How to make a DJ turntable from old computer parts.
Some time ago I have discovered a piece of software that is using the mouse movement (up-down / left-right) to make scratch-alike effects on a virtual turntable, the way the DJs are doing it in clubs. It is the TerminatorX software, developed by Alexander Koenig (http://terminatorx.org/).
But using the mouse is not even close to a real turntable. So here is a way to make from an old mouse and other parts a more realistic turntable.
I have tried several models made from recycled computer parts, and I will present you all of them here.
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Signing UpStep 1: Preliminary information
The first think you should know is that TerminatorX runs on Linux. There is no windows version yet. I have tried it in Ubuntu and worked fine. It is in the repositories, so it is very easy to install.
The software is designed to use the movement of the mouse on the X and Y axes and execute a custom chosen action. Usually I use one ax for scratching and the other one for volume control. Also each of the three buttons has a specific function. Left for grab (and scratch), middle for mute the current virtual turntable and right button for change to next turntable.
The turntable consists of 3 parts:
-a mouse with ball and 3 buttons (NOT an optic one)
-a spinning plate
-a table or support for them
Functioning: The spinning plate rests with one edge on the mouse’s rollers and they will spin together. When you spin the plate the mouse will detect it and will send the information to the software.
Materials that I used: one old (but functioning) mouse with 3 buttons and ball, an old CD-ROM, an old hard drive, an old keyboard, a CD, a floppy disk and a vinyl record. For putting the parts together I used double sided adhesive strips and magnets.
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But the project is nice and I do love it. Do you think it could be used as a parallel controller, such as a volume controller or something ?
Best bet is to buy a cheap set from Harbor Freight tools or Fry's electronics.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7XWJ4kmttI
lg
http://www2.mandriva.com/
http://www.ubuntu.com/
http://pclinuxos.com/
Some don't, but those are FLOPPY based distros
Troll
A lot of small or server distros do not have a GUI, as it is not needed or practical.
If you'd like to nitpick though, I'll point out that Linux is not an OS technically. To be specific most are GNU/Linux where the GNU tools are combined with the Linux kernel to produce an operating system.
Server distros do not have GUIs because they consume system resources that could be used instead for the server's purpose. They is also not used because the sys admin often needs more granular (finer) control over the operations which is harder to accomplish using a GUI (without a terminal window). Because all they wanted with the GUI was the terminal window it is simpler, easier, and more efficient to utilize the terminal without the GUI. This frees up memory space for application use and reduces the network bandwidth needed to access the system (even remote x windowing is resource intensive compared to a shell).
Can i play games like beatmania whith this? or anybody has a solution?
You could also set up your keyboard keys for cue control etc.
If you have any links for me to check out surrounding this type of information it would be much appreciated (I am a professional dj and would love to hit up a club with personally made equipment)
You can download it from http://www.csh.rit.edu/~hexer/soundcraft/download.html (works on linux too - with wine)
For a clean design read only the steps 2, 4 and 7 ;) that's the most stable one.
For a container use a box; with the lid opened it will look more like a real "record player" and will be safe for transport.
I've been looking for *good* *affordable* DJ equipment for some time, and this whip from old parts is a godsend until I can save up for better gear.