DIY Noooob

[steveo1313]

So I'm new to digi DJing (actually new to any djing) but I'm already super interested in making my own Midi controller. I want to make something similar to the Midi Fighter with a couple faders and pots but don't have the money to pay for a custom Midi fighter from the shop.
I'm a computer repair tech and can solder just fine, but I really have no experience in creating my own tools (i.e. midi controllers).

Obviously I need a case, buttons, faders, pots, and a PCB plus the wiring to put it together. BUT I can't find out exactly what I need as far as a PCB goes.

I've seen lots of people mentioning gamepad PCBs, Hale Microsystems, and U-HID. When I check out the Hale and U-Hid sites I'm completely lost as to what I should buy and/or need.

Can anyone give me the basics of what I need. I'm thinking 16 arcade buttons plus at least 2 faders and 2 pots. LEDs would be nice but lets stay basic here to get me going. Sooooo...what PCB?!

[steveo1313]

also...if this is has been asked and answered somewhere else I'm sorry! I've searched this site for probably around 8hrs regarding this subject but all I do is see cool things people have made (and get jealous) and a bunch of jargon that leaves me lost.

[MiL0]

I'd recommend this:

http://highlyliquid.com/midi-controllers/midi-cpu/

which would give you up to 128 switches, 14 potentiometers or 12 encoders (or a combination of the three) for $44.95.

the good thing about this board is the tech support is excellent.. post on the support forum and you'll get a reply with
a schematic and the code you would require to program the brain.

and speaking of programming, it's much simpler to program compared to an Arduino or Midibox.

you can also daisy-chain them together easily if you need more inputs.

[MiL0]

Here's an example of the kind of support you can expect:

http://forum.highlyliquid.com/showthread.php?t=499

[steveo1313]

That's exactly what I was looking for..a little more research and I'll get started.

Thanks for the response! :eek:

[noisyshaun]

I am also in a similar situation here-will you post updates of how you get on here?
Exciting!

[Da Kool Kat]

There has been a huge debate as to which is better. But, if you are willing to invest in digital DJing gear, Serato or Traktor would be a great choice. I use both. I love Traktor because the sync frees the DJ up and let's them craft there own unique sets without beat matching. But, if you want a company who offers online updates, free promotional music, and an all in one mixer/software deal, then Serato is another choice. If these do not meet your bugdet you should demo the product from a fellow DJ, e-mail or mail a letter to the company, or research new digital DJ software. I have yet to use Torq or Mixvibes, but I've seen most DJs test Virtual DJ before moving forward. I've also been using vinyl for most of my DJ life, so I believe that Serato/Traktor offer something close if not better and will help innovate your DJing.

[snowphish]

Hey, pretty new to the boards here...

I have some old xbox controllers lying around and I just ordered a whole bunch of arcade buttons. I'm gonna attempt to make my own version of a midifighter and hopefully add some faders if I can figure out how to replace the triggers/sticks. I think rigging the arcade buttons to the controller buttons will be relatively easy but I'm not sure how the axises work and if I could somehow replace them with faders or maybe use them as is for effects control or something. I'll take pics and document everything to share

[steveo1313]

I'm also thinking of getting some old usb game controllers just to get some experience messing with PCB's and buttons and all. I really wish I could find the PCB that DJTT uses in their midi fighters, I would just order the one they have w/o the buttons and such but a.) I wanna learn this stuff without the box already coming and b.) they're on backorder and I want one now haha (it's my money and I want it now..call JG Wentworth...hate that commercial)

[MiL0]

The midifighter is essentially a teensyduino which you can pick up for even less than an Arduino. All the midifighter code is opensource and available on this forum.