A Framework For Making Affordable & Stylish Modular Controllers (USB to MIDI, HID, or Serial)

Step 15 Outro

There you have it! Although it only took me a few days to create this Instructable, the design/testing for this project has been ongoing for about 8 months. I was never trained in electronics/programming so there was a great deal of learning involved to reach this goal. Great fun. Great project. Onto the next.

PLEASE send me pictures of your completed controllers so I can add them to the Instructable!

Thanks to PJRC, NI and Ponoko for your excellent products and support. 



Learn, make, think, repeat. Bridge the esoteric gap. 

Comments

[asfi235]

Using female headers to socket the IC or microcontroller isn't very optimal, as you note. But in addition to it being bulky, the headers are designed for a heavier pin than an IC's. Much better to use a low-profile IC socket, like this one:

http://search.digikey.com/us/en/products/110-99-624-41-001000/ED3724-ND/102868

This is a "machined contact" type which is much more expensive than the simpler ones which are stamped out of tiny bits of sheet metal, but they are more rugged. If you're building gear to take to gigs (as I do), reliability = golden.

[Fuzzy-Wobble]

I ordered these ones:

http://www.allelectronics.com/make-a-store/item/HRICS-40/40-PIN-IC-SOCKET-HI-REL.-MACHINE-PINS/1.html

The Teensy++ boards did NOT fit. I suspect the sockets are made to fit IC pins but not header pins.

I surely agree the socket solution is better, but I could not find one that will work.... let me know if you come up with anything.

[asfi235]

Ah, my mistake. I hadn't noticed that the Teensy++ has square header pins, not the socket-friendly round pins that some modular boards have. In that case, yeah, you're basically stuck using the female headers unless you opt for Teensy++ surgery.

[Tejchman]

What a fantastic Tutorial! Do you happen to have a schematic for this project? I'd like to create an Eagle file so that I can use surface mount components on an etched PCB. Could be a lot smaller that way - I wonder if its possible to use a Midi-controller like this with an iPhone?

Again, great job!

[Fuzzy-Wobble]

Thanks! Sorry this project is 100% panel mount. No custom PCBs and no surface mount components. I am actually very interested in creating a super-mini controller for Traktor. Send an email my way if you wanna talk further.

[deejae snafu]

way to go fuzzy, ive been following you since your "make an amazing midi controller" instructable that i learned of thru DJTT. youre an inspiration to me my friend so i thank you.