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Hey Dan
Looking at the photo of the test board your building there seems to be a new connector on the same edge as the LCD connector. It looks to be labeled "ICIF". Can you tell us what this is for as the only thing I can think of is for updating the code.
Any word on how the test kit is going?
Carl
That is an ICSP header, and yes it is for updating the code :)
Please note that it is not real ICSP, it basically just breaks out the reset and UART pins of the ATMega (So you can reprogram it using an Arduino or FT232 serial breakout.)
I've been hugely busy with exams over the last few days, I don't think there are any more tomorrow etc, so I'm hoping all the testing and documentation will by done by the end of the weekend, and off to csshih next week.
Cheers,
Dan
OK, just tested out the PCB's (Well, part of it) and so far so good :) Harp opens and closes as it should.
I was close with the letters for that socket.Quote:
Originally Posted by Things
Hope all go's well with the Exams.:)
[popcorn]Quote:
Originally Posted by Things
Carl
All functions tested, note banks working, everything working :)
Now I just need to finish off the documentation on changing note banks and adjustments etc, and I can get them over to csshih :)
I'll put up a video of the kit in action maybe tonight/tomorrow, so you can see what you're in for :)
Cheers,
Dan
Sorry, I'm in the process of moving!
there are currently 3 kits left!
Craig
Sssssss....Quote:
Originally Posted by colouredmirrorball
Great to hear the kits are working as they were desinged to.:)Quote:
Originally Posted by Things
@ Dan.
Are you still OK to program the note banks and key velocity to my requirements?
I can PM you the details again if needed.
Looking forward to seeing the video.
Carl
Hey Carl, yes, your note banks have been programmed. Infact, they are what I'll do the test video on :)
For that matter, if anyone else wants notes pre-programmed, feel free to PM me.
Cheers,
Dan
Nice one Dan
I sent you a repeat PM with clarified details about the note banks but as you have now programed my kit you can ignore it.
I'm still waiting for a Flexmod to arive from DrLava that was dispached on the 5th of this month for the 445 diode for the kit.:(
[popcorn][popcorn][popcorn]
For the video.
Carl
Here we go: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grCptZiY2-Q
Cheers,
Dan
That is possibly the coolest circuit board I have ever seen.Quote:
Originally Posted by Things
/buy
I'd like to orderone of these kits. I just went to the website and it is down to due being moved. Can I paypal you the money instead of waiting for the website to come back on line?
Cheers
Rich
It's probably easier if you do it thru the website, that way shipping is sorted out automatically. I'll ask csshih when he intends on bringing the site back online.
I have had a fair bit of interest in these in just the last day or 2, so I have a feeling the last 3 are gonna go instantly.
However, if enough people want them as well, I am happy to do another run of 10. It'll be run pretty much the same way as this, though much faster as I won't have to do any testing myself, write documentation etc because it's already done.
So yes, if you happen to miss out on the last 3, and are still interested, please let me know in here and I'll consider doing another run.
Cheers,
Dan
I have interest, just didn't have a job until recently...
-Adam
I've finished moving ahead of schedule - the website will be back up at approximately 2130 PST (9:30PM).
the last 3 slots for batch 1 will be first come first serve, if there are more orders than that I'll send a message saying that you're going to be on batch 2 (and will refund you if you don't want to wait).
Craig
I am still interested, but I don't mind waiting for batch 2.
Still 2 kits left in batch 1 if you want :)
Cheers,
Dan
I can't pay until tomorrow so if there is one left I'll take it :)
Order placed earlier this morning. Hopefully I did it in time
Cheers
Rich
You should have been in time :)
I believe there is only 1 kit left in this batch now.
Cheers,
Dan
If you run a 2 batch, let us know! I really want one, but my finds are tied up till tax time.
Batch 2 is more than likely to go ahead, so yes, if you are interested, say so :)
Cheers,
Dan
so.............
Sweet.
Cheers
Rich
Quote:
Originally Posted by Things
Working on a little app in VB6 that will allow you to easily write note banks and set variables :)
Kind of a last minute decision. You'll still require an Arduino to reprogram it, but no having to muck around with code.
Cheers,
Dan
That real good of you Dan as I know Jack S##t about code so any little app that makes changing the note banks simpler is most welcoming.Quote:
Originally Posted by Things
Carl
Hey Dan. What type of Arduino are you using to program the kits as in the video it looks like an Arduino Uno.
If so then i've found one on ebay for £18.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Arduino-UN...87078564664444
Carl
The Arduino I used was a Duemilanove, you can probably get them cheaper (or a clone) on eBay for less than £18 as they are the model before the Uno :)
The Uno would still probably work, but I couldn't guarantee it as I don't have one myself to try.
Cheers,
Dan
all kits from batch 1 are sold out!
Craig
I found a Arduino Duemilanove compatable on ebay for £14. Will look in to buying one when the harp is built and working.Quote:
Originally Posted by Things
Carl
The VB app to change note banks and variables is coming along nicely. I've spent probably around 16 hours in the last 2 days trying to get it all working, but there are still a few little issues I need to work out. I'll probably be able to post a screenshot of the program tonight.
