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mf_ng_module

Motorfader-NG Module

Introduction

The MF_NG module is the successor of the MBHP_MF module and has following design targets:

  • find a solution to handle high-quality faders like Alps K faders with “coreless” motors
  • find a solution for Core32 which doesn't deliver stable enough ADC conversion results due to the reduced 3.3V voltage range
  • find a solution for Core32 which cannot handle touch sensors properly without heavy CPU load (resp. without an additional external device or microcontroller)
  • find a solution which is compatible with PIC based projects for best usability
  • find a solution which is DIY friendly and doesn't require additional gear for something which isn't part of the MBHP yet
  • find a solution which can be easily tested and troubleshooted (no need to learn new processes)

And the result is:

  • a dedicated PIC controller controls the motorfaders directly.
  • the firmware can be updated via MIDI!
  • motorfaders are accessed via MIDI - this allows standalone usage, cascading (to chain multiple modules), and the re-use of existing infrastructure such as MIOS, MIOS Studio and MIOS Bootloader
  • the module can either be connected to a PC directly, or controlled from a second PIC or STM32
  • native support of various protocols (e.g. PitchBender, CCs, even Logic Control and Mackie Control Emulation)
  • support for 8 touch sensors
  • instead of TC4427 I'm using L293D now - not at least because of the integrated diodes.
  • due to the direct motor control connections, the PIC is now able to generate PWM with 50 uS steps for improved motor speed control while a motor is moved
  • since the firmware is dedicated for this task, there was enough memory free to integrate advanced features, such as runtime-calibration and motor position tracing which are supported by MIOS Studio

Parts List

Compatible Motorfaders

PIC Source Code

mf_ng_module.txt · Last modified: 2016/08/05 19:27 by psykhaze