[SEGA MD / GEN] GenMDM SEGA Genesis / Mega Drive MIDI Interface (Page 56 of 87)

Well, first and foremost, I would say I'm a 'hardware guy' ( been an EE tech working on radio/communication systems for +25yrs), but the first programming I learned was on an Cosmac 1802 back in the '70s (hand assembly and entered one byte at a time on the front panel. Good times!). I am humbled on a daily basis by the brilliance and creativity that people share on the interWebbies!
So, I am way more comfortable with asm.(but the doc is starting me on new meds); C is all about knowing how to use the pre-built functions and Libs, less about how the processor works, that's a good thing (but hard for a control freak). MIOS is yet another step away from the bare silicon. MIOS handles all the low level IO tasks, so programming an app is a matter of linking the functions in a meaningful way, without having to deal with the details; I.E. reading the SRIO chains, toggling the LCD lines, ect.
And there are allot of very cool MB apps already built, so they only need to be tailored to our own needs, (this can be daunting, I know. You need to understand how the base app works , in order to change it).
The Arduino is really all about this same abstraction from the hardware, that's why it has become so wildly popular. It offers an open door to people with ideas, without forcing them to digest the ATMega Datasheet.
IMO, the MidiBox has evolved into a specialized 'Arduino', focused on handling midi messages and synth HW. Once you get the knack of what the OS and HW does and doesn't allow, the app's logic becomes much easier.
OK, I'll get off the soap box

Oh yes, I know that feeling! Once you start adding this and that, the beast grows; till you need a suitcase.

Well I'm in the same boat as to what to leave in and what to leave out, but the good news is after the HW's built, you can reconfigure it fairly easy!
The only thing that I can offer, and I am reluctant to question your build, is the use of POTs. With a limited CS, you could handle the less used functions via a remote connection to a DAW or Seq, or use a software menu structure to adjust or load new patch values from EEPROM.
But the problem is:  if you want to remotely adjust a variable that a POT controls or reassign the POT to a different function on the fly; you have to deal with the fact that the POT is always reading an absolute analog value that you need to over ride. This leads to sync problems between local and remote copies of the same variable or value jumps when toggling between two variable. POTs are best suited to a 1:1 relationship to a single variable.
Encoders yield relative readings that inc/dec a variable value only when moved, so handling the above issues is far easier. This is why motor faders were used on non-uC controlled mixing consoles and CS' with the introduction of DAW automation. A motor fader's position IS the stored (analog) variable value.
On the HW side, POTs are easier, less complex and simplify the HW, but at a cost of  function flexibility. Encoders allow you to reuse that knob for layers of functions, but you end up needing UI feedback; LEDs or an LCD. A POT's position is the user's feedback, done. With encoders you need two inputs per enc.; so your chip count doubles for the same amount of knobs. If you separate the local and remote control functions, using POTs save space, which for your build is a premium. 
Hope I don't sound like I'm running you down, just trying to point out design options. You may have already considered all these things, in which case you owe me a "Shut Up!!"

MAN, that is sexy!! Really makes me want to gut a flaky Atari 600XL I have in storage.

I think you got a product there!!
Sorry if I bent your ear too much, best of luck!!

Oh I hear you, I try to live by K.I.S.S. as much as I can (not that you could tell by my last post!) Sounds like you have a good handle on things MB.

The panel looks good! Are you using FPD?

hey guys.. just asking if there ever will be a VST version to use with the GenMDM ? i guess this max live stuff cant be run on windows ?
Thanks

Aly James here on CM is making a VST with a killer GUI, check it out earlier in this thread, it's brilliant

M4L runs on windows and Sebs standalone patches are equally brilliant, and you don't even need M4L, max runtime is free

he he "double post"
at least we answered exactly the same

Mine arrived this morning too.

Wierd. The electrolytic is 47uf and 10v. Don't want to be wiggling the ceramics around, but they say 104 on them.

EDIT: GenMDM Comp. Album cover anyone?

Last edited by ForaBrokenEarth (Jan 31, 2013 8:11 pm)