In this installment of the MIDI for the Arduino series, we will get our hands dirty with the software side of this project and take a look at working with the Arduino MIDI Library.
If you are new to this series, check out the last installment where we build up the Midi Input Circuit and connect it to the Arduino.
For this tutorial I am using version 4.2 of the MIDI Library and version 1.6.0 of the Arduino IDE. If you are using other versions - your mileage may vary ;)
In this installment we are going to assemble a Midi Input Circuit and connect it to your Arduino UNO. The Circuit itself is actually quite simple consisting of only a handful of parts.
In the last installment, we looked at a Circuit Analysis of a Midi Input and Output Circuit. If you are new to this series, I suggest you check it out. It will give you a better understanding of what you are actually building. Now, let's put this knowledge to use and start building the hardware.
I am assembling the circuit on a small solder-less breadboard. The video will walk you through the steps of putting it together. Take your time and double check your work. You'll be fine!
Parts List (Click links to view parts on Amazon.com)
One thing I have discovered during my time on this blog is that you folks love connecting things to other things with Midi.
My original Midi for the Arduino article was written a few years back when I was a mere blogging neophyte so I figured it was time for a refresh.
I've seen a lot of articles on how to build a Midi circuit, but haven't found many on how it works. So let's examine Midi circuitry in excruciating detail.
In the video below we'll get to know the 6n138 Optocoupler, examine a Midi Byte, and try to figure out what that weird resistor on Pin 7 actually does!
I'm happy to report that Notes and Volts has reached another milestone with 100,000 views recorded!
I know this isn't a huge amount in internet terms considering that the average Boy Band member can amass more views with an Instagram picture of his half eaten canolli. But when it comes to the non-mainstream kind of stuff that happens here, 100K is great! It's nice to know there are that many fellow geeks experimenting with music electronics out there.
In other news, the Notes and Volts Youtube Channel has reached 700 subscibers with over a quarter of a million minutes watched. That equates to six solid months of me blathering on about stuff. Terrifying when you think about it!
Notes and Volts has also started a Facebook Page (Yeah, I know....but you kind of need one these days). Why not drop by and show it some love!
I started this blog on a whim back in 2011 without any grand plan or expectations. I could never have dreamed of this much support.
I want to thank all the great people I have met and who have supported this blog over the years. I hope you continue to find this an interesting place to visit.
Now to get back to backlog of projects I am planning for future articles. So until next time - Onward and Upward!
In Part 1 of this project we looked at building and programming the circuit board, drilling the enclosure, and acquiring the parts and tools required for this build. Complete those steps first.
Now in Part 2 we are going to create a custom front panel, finish mounting and wiring the components, and finally instal them in the enclosure.
If you haven't already, download the Panel Art by clinking the link.
All of the steps are detailed in this video. Click to watch and follow along.
Here are some handy wiring diagrams to help you during the building process:
Auduino Wiring Diagram
Auduino Pin Numbers
Congratulations! You should now have a great looking, fully functional Auduino granular synth to add to your box of musical toys. I've had a lot of fun with this project and I hope you did too. If this series inspired you to make something cool, please let me know. I would love to see what you come up with. See you next time!
In this tutorial we will take a look at building a stand-alone version of the Auduino Granular Synthesizer (pronounced AWE-duino not ARR-duino) and housing it in a spiffy looking custom enclosure. Even if you're not the musical type, the techniques outlined here may give you some inspiration for future projects so it is definitely worth a look.
Two flavors of the Auduino
Originally designed by Peter Knight for Tinker.it, this circuit is extremely fun to play with and will readily find a home in your arsenal of electronic noise makers. And since it requires only a few extra parts, it really provides a lot of bang for your buck. You can read more about it at the Auduino Wiki Page.
This tutorial builds on material we have covered in previous articles so if you are new, here is the path you should follow:
Laminator
Printer
Drill
Drill bits (1/8", 5/16"*, 3/8"*, 1/2"*) *or sized to fit your parts
Scissors
X-Acto Knife
Tape - (I use Scotch-Blue Painter's Tape) Side Cutters Soldering Iron
Congratulations! Your new Arduino project is fully programmed and functional. In fact, it is so good you want to use it for years to come. It's time to take the circuit off the breadboard and make a permanent version.
In the previous installments of this series, we learned how to built a Stand-Alone Arduino on a breadbord. We then learned how to program this circuit using an Arduino board as a In System Programmer.
Now comes the final step. Making a soldered, permanent version that will stand the test of time. There are numerous ways to accomplish this, but the easiest by far is to use a Proto-Board PCB that matches the layout of your breadboard.
There are many Proto-Boards on the market that will fit the bill, but Adafruit have recently released the 'Cadillac of boards' with their Perma-Proto Breadboard PCB.
