Ahhh … BTW … i’m ready to try MicroDexed
Of course I like it! But I already have cases and only need front (and back) panels. Will show pictures soon.
Regards, Holger
Very good! I am currently writing the manual. When it is ready you will be the first one who can build a MicroDexed (hmmmm… what does that remind me of?
)
Regards, Holger
Ramón can also build front panels. I think that you only need cut, anodize and serigraphy. It could be cheap. When you have the design, you could ask him …
Regards,
Just to keep the thread alive.
Before sending the first (alpha) kits, I have to do the following:
- connect the encoders
- getting LCDs and encoders for the kits from China (this may take up to four weeks)
- writing some code for the UI (selecting bank, voice and volume) - just as a first start for the UI
- write a build manual
I think this will take some time… so stay tuned!
Regards, Holger
Would you consider using a OLED 2x16 display? More expensive, but so much better looking. Adafruit has them. Cheaper from China.
Currently not, because it would make the UI design more complicated (…for me. What I mean: I know how to use the LCD and I have so much things to do to get this project running, so I don’t want to change the design now).
I think MicroDexed should be more a kind of a playing instrument, so a LCD based UI is IMHO enough. If you need more flexibility with programming: No problem, MicroDexed understands Yamaha-DX7-SYSEX You can use an external programmer (software or expensive hardware) or create sounds with the VST of Dexed and copy them to the SD card. But I will also add a way to change parameters with the encoders and LCD in future releases.
But, perhaps the next version will have an OLED?
Regards, Holger
You own this programmer???
I am thinking of using a module with one encoder, a LED ring around and a small uC onboard which “speaks” a simple protocol (I2C?). With about 60 of those I2C-encoders a DX7 editor would be sooooo coool!
Regards, Holger
No, I just played with it for a week.
But it’s so expensive that, with the same money, you can buy two microsoft surface pro 4 tablets, install CTRLR and have a tons of custom panels, like the one I used on the Nova serie
…or the Roland D50 one
…and why don’t talk about the monster: the SY77

(how the hell did yamaha think that a single data entry controller was enough to program that thing?!)
Ok ok… I’m off topic. About the hardware version, in hardware panels I quite don’t like encoders when a potentiometer should be used. Yes, potentiometers are a PITA when changing from one preset to another, but there is some workaround (like the “catch current value” used by modern novation synths). And, well… it’s a “feeling” matter… like those “new” Moogs with encoders, just… no!
I want to build an hardware control panel for my Mininova, but there will be blood…ahem… potentiometers. MANY potentiometers…
Because apparently about 95% of the ones that came in for repair still had the original factory presets.
There is an opinion that memory presets were a major backward step for creative synthesis . . .
Yep, a very good reason.
(Elka Syntex Preset #46, anyone?)
Aaah you see open up a DX7 enthusiast and deep deep down they are polyphonic analogue right throu’
A break throu’ bit of Dx . . .
Course, some of us grew up on Alpha Dials . . .
I still have one
That’s very nice software… will try to find a DX7 panel.
New pictures from the prototype:
I have some of these cases, but they you will have to cut out the front and lasercut the front and back panel by yourself. I currently have no lasercutter.
I am also waiting for some parts from china for the kits…
LASER? It’s basic metalworks… all it needs is a couple of metal drill bits and a nibbler
BTW I loved those general purpose cases, and I used a lot of them (plastic version) in the past. A loooooong time ago, aluminum ones were too expensive so we recycled all those Hayes-like modem cases, building new front and back panels in wood. WAY WAY WAY before 3D printers
Me, too. My case was a Rittal CMC-TC system. We have replaced them with newer versions. The inside parts were given to the recycling yard and I kept the housing .
Regards, Holger
Hm… I have some problems with the Linux version. I cannot create any working binary or plugin. Have you already used CTRLR on Linux?
Also the DX7 panel seems to have some bugs (sys the internal analyzer)…
Regards, Holger