custom arcade controller

[boileroo]

hey
so ive talked in a previous post about a custom controller im in the process of making, so now im officially going to make this the ' my custom arcade box controller' thread...to see what im intending to do with it check out the other 'controller layout' thread.

so just in case anyone cares...

here are a few early pictures of the laser cut acrylic box and the knobs and switches in places. and some massive awesome LEDs! just waiting for my umc 32 and the arcade buttons to arrive, but this should give you an idea of whats going on. any questions just ask.

oh and i can post the wiring diagrams and laser cut template too if anyone wants it

thanks guys check it out!

[Foreverhex]

That's looking nice and clean. Here are my highly interested questions because this looks good.
How much did the case and cutting cost you?
What chip are you using to send midi?
What program are you using this for?
How is the layout going to work with your program?

[boileroo]

That's looking nice and clean. Here are my highly interested questions because this looks good.
How much did the case and cutting cost you?
What chip are you using to send midi?
What program are you using this for?
How is the layout going to work with your program?

well the plastic (3mm clear acrylic) i had left lying around from and old school dt project, but i think the amount i used would have cost maybe £25 tops. and we have a laser cutter at my 6th form so i get free use of that so cant comment im afraid!

im going to be using the hale micro umc 32 for the midi. ive heard some pretty good stuff about it and it doesnt require any programming which was a big plus for me.

ill be using it with traktor, and if you search for a post called 'controller layout' (by me) you can see the pdf for my anticipated layout!

thanks for the interest!

[Foreverhex]

im going to be using the hale micro umc 32 for the midi. ive heard some pretty good stuff about it and it doesnt require any programming which was a big plus for me.

That is a good one indeed. I didn't use it for my custom controller... but I wish I did. lol

[Foreverhex]

Just found your pdf. Looks like a good use of the space. I do want to suggest something though.

I noticed that your controller is going to have a virtual 4 layers. And I think that's what the 4 switches are for right? Be careful when switching those over. If you have more than one on at a time it may make things funky.

I don't completely know you chip though. I don't know if it uses a switch matrix. It may just make it send out a new midi signal.

You might want to use a rotary switch instead.

[boileroo]

what im hoping to do is to use each of the 4 switches as a modifier which simply sends on/off. which in theory would give me as many as 16 different layers should i wish! i feel like im going to have to learn to use bomes though...

[Kvitamin]

that's looking really cool. I have a similar setup with the UMC32 where i have 4 different setups i switch between. I would also caution against switches if you have just four different layouts. I have momentary buttons (without LEDs) and you can switch however you want just by pressing one button, you will have to flip two switches, one off and one on, it seems. and i don't know how the toggle switch will work, it might be like holding down a key on a midi keyboard, which might also act weird.

I'm planning on incorporating LEDs in my next project, how are you doing yours, with the even odd setup?

[boileroo]

ok so its finished! and working perfectly for now....not the most pro build your ever going to see but for a first time controller builder im well chuffed! so check the pics, and any questions, fire away!

also, if any one want me to do a full write up / tutorial guide for complete beginners like me then id be happy to

[bergen]

Looks fantastic! Love the clear plastic look.

[f0tif0]

grate job i would really like to see complite write up if possible on this