Player >=1.6.
Compatible with devices: MIDICar, MIDIBox, MIDIMate.
Available connectors: MIDI-In, MIDI-Out, SIO (in the form of DB9 socket - I had one).
Other: LCD display, IR receiver+pilot, function button
Power supply: 5V from SIO connector or external DC power supply.
Current consumption: 45mA (35mA when, backlight is off).


Some images of the final version:

Gadget listens :)

From left: SIO in DB 9 :(, MIDI-In and MIDI-Out jacks.

Portrait of the set :)

Probably the best place for the gadget ;)

A side view on MIDICar Remote and MIDICar :)

[Mathy]

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Hello PeBe

Available connectors: MIDI-In, MIDI-Out, SIO (in the form of DB9 socket - I had one).

Sikor is selling injection moulded SIO connectors. BTW two connectors would be even better.

Sincerely

Mathy

[PeBe]

So far, I'm making everything from the resources I was able to gather when there was still work. For now, demonstratively, it has to be as it is Well... If you don't have what you like, you like what you have

[Mathy]

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Hello PeBe

So far, I'm making everything from the resources I was able to gather when there was still work. For now, demonstratively, it has to be as it is Well... If you don't have what you like, you like what you have

I understand. But will there be a final version with (two) SIO ports? And will you sell a ready-to-use product or will you publish the files we need to reproduce it?

Sincerely

Mathy

PS will you be joining us at this years Fujiama?

[PeBe]

But will there be a final version with (two) SIO ports?

I am unlikely to be involved in the production of this gadget, unless something changes in my work life - time will tell.

And will you sell a ready-to-use product or will you publish the files we need to reproduce it?

Once the contest is over, all things related to MIDI Remote will be available on my GitHub.

[PeBe]

PS will you be joining us at this years Fujiama?

(Sorry, I did not notice this question)

I think I already included the answer in the previous post. It all depends on finances, which are so far lacking.

[PeBe]

I have a few more videos related to the very early stages of building the gadget.

I will present them in chronological order.

1. the idea: to create a visualizer for MIDI - because, MIDI channel preview is not strictly related to MIDICar Player, but to MIDI protocol. https://youtu.be/FHLNVfzR6zM

2: What if... send some messages from the device to the computer? And that's how the idea of MCP control came into effect https://youtu.be/v7glGpwlUAM

3.Here already the beauty of prototyping in its full glory. You can see every major detail of the design
https://youtu.be/-_vN8u8I-pM

[PeBe]

Available connectors: MIDI-In, MIDI-Out, SIO (in the form of DB9 socket - I had one).

.

Sikor is selling injection molded SIO connectors. BTW two connectors would be even better.

I thought about it. I used a small splitter from Mq and with an enclosure (I think) from KKrys. I made a crazy construction on which the whole thing somehow holds together

There is a bit of slack, but the SIO plug goes in
Now I can polish the whole prototype of the SIO sockets in MIDI Remote.

It will look very respectable

[Mathy]

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Hello PeBe

That looks very nice already. But wouldn't it be easier to remove the SIO plugs from the SIO connectors if the connectors would be next to each other instead of over each other?

Sincerely

Mathy

[PeBe]

But wouldn't it be easier to remove the SIO plugs from the SIO connectors if the connectors would be next to each other instead of over each other?

As this is a prototype, I had to (I'll repeat myself here) choose from what I had available (but in such a way as not to destroy it) and, in addition, adapt to the housing I had.
Perhaps you are right that the sockets being next to each other gives more comfort in handling the plugs. Well...
When designing a case dedicated to a gadget (in 3D), one can be tempted to refine it better.
The same goes for the front of the gadget. The function button, too, should have been done differently.
It was to be a fixed part of the casing, with a "U" shaped notch that, when the device was switched on, was illuminated (the diode for this illumination is physically in the device).

As you can see, there are quite a lot of design ideas, but the lack of resources to make them, causes some to be abandoned.

[Mathy]

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Hello PeBe

I fully understand your situation! What I am trying to do is get the final release as easy to use and as good looking as possible. That does not mean that you have to build it like that. But it would be nice if the PCB gives us the option to realize it like that.

Sincerely

Mathy

[PeBe]

What I am trying to do is get the final release as easy to use and as good looking as possible. That does not mean that you have to build it like that. But it would be nice if the PCB gives us the option to realize it like that.

Yes, I value your advice and insights.

To a large extent, the PCB design is geared to this.
Generally, the whole thing is modular, i.e. it doesn't consist of a single PCB - yes, this adds to the cost, but the idea was to make the type of device interface optional, i.e. either a version with DIN 5 sockets (MIDI) or SIO.
I built a (let's call it) multi version, but it's not an interface in the sense of the word, i.e. it doesn't connect the Atari to e.g. keyboards. It is more of a final device in the MIDI chain.
And this is where the concept of modularity lies, where you can choose an option for yourself, i.e. MIDI, SIO, MIDI and SIO or MIDI<>SIO as a typical interface (like MIDIMate) with an add-on.

