Take Control
In this installment of the MIDI for the Arduino series, we will apply the knowledge we have gained from previous chapters and begin the construction of a MIDI controller. This lesson deals specifically with potentiometers. But have no fear, we will cover buttons in the next installment.
Before You Start
This tutorial will ONLY work with the Arduino UNO. (Please don't ask if it will work on other Arduino models.) I am using some direct port manipulation in the code that is currently specific to the UNO. I'll let you know if this changes in the future.The potentiometers I am using in the video are ALPS RK09L12D0A1W. Other types will work but they may not fit in your breadboard as nicely. You can simply solder some wires to them to make them work. Slide pots (faders) will also work if that's what you're into.
If you are planning to make a permanent version of this circuit, think about how you will mount the potentiometers and the size of knobs you will use before you buy your pots.
Buying An Arduino
As you may have heard, Arduino LLC (the company that created the brand) had a falling out with the manufacturing company that produced the original boards. There are now two entities, Arduino.cc and Arduino.org. Both make their own version of the UNO. The version produced by Adafruit for Arduino.cc is considered to be the official version. The Arduino.org board should also work (although the Arduino IDE may complain a bit when you plug it in).The Software
To make things simple, I have created a plug and play program that will allow you to customize your controller. All you need to do is tell the software the number of controls you will be using and how these controls should behave and the software will take care of the details. The video explains how to configure the software for your project.Download the software HERE
Part List (With Amazon links)
Here are the parts you will need to complete this tutorial:Arduino UNO or Arduino UNO (Official Adafruit Version)
6 x 10K Potentiometers (Linear taper) - Inexpensive
or model used in video (RK09L1140A66)
Breadboard (63 pin width)
MIDI Jack
2 x 220 Ohm Resistors
Jumper Wires
MIDI Cable
