PICMIX - DIY midi DJ controller

**Skirmitt** · 10-30-2011, 07:32 AM

I did several projects with PICs before that's the reason why. I chose this PIC cause this is a very allround PIC, very cost effective, lots of I/O so no need for a key matrix unless you want more buttons. An INT port, HW serial port, internal OSC and so on. I could use a PIC18 at higher speeds but I think the PIC16 is fast enough.

The interrupt on change pins that are available are used for the rotary encoders. This way they are very responsive and reliable. I tried reading them on regular pins but that gave me not wanted results. The other buttons are read in a loop, the program runs fast enough not to miss a keypress.

The cost of the PCB is not much.
-16f887 at 4 euro
-headers at 2 euro
-cables are old ones I reused
-analog multiplexers are 0.5 euro a piece, 2 are used
-inverting schmitt triggers cost 0.3 euro a piece, I used 3
-7805 and the rest of the parts set you back around 2 euro

All together you build this for less than 15 euro including a PCB.

To honest I was going to use an arduino first, just to explore the platform but I didn't like the way it was programmed compared with the CCS compiler I'm used to. Though, I'm sure you can do it as easily on an Arduino.

**DJDoubleYou** · 10-30-2011, 01:37 PM

Holy sh*t that's soooooo cheap!
NICEEE!!

**Skirmitt** · 10-30-2011, 02:36 PM

Well the PCB is yes. The front plate is around 80. Buttons, encoders, faders and so on did cost me around 60-80 euros I think. All together I could've bought a second hand VCI-100 but hey, I can buy spareparts easily and I control the firmware :-)

Still need to build a case in wood, hope to do that this week.

**ichitaka** · 10-30-2011, 02:36 PM

dude, would be so happy if you could bring us a complete building tutorial

**Skirmitt** · 10-30-2011, 02:38 PM

What would like to know in detail ? I would like to help.

**zestoi** · 10-30-2011, 02:40 PM

Originally Posted by Skirmitt

I can buy spareparts easily and I control the firmware :-)

this is the best bit/reason i reckon

imho the midi fighters seem a bit expensive for what they are but i bought one so i now have a controller i can completely customise the firmware on if i want - tho i'm using midimasher to do most of that now, i'll also come up with some tweaks for the mf firmware eventually.

**DJDoubleYou** · 10-30-2011, 02:44 PM

Originally Posted by Skirmitt

What would like to know in detail ? I would like to help.

I think he means a how-to on the brain (i would love it too)

**ichitaka** · 10-30-2011, 03:25 PM

i think most important would be a shopping list so everybody could see what they have to pay. And maybe a list of the major steps you have to follow for those who never build a midi controller before.

when we will see a finished picture of your beatiful work?