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Help on getting startet

PostPosted: Fri Feb 13, 2009 12:52 pm
by DaRocka666
Hi,

i am a newbie. Maybe there is some equal Thread in this Forum, but i did not find it. Anyway.

I am looking for a Drum Trigger like Alesis I/O. But this one has not that much inputs.

I was looking for a alternative so i find your site. But it is very difficult for me understand the
whole system of Megadrum.

Is there anyone who can help me and can explain a step by step "how to build"? I would buy
the Synthex's Kit 3. But what other things i need? I can´t find any input socket´s (?).

It would be very nice if someone can take some time to explain that things to a newbie :-D

Sorry for my english. I am from Germany.

Greetings

DaRocka

Re: Help on getting startet

PostPosted: Fri Feb 13, 2009 2:53 pm
by NovaKaine
If you'll read some of my threads.
Buy the Kit!
If you a novice with no real skill level this is the easiest route trust me.
This is what I should have done, which has called me much grief.
But only because of my lack of any skill.
Now I solder together a battleship :lol:

Re: Help on getting startet

PostPosted: Fri Feb 13, 2009 3:38 pm
by kimouette
If you dont mind spending a little bit of money the easiest option is definately to buy Syntex Version 2.8 kit #3

"The total of the order for the PCB v2.8 + PCB Components + Displays + Buttons is 105 euros.
This price include Registered airmail with signature required, anywhere in the world and fees."

Look at the description here : viewtopic.php?f=3&t=456

Otherwise, if you dont mind spending some time gathering components (and maybe save a little bit of money), look at this thread :
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=275&hilit=complete+list

If you're in Germany this might be an interesting place to shop :
http://www.pollin.de
(6.35mm phone jack, stereo, switch included : part number 450 127 : )

For the drum, there are different options to chose from (options from cheapest to most expensive) :

1- You can build it yourself
2- You can convert an acoustic drum to an electronic drum
3- You can buy an electronic drum

No matter which of the 3 option you choose, I'd suggest you to consult Megadrum's forum and another good address : http://www.vdrums.com/forum/
** the DIY section of this forum is full of ideas !!

Also, if you choose to buy Syntex kit and convert an acoustic drum, you might wanna take a look at my thread (I've been asking a lot of newbie's question!!) :
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=243

If you didn't already do it, you have to read what Dmitri has prepared in the main page http://www.megadrum.info/
"Downloads"
"Documentation"
"FAQ"
"Where to buy"
"Gallery"
"Links"

And finally, take the time to read different posts in this forum. A lot of questions have already been answered and if you take the time to read them, it'll help you figure out what this whole project means in terms of time, money, knowledges etc...

Re: Help on getting startet

PostPosted: Fri Feb 13, 2009 3:59 pm
by jamalpiper
Ja, lese alles here das du kanst, ser gutte information.

Und Ich wurde Kit #3 kaufen. Alle die komponenten sind da bei, du must die nur lotten. Dan die Jack's wie here machen: http://www.megadrum.info/forums/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=462 Oder kaufen, Ich glaube Synthex can die auch bei special order verkaufen. Dan nur in ein gehause rein und du bist fertig.

Entschuldigung fur mein Deutch.

Re: Help on getting startet

PostPosted: Sat Feb 14, 2009 9:08 am
by DaRocka666
Dein Deutsch ist super.

Vielen Dank für die schnelle Antwort.

His German ist perfect.

Thanks for all the quick replys.

I´ll buy one here.

Greetings

DaRocka

Re: Help on getting startet

PostPosted: Sat Feb 14, 2009 6:46 pm
by fuzzysnuggleduck
If you just want to get up and drumming, definitely buy Synthex's kit! His PCB is absolutely fantastic, up there with any professional through-hole PCB I've seen.

I got the v2.7 kit with all the components and it works great. Some soldering skill will be necessary but since the PCB is so nice, it's not too hard if you've ever soldered before. If you've never soldered before, you should really read up on proper technique to avoid making all the common mistakes.

After that, you'll need to source some jacks. The type of jack is up to you but most people go with the 1/4" TRS jacks because that's "industry standard" in the e-drumming world. Roland, Yamaha, Hart, Pintech all use 1/4" TRS. If you're making your own pads, it's really up to you. If you don't like the size of 1/4", you could use 3.5mm. Some people are also using XLR or even DB-25 and ganging all the cables into one "snake" then splitting them back out to each pad.

I'm fairly certain you can find jacks in Germany from online dealers like mouser.com. Any local electronics shops should at least be able to get some in for you as well.

As for the case, that's 100% up to you. Check out the gallery for other people's cool ideas. My case still sucks but I'm planning something better.

One piece of advise: BE PATIENT! Things might not always go according to plan and you have to calm and patient to work through it. MegaDrum works, I guarantee you that as I've been recording with it for a while now. If you hit a problem, don't just give up easily. Come to the forum, post questions with as much information as you can provide and listen carefully to the advise. Both dmitri and Synthex give out A LOT of free help here and it's always good help.

Enjoy MegaDrum!

Re: Help on getting startet

PostPosted: Sat Feb 14, 2009 6:56 pm
by Synthex
fuzzysnuggleduck wrote:If you just want to get up and drumming, definitely buy Synthex's kit! His PCB is absolutely fantastic, up there with any professional through-hole PCB I've seen.

Thank you a lot fuzzysnuggleduck !
It's really fun to hear it !

Re: Help on getting startet

PostPosted: Wed Feb 18, 2009 8:26 am
by DaRocka666
Ok,

i have ordered one from Dmitri. :oops:

I think my skills wouldn´t be enough, but i have one further question.

Is it possible to put 2 Modules at the same time on one computer? If yes maybe i
would build one by myself with the parts of Synthex :-D

But again. Thx to you all.

Greetings from Germany

DaRocka666

Re: Help on getting startet

PostPosted: Wed Feb 18, 2009 10:49 am
by dmitri
You can connect MIDI Out of the first module to MIDI In of the second and then connect the second to a PC over USB.

Re: Help on getting startet

PostPosted: Wed Feb 18, 2009 9:17 pm
by fuzzysnuggleduck
dmitri wrote:You can connect MIDI Out of the first module to MIDI In of the second and then connect the second to a PC over USB.


That's pretty awesome! Stackable MegaDrum over single USB. That also cuts parts costs down on the second unit as you don't need the PIC for that one. Very cool.