Rockdudes MegaDrum attempt (Build log)

[rockdude]

Ok here we go! After a lot of anticipation and lurking around this forum I decided to give MegaDrum a try. Today I ordered Synthex kit. I don't know if I'll manage to build this module. I might end up building a dinosaur or time travel device by accident. I have converted an acoustic drumset to an e-kit and know how to solder wires to a piezo, but that's all folks. This DIY attempt will be a huge step up for me if I accidentally manage to put all the pieces together and create a device that doesn't explode when I hit the triggers
My current setup is my DIY A to E converted drums and Alesis Trigger IO. I like the Alesis Trigger IO a lot, but want more inputs and features...and it would also feel good if I played on a DIY drumkit and module.

This will be my build log where I'll post my progress in pictures, thoughts and so forth. This might also become a place for people who really feel like noobs when someone says that it's easy to build a MegaDrum (That's how I feel btw ). I'll try to post as much information and as thoroughly as I can so that everyone can see my success or downfall. And please don't hesitate to help out if you notice that I'm doing something I really shouldn't do....and don't hesitate to ask if I do something good that you don't understand and I'll try to explain how I did it.

Here's what I ordered from Synthex today:

Kit 56i v3.1 kit
- PCB : 1* All In One PCB v3.1 56 inputs
- ICs : 1* Programmed Atmega644-20PU with bootloader and latest firmware
- ICs : 1* Programmed 18F14K50 USB 2.0
- ICs : 7* 74HC4851
- ICs : 1* L7805, 1* 6N138
- Resistors : 1* 47, 1* 470, 3* 100, 4* 220, 3* 1k, 1* 1k5, 11* 4k7, 1* 6k2, 2* 10k, 5* 47k
- Capacitors : 2* 15pF, 2* 22pF, 2* 1nF, 10* 100nF, 1* 470nF, 3* 47uF, 1* 100uF
- Inductors : 1* 10uH to 1mH
- Diodes : 4* 1N4007, 3* 1N4148
- Crystals : 1* 20MHz, 1* 12MHz
- Connectors : 1* HDR-2X8, 1* HDR-2X13, 1* HDR-2X20, 1* IDC-2X8, 1* IDC-2X13, 1* IDC-2X20
- Connectors : 2* HDR-KK-1X2, 1* HDR-KK-1X3, 1* HDR-KK-1X4, 4* HDR-KK-1X5, 1* HDR-KK-1X6
- Connectors : 2* Crimp-KK-1X2, 1* Crimp-KK-1X3, 1* Crimp-KK-1X4, 4* Crimp-KK-1X5, 1* Crimp-KK-1X6
- Connectors : 1* USB Type B Socket, 2* Jumper
- ICs Sockets : 1* 8 pin, 7* 16 pin, 1* 20 pin, 1* 40 pin
- Display : 1* LCD Display 2*16 White and Blue, 1* Blue LED
- Keyboard : 4* D6 Pushbutton Switch
- Wires : Flat Ribbon Cable 16 Conductor, 4 meters Wire Cable

Kit 56i Inputs kit
- 1* 32 inputs PCB : 249mm x 45mm, with removable MIDI (47mm) and USB (18mm)
- 1* 24 inputs PCB : 122mm x 45mm
- 1* Keyboard PCB : 45mm x 36mm
- 15* CLIFF Stacked jacks
- 2* MIDI Female DIN5 connector
- 1* USB Type B Socket
- 1* HDR-2X13 connector, 1* IDC-2X13 connector
- 1* HDR-2X20 connector, 1* IDC-2X20 connector
- 1* HDR-KK-1X4, 1* Crimp-KK-1X4
- 1* HDR-KK-1X5, 1* Crimp-KK-1X5
- 3* HDR-1X3
- 4* Jumper

So the only thing missing if I'm not all mistaken, is an enclosure. I haven't found any yet that feels like a winner for 56 inputs. I think the instrument or electronic enclosures I've found on the internet are a bit small. I found a nice one from Pac Tec (http://mouser.com/ProductDetail/PacTec/ ... pJbuKOo%3d), but I think it has to be a bit larger so it doesn't become a big mess inside. And the ones I've found that are larger tend to be have to much height.

I think a box with the following dimensions would suit me well: 20cm(7.9 in) L x 30cm(11.8 in) W x 6cm(2.4 in) H.
I might as well build my own enclosure when I think about it. But then again, it might not turn out as shiny and splendid as I see it in my head

Well wish me luck folks because here I come MegaDrum!...Hopefully.

[dmitri]

Good luck!

[Firelord]

Well wish me luck folks because here I come MegaDrum!...Hopefully.

Well, if you really want something done, it will certainly happen. While the kit is en route, you could spend some time analyzing the assembly docs and preparing the necessary stuff, i.e. a good soldering iron and a multimeter, and a LOT of patience, since if this is your first major soldering attempt, you will probably need it.

Synthex made it reasonably easy to assemble MegaDrum, so you should have little problems with the assembly process, if you pay enough attention. Thus, I see nothing that can stop you from building MegaDrum.

So, good luck!

[rockdude]

Thanks dmitri and Firelord! Hopefully I won't get on your nerves later on

[davem]

Good luck dude. I'm almost to the end of it now, and whilst it's quite a bit of work it's well worth the effort

[kurtus420]

Hey man, glad to see you took the plunge, here to help if you need it.

[rockdude]

Good luck dude. I'm almost to the end of it now, and whilst it's quite a bit of work it's well worth the effort

Nice to hear. I can imagine how nervous I'll be when powering it up the first time. Have you put all things in an enclosure yet?

Hey man, glad to see you took the plunge, here to help if you need it.

Thank you. It's thanks to you guys who create such a helpful spirit