I will also be preparing a single PCB version.

[Mathy]

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Hello PeBe

Sound great! (No pun intended)

Sincerely

Mathy

[PeBe]

Extra Extra...

MCR works great as a MIDI-USB interface.

Here is a short video, and I apologize for the sound - recorded from my phone

https://youtu.be/7UFZYQC3H-U

[PeBe]

Atari can make noise... And with MIDI Remote it comes out even better

A few tracks that were played on the Atari, but use FluidSynth on the PC via MCR USB Mode (so to speak)

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=P ... cG-1vgegEn

I wish you a nice listening experience.

[PeBe]

Hey everyone.

I wanted to inform you that I asked andyMenOne to change the title of this post.

All due to the fact that my conscience was gnawing at me. The name MIDICar Remote pretty much (in my opinion) used the already existing MIDICar, which belongs to Pancio. I would not want to be accused of "riding in someone else's wheelchair."

Hence, from now on the project bears a slightly shorter name
MIDI Remote.

I hope I have not offended anyone.

Regards, PeBe.

[pancio]

I seen PeBe's MIDI Remote in action during development... it's amazing and equipped with many features. I'm not fairy but I can see (without crystal ball!) many many new modern, interesting things to do with MIDI Remote :-)

Best Regards,
pancio

[Mathy]

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Hello Pancio

Maybe you can take PeBe and his MIDI Remote with you when you come to the Fujiama?!

Sincerely

Mathy

[pancio]

Hi Mathy,

Good idea. I'll ask PeBe to borrow prototype... but are you sure I should before Abbuc HW competition ended? :-)

[Mathy]

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Hello Pancio

I'm pretty sure it's no problem, but we better ask AndyManOne. I'll send him a private message.

BTW I know it's easier to just take his hardware with you, but you can also take PeBe himself (and his hardware) with you if you want too.

Sincerely

Mathy

[andymanone]

Hi Mathy,

Good idea. I'll ask PeBe to borrow prototype... but are you sure I should before Abbuc HW competition ended?

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Hello Pancio

I'm pretty sure it's no problem, but we better ask AndyManOne. I'll send him a private message.

BTW I know it's easier to just take his hardware with you, but you can also take PeBe himself (and his hardware) with you if you want too.

Sincerely

Mathy

Hi Pancio, Mathy !

I think, it's no problem if Pancio borrows the MIDI hardware from PeBe and brings it to Fujiama.

The only thing is, that Pancio does not provide any details (blueprints, schematics, code, etc.)

Gtx.,
andY

[PeBe]

Hi everyone.

It's been a while since the last post, well. Different things, different things happen.

Things were supposed to be a little different with the MIDI Remote too, and it came out.... prototype works

The selection of the interface was supposed to be done electronically, but I did not manage to grasp with the available resources such a solution. A slightly clunkier, but having something of the era, version on a three-position switch. It allows you to choose how to connect the available sockets to each other, and they are as follows:

• DIN* <> USB

• SIO* <> DIN

• SIO* <> USB

The Remote option is only available for the connector with an asterisk. In addition, modes with USB retransmit data from the source at 115200 bits/second. In SIO<>DIN mode, the speed for both connectors is the same and is 31250. I don't know if other speed settings are needed - you can always add such an option if you need it The change of interface is signaled by an appropriate message and a quick dimming of the function button.

In addition, this button (its backlight), indicates whether the MIDI Remote is processing any data, such as remote control or data transmission. This is announced by a slow flashing of the backlight.

The interface works wonderfully with PC software (via USB connection) giving unnoticeable latency (<2ms) Some fluctuations may be audible to the trained ear, but I'm working on eliminating them.

Soon I will try to prepare a video with a short presentation of the changes made.

Greetings to all, PeBe

[andymanone]

Very cool ,

I'm only one step away from my plane to South America, but I'm happy, to give a fast thumbs up before .

Cheers,
andY

[PeBe]

As I hate to create videos, I tell you.

Something was hatched, but my satisfaction with it is rather mediocre.

I hope that at least you will enjoy such a presentation.

https://youtu.be/H8lhAwAPT1g

I recommend reading the description under the video. It explains a lot.

[PeBe]

What could such a device be useful for?

Well. It's not for everyone, though.... I can't speak for everyone

It's a good multi-interface, but not self-playing.
An interesting gadget on the desk, next to a disk drive, or under the monitor

IMG_20230907_192732.jpg (64.33 KiB) 1794 mal betrachtet

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I think that such a device, can be useful for more programmers, like me
First of all:
- without problems you can see if there is a transfer or not
- you can see what channels are in use
with the PC:
- the possibility of tracking events - MIDI "debugging"
- custom sound banks

Personally, it has been very useful for creating a game that uses MIDI for music.