Introduction: Scratch Markup Language VCA Fader Hack
This is a small but important part of the greater project. known as Scratch Markup Language or SML
What's the idea?
We're creating a format for describing turntablism, as well as tools for recording, analyzing, sharing, and even recreating scratch performances with giant robot arms. The goal is two part. One: Create the largest library ever documenting scratches as performed by DJs the world over. Two: Create the first interactive scratch training tool.
This will cover how to build a Y cable to be used with a Vestax PMC-07 Pro to monitor / record the crossfader position.
What's the idea?
We're creating a format for describing turntablism, as well as tools for recording, analyzing, sharing, and even recreating scratch performances with giant robot arms. The goal is two part. One: Create the largest library ever documenting scratches as performed by DJs the world over. Two: Create the first interactive scratch training tool.
This will cover how to build a Y cable to be used with a Vestax PMC-07 Pro to monitor / record the crossfader position.
Step 1: The Tools You Need
Step 2: The Parts You Need
Step 3: The Long Wire
Cut a piece of hook-up wire at least 16-inches in length. This gives you enough room to come out of the mixer and into an Arduino sitting next to the mixer.
Step 4: Prep the Long Wire
Strip away 1/8-inch of insulation on one end of the long wire.
Step 5: An Intorduction
Place the stripped end of the long wire into a Connection Terminal. Make sure the insulation stops in the gab between the two sets of wings.
Step 6: May They Live...
Using the Universal Crimping Pliers, crimp the Connection Terminal onto the Long Wire.
Step 7: The Short Wire
Cut a new length of wire no longer than 3 inches. You want enough room to work with the wire but not much extra as this will be inside of the mixer.
Step 8: Make It Naked
Strip away 3/16-inch of the insulation to expose the short wire.
Step 9: Lets Go for a Piggyback Ride
Lay the short wire on top of the connection terminal and solder the exposed portion of the wire to the conductor crimp section. Be careful to not get solder all over the conductor. It makes getting it into the housing difficult.
Step 10: Just the Tip...
Slide the connection terminal with both wires attached into the appropriate slot on the connection housing. Make sure it goes all the way in. If you are quiet you can her a small click when the barb pops into place.
Step 11: Three.... Three Y Cables
This is what it it should look like once you have all 3 Y cables in place.
Step 12: More Stripping
Strip 3/16-inch of the insulation away from the end of the short wires.
Step 13: Remember Kids.... Soldering Irons Are Hot!
Place the 4-PIN Connection Header through the holes in the ProtoBoard. Put the exposed ends of the short wire through the holes directly behind the connection header and solder it all together. You will probably have to trim down the hook-up wire a little bit to make it fit perfect.
Be sure to solder the wire into the eyelets as well as soldering the connection header pins.
Be sure to solder the wire into the eyelets as well as soldering the connection header pins.
Step 14: Oh Yeah... Power.
Now cut another short wire for the power pin. Attach the 4th Connection Terminal to one end and put it into the Connection Housing. Now solder the other end to the 4th pin of Connection Header, just like you did the other 3 wires.
Step 15: It's Just So Beautiful!
This is what you end up with.... a lovely Y cable. Hoooray! Hooray!
Step 16: Bonus Step!
Because this wire is just bouncing around inside the mixer, I put a big ugly gob of hot glue over everything that was soldered.
Step 17: Connection Time
Connect the 4-PIN Connection Header to the mixer.
Step 18: The Other Connection Time....
Connect the Crossfader to the Connection Housing side of your high tech Y cable.
Step 19: Careful Now
Carefully put the Y cable and the crossfader back into the mixer. Make sure the long wires stay out of the mixer.... seriously... do it.