* Build Log * DIY Controllers (gamepad PCB)

[oskars]

Hi everyone!

I have finally bought some material for my up and coming controller project! I already own a Kontrol X1 that I love, but I also love DIY controllers. So why not build two controllers that have the same dimensions as the X1 to have on each side of it?

As a cheap solution I will use two USB gamepad PCBs! Each gamepad cost about $18 and will give me the following:
4 analog inputs for sliders/knobs
12 (maybe 14) digital inputs for buttons

That is quite what I need for some fun play!

The size of my controllers are the same as the X1: 120x29mm

As a nice detail and addition I will add LEDs to all the buttons. When a button is pushed, the buttons LED will light up! Not as nice as MIDI controlled LEDs, but it will do

As seen on the attached image I will be using two different designs. Functions as followed:

LEFT CONTROLLER:
1 crossfader
2 volume faders (the far left, and far right faders)
1 fader with, until now, planned function
12 buttons for cue points, and other basic functions. Maybe some effects.

I think that I am satisfied with the left controllers layout. I think it has the most basic functions I need: crossfader and volume faders.

I like the 3x3 button layout more than 4x4. 3x3 takes less space, and somehow feels better to play with...

For the right controller I'm not as sure... On the attached image there is 2 faders and 2 knobs on it. I added some knobs instead of faders, because the left controller doesn't have any. But I'm not sure... How do you think I should layout my right controller? A jogwheel would be SO nice, but the budget does not accept it

/ Oskar

[Str8upDrew]

Check out this blog post for some interesting layout idea's...
http://www.djtechtools.com/2010/09/1...-midi-fighter/

[thelpb]

Lookin good man, I like the concept!

What software did you use to layout your panel design?

[oskars]

Check out this blog post for some interesting layout idea's...
http://www.djtechtools.com/2010/09/1...-midi-fighter/

Thank you!

Lookin good man, I like the concept!

What software did you use to layout your panel design?

Thanks! =) I use Adobe Illustrator! It seems like the forum made the images smaller... Don't know why.

[oskars]

I think I will go on with this layout... It seems fun...
But then again... Seeing that first layout in my first post, for the right controller... I like the faders vertical too... Can't decide...

[fullenglishpint]

Are you absolutely sure you only want 3x3 grids? There are reasons for having 4x4, not least because many things in dance music come in 4s (think harder, better, faster, stronger!). I used to have a Numark Omni control which had 3 buttons per deck along the bottom, I mapped a cue juggle mode to them but really missed having a 4th button so had to try something else. Maybe even a 4x3 to save space?

[oskars]

argh. Wrote a long answer... But somehow Safari closed...!

I can not have a 4x4 grid because the gamepad PCB only have 12-14 buttons.

Yeah, I know the reason why 4x4 is popular... But I need something that takes less space (width), and something that uses only 12 buttons.

The X1 has a 4x2 grid for CUE points... So maybe a 4x3 grid for my left controller is a good solution?

Still... It's kool to have 3 buttons "easy to reach" near you...

Please help me! I am definitely NOT sure about the grids...

[fullenglishpint]

To start with, since you have a world of possibilities for where all your controls go i'd have a real think about which controls you want to use for what. It would be very annoying to come up with a great mapping idea further down the line that you have the wrong button configuration for!

Personally I'd have my x-fader and levels on one side and a 4x3 on the other, then whatever you want. I'd also have my 4x3 on my stronger side, ie the right since I'm right handed. Gives you better speed and accuracy.

[oskars]

Thank you a lot for your thougths! That helps me a lot. That's what I need! Someones advice!

Check my new layouts... Maybe like that?

Left controller upper buttons:
3x3 = Dont know exact functions yet

Left controller faders:
Fader 1 = Volume Deck A/C
Fader 2 = Dont know yet?
Fader 3 = Volume Deck B/D
Crossfader = crossfader =)

Lower button 1 = Play/Pause Deck A
Lower Button 2 = Dont know yet?
Lower Button 3 = Play/Pause Deck B

Right controller buttons:
4x3 = CUE points

Right controller faders:
Horisontal Fader 1 = Effect
Knob 1 = Effect
Knob 2 = Effect
Horionstal Fader 2 = Effect

[fullenglishpint]

Since you already have an X1 do you need play/pause buttons? If you do, might be better to have deck A on the left and B on the right. Maybe.

Do you have room for the x-fader and lines on the right under the 4x3? that would free up the whole left side to mess around with FX presets and the like. I don't know if it's possible, but if you could have a set of fader set up with smart functionality like the VCI-100SE fader FX mode (top of the fader is off, slide down turns on and increases D/W of one effect and hitting the bottom activates another) it would be awesome!