I hope no one minds the small wait, this program will be well worth it :)
You'll be able to edit:
All 3 note banks
The starting bank
The 2 MIDI channels the data is transmitted on
The colour of the LED for the 3 note banks
The MIDI channels of all the effects (Harp opening sound etc)
You'll also be able to read all your values back off the uC, and into the program.
They are stored on eeprom, so they will stay there until you change them :)
No need to touch any code!
Cheers,
Dan
Your just to kind Dan.Quote:
Originally Posted by Things
I so want to get this kit built and start playing with it. (the harp that is.>:))
Carl
Hehehe, not long to wait now :)
I'll be spending the bit extra for express shipping to csshih, so you should have the kit in under 2 weeks :)
Cheers,
Dan
Thought I'd give you guys a bit of a preview of the control software :)
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/203420/Laser...linterface.png
Please keep in mind, if you do not like the wait, you may contact csshih for a refund at any time. The 2nd batch will be a LOT faster, I guarantee :)
Also, just thought I'd add, the Arduino UNO probably won't work for programming. Reason being is the serial communications are actually done on the microcontroller itself, whereas on the Duemilanove (And previous version), it is done using an external chip. You need to be able to remove the onboard chip from the Arduino before programming with it, which you can't do without taking serial away with it on the Uno.
So yes, if you are planning on reprogramming them (Most likely everyone), look at getting a Duemilanove or clone/ripoff :)
Cheers,
Dan
One Arduino Duemilanove ordered.
Still need to get a laser sorted for this kit. *vigil
This kit is not much use with out one.;)
Carl
Anyone else needs half a pair of scanners? Maybe we could team up and buy a whole set, and split it up. Anyone in?
OK, just an update. Got the application working pretty well last night, and I was happy with the operation of the laser harp code. The kits will ship EMS to csshih tomorrow, so they should be in your hands very soon!
It's not added quite yet, but we will also be adding a feature that will let you set the play velocity as well :) It has already been programmed onto your microcontrollers, and I can tell you how to set it manually if you need it right away, but I intend on adding it very soon anyway.
Here is a view of the simplified GUI :)
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/203420/Laser...interface2.png
Cheers,
Dan
Quick question on this. The galvo. (I expect there to be a run on burned up galvos where one motor still works soon.) Does it need to be a better quality galvo like from a DT40 or, can this be a cheap one out of say an old piece of say, Chauvet equipment or a chinese big mirror stepper type like out of a DL-55? Seems to me the galvo part of this project would be pretty low demand.
The circuitry isn't really designed for running stepper motors, so they probably won't work at all.
The galvo's do not need to be expensive, the cheap 20K sets you find on eBay for like $70 occasionally will do fine.
Thanks. Let the search begin!Quote:
Originally Posted by Things
That set of note banks look familiar. :)Quote:
Originally Posted by Things
Carl
They are now on their way to csshih :)
I'll post links to the manual in a few days, just need to redo the section about updating note banks.
Also, there is going to be a second batch. So, anyone that didn't make the first one, is welcome to hop on the next batch :)
You may pre-order for the 2nd batch at any time.
Cheers,
Dan
Can you sell us blank, unpopulated boards with a bill of materials so we can source materials locally?
Should save up considerably on shipping, since a set of PCB's in an envelope can go through regular snail mail, where a bag of components might need to go through package post.
Aside from the fact that there may be some good suppliers on the other end of the world who have free shipping already. ;)
The problem with that is, I'd still need to supply the microcontrollers with the code on them ;)
The chances of you getting the materials locally any cheaper are pretty slim. Since ordering in large amounts like I am, you start getting some pretty decent quantity discounts. For example, the light sensors start at around $3 a pop in single quantities, but when you buy over 30 of them, then you start getting discounts like $1.40 ;)
Q: Is there an option/way to do more than 10 notes? I need 12 for a few tunes...
if not, how long does it take to switch between preset banks? Does the laser do anything visible during that time or is the only indication the RGB led?
also a note on notebanks.
If you're going to be using almost any kind of software as your MIDI device, you will be able to set up note assignments.
If you are using sequenced material along with your live playing, you can possibly do assignment changes live (like with Ableton Live)
Some Midi modules will also do some of that fun stuff as well.
Hi, yeah, so far there are only 10 beams, however, switching between banks is instant, and there is no visual effect. However, if you are holding a note and switch the bank, that note will probably end up stuck on.
And yes, note assignment can be done in software most of the time as well, so you could set up for a certain beam to move the whole octave up/down and a heap of other fun stuff. It's just your standard run of the mill MIDI device :)
I may not be the only one on here who has a complete AVR development kit and some spare, blank AVR processors lying around. New ones are about $5 a pop for ATMEGA16's, so that's cheaper than using an Arduino every which way. So we don't need any programmed or bespoke components, although a binary (or source) file of the AVR code would be useful. :)Quote:
Originally Posted by Things
If all goes well the kits will be in my hands tomorrow (and shipped shortly thereafter).
Craig
They have landed.
http://www.incoherentphotography.com...7_11.35.47.jpg
ah, purpley color traces are from my monitor's reflection.
Shipping will commence in a few hours. I have class. O_o
Craig
Edit: finished packing up everything but missed the post office deadline for today. sorry!