Controller Hack: NanoPad, LPD8 or Ipad ?
Hi,
I want a customized controller, and I need a row of 12 pads, instead of 2 rows of 6 pads.
The nanopad is made up of a single board for the pads, so I’ve to split the board, but I don’t know if then the pads will still work 
I didn’t found photos of the interior of the Akai LPD8 or the Icon Ipad, they have a single board too?
I’ve heard also of a controller by Vestax, can it be good for this mod?
Any idea?
Hack up your own midifighter-type controller? I don’t think cutting a circuit board in half is a good plan.
I wouldn’t use any of those controllers. What are you making it for? Does it really have to have velocity sensitive pads?
I’m building a customized keytar with 12 or 8 pads on the neck.
If the pads are velocity sensitive is better, but it’s not necessary.
I’m not very into electronics, so I need something which is easy to mod 
Thanks
Hale UMC-32…
http://www.sparkfun.com/products/9108
This is perfect for beginners.
the UMC-32 is awesome!
the only thing is its a little pricey, but in the long run may be simpler,
id be tempted to say if it doesnt have to be velocity sensitive, then just find a cheap MIDI keyboard, something small and wire 12 of the keys to 12 buttons or pads of your choice, and ignore the rest of its outputs
Hey- that’s not a bad idea. Finally a use for the korg nanokey?
the UMC-32 seems to be very cool, but the idea of etch is easier and cheaper
I’ll evaluate both of them
Thanks
mmm… I’m thinking that nanokey would be the best solution.
but I’ve the same problem: can I split it up?
beacuse I want the keys in a unique row
exactly! although the nano series is quite micro internally interms of space to solder to
yes ofcourse in theory, get rid of the plastic keys from the nanokey, choose some new buttons, and then resolder them to the contacts for the original keys, no need to split the circuit board up!
although especially with something so neatly designed, [im currently attempting a nanokontrol rearrange, its not proving easy] theres only micro surfaces to solder to - not something to attempt if youve never soldered!
so a slightly larger / cheaper controller may actually be better just because it will have larger contacts internally if youve never soldered, thats where something like the UMC-32 holds its own, you basically wouldnt need to solder!
USB game controllers are quite good, (really cheap off ebay)
or if your happy to learn some code something like the Arduino (and you could then have veolicty sensitive pads again)
hope some of this is useful
very useful, thanks
the UMC-32 seems to be the best choice.
What if I use pressure sensors instead of buttons/pads ?
Unfortunately UMC-32 doesn’t support any pressure sensitive controls.
and heres another option to the UMC-32,
much cheaper! but again with less flexibility in the long run, but will do what you want easily, but again as far as i can see will not support velocity sensitive pads,
it seems much easier to use than the UMC-32
and it’s cheaper
Thanks
no problem
and good luck! let us know how it all goes