what_is_a_midibox
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+ | ====== What is a MIDIbox ====== | ||
+ | The MIDIbox DIY-projects consist of hardware (MBHP) and software (MIOS + Application). Some projects have special designed modules, others only require a Core module. Every device needs at least one Core. | ||
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+ | The normal way to build a MIDIbox MIDI controller or synthesizer is: | ||
+ | |||
+ | * Build the hardware (starting with a Core Module) | ||
+ | * Build the necessary I/O modules (eg LCD, DIN, DOUT) | ||
+ | * Connect the modules and add additional hardware (knobs, faders, encoders, buttons...) | ||
+ | * Burn the bootloader onto the microchip or get yourself a chip with a preburned bootloader from SmashTV or Mike | ||
+ | * Upload MIOS, the operating system (by MIDI; sometimes MIOS is already on the chip!) | ||
+ | * Upload the necessary application (eg MIDIbox64e.syx) by MIDI | ||
+ | |||
+ | \\ | ||
+ | :!: | ||
+ | |||
+ | //If you have problems understanding the structure of a MIDIbox, just think of your PC: // | ||
+ | * Processor => PIC18F | ||
+ | * Mainboard => Core Module | ||
+ | * Keyboard => DIN Module | ||
+ | * Soundcard => FM (OPL3) or SID Module | ||
+ | * Graphics Card => DOUT Module (with connected LEDs) | ||
+ | * Display => LCD Module (Liquid Crysal Display) | ||
+ | * BIOS => the Bootloader | ||
+ | * Operating Sytem (Windows, Linux, Macintosh) => MIOS.hex (MIDIbox Operating System) | ||
+ | * The application you work with => for example MB64e.hex, MBSID.hex, MBSeq.hex | ||
+ | |||
+ | Luckily - just as in the example - you don't need to open up your case and desolder the processor just to update " | ||
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+ | |||
+ | \\ | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===== MBHP - The MIDIbox Hardware Platform ===== | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{http:// | ||
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+ | The [[MBHP|MIDIbox Hardware Platform]] is the consequential continuation of Thorsten Klose' | ||
+ | |||
+ | Well, this method is nothing new, did you ever see the inner life of an old television, or a HIFI system, or a computer, or - of course - a modular synthesizer system? All are consisting of smaller or larger units, which interact over dedicated interfaces. This way of thinking, which simplifies the understanding of complex technical applications, | ||
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+ | The focus of the platform: | ||
+ | |||
+ | * well defined and documented modules | ||
+ | * small, uncomplicated circuits | ||
+ | * realizable on PCBs (single-layer) and prototype boards | ||
+ | * PCBs designed with a freeware CAD program | ||
+ | * different firmwares for different configurations | ||
+ | * open for future extensions by other hobbyists | ||
+ | * programming examples in the PRG and MIOS Download section | ||
+ | * NON-COMMERCIAL! | ||
+ | |||
+ | More Informations: | ||
+ | |||
+ | \\ | ||
+ | \\ | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===== MIOS - The MIDIbox Operating System ===== | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{mios_overview.gif}} | ||
+ | |||
+ | [[MIOS]] is the operating system of the microchip. It can be uploaded by SysEx (via MIDI) thanks to a [[bootstrap]] loader, a special software that is already burned onto the chip if you order at SmashTV' | ||
+ | |||
+ | MIOS provides the basic functionality for a bunch of different applications. There are dozens of precompiled, | ||
+ | |||
+ | Main features: | ||
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+ | * Bootloader - no PIC burning required! Applications are uploaded via MIDI | ||
+ | * Easy to update | ||
+ | * Test new or other applications with existing hardware | ||
+ | * Assembly language (ASM) or C | ||
+ | * Application Development is fully cross-platform compatible | ||
+ | * [[MIOS Studio]] - an easy-to-use java app for uploading applications to your MIDIbox | ||
+ | * Well defined and documented MIOS functions, no low-level hardcore nerd programming required | ||
+ | * NON-COMMERCIAL! | ||
+ | |||
+ | More Informations: |