Foot-switch support?

[stpope]

Hello all,

Does the Megadrum support an up/down foot-switch (like the Roland modules) that can be used to switch between mappings?

Is there an easy way to set up an arbitrary input to send an arbitrary MIDI message?

stp

[dmitri]

Hello all,

Does the Megadrum support an up/down foot-switch (like the Roland modules) that can be used to switch between mappings?

See tip 3 in https://www.megadrum.info/~megadrum/con ... -and-hints

Is there an easy way to set up an arbitrary input to send an arbitrary MIDI message?

Nobody ever asked for this. Please, describe what you want to achieve and if there are enough people with the same requirements I may add this feature.

[stpope]

Thanks for your response, Dmitri!

I'm used to the Roland TD-20 synth module, which supports a 2-button foot switch to switch between sets. I'd like to have this option with a Megadrum and BFD sample player.

This means I'd like to plug the dual foot switch into one of the sensor inputs and have the 2 switches send out MIDI program change messages. I want to change the setting of the sampler, not the mapping of the Megadrum SW.

Since all sample players support MIDI program change messages, I assume other users might find this to be of value.

Thanks again for making Megadrum!

stp

[dschrammie]

I've wondered about this ability as well. I know that a lot of players using traditional Roland and Yamaha modules like to have the ability to change what set they're using while playing...they don't want to reach over and have to push a button on the module because they're hands are already busy...a simple foot switch does it for them.

I don't really switch "kits" in the middle of my playing, but I think where I'd use it is when I want to switch from snares on to snares off...so I'd basically be switching from one kit in Superior Drummer with the snares on, to an identical kit with the snares off.

If it were added to the firmware, I'd certainly have a use for it...I have a spare Aux input just begging for something to be connected to it!

[dmitri]

If it were added to the firmware, I'd certainly have a use for it...I have a spare Aux input just begging for something to be connected to it!

I may add this feature in a future version but will you be able to load it?

[dschrammie]

I may add this feature in a future version but will you be able to load it?

HA!!!! Good question! with me, you never know!
With family obligations I didn't get a chance to try getting the firmware loaded last night...hopefully I've have a chance to give it a shot tonight.

Hopefully none of your future upgrades depend on my ability to load them - "I'll update the firmware as soon as dschrammie learns how to use his computer!" People may wait a long time for updates if that's the case!

[stpope]

I'd certainly load and use the feature, Dmitri!

What I'd like most would be the ability to take an aux input and connect a dual foot-switch that sends MIDI program-change messages, where the firmware would maintain a current-program counter, I guess, since MIDI doesn't have a "program-increment" message.

stp

[kupooglop]

I agree. An ability to change patches & programs via midi would be a very useful feature. I think if this feature were offered, the ability to retrieve and display the patch names would be very beneficial as well. Since the Megadrum is equipped with a 16X2 character array, it sounds reasonable that it would physically be capable of displaying patch names.

[dmitri]

This is a test firmware version for MIDI Program Change support:

megadrum_20101210.zip

It adds a configuration option called Special between Channel and Curve in pads configurations.
On Head/Bow inputs this option has no effect.
On switch type Rim/Edge inputs this option activates Program Change support.

To activate the Program Change support:
1. Configure the input either as a dual piezo/switch pad or as a Yamaha style 3 zone cymbal.
2. On a Rim/Edge input set Special to Yes.
3. Set ANote to a number which will limit the Program Change lowest number.
4. Set PNote to a number which will limit the Program Change highest number.

Pressing the edge switch will send MIDI Program Change messages on each press in the upwards direction between ANote and PNote values.
Pressing the bell switch (if the edge and bell switches are wired as in a Yamaha style 3 zone cymbal and configured accordingly) will send MIDI Program Change messages on each press in the downwards direction between ANote and PNote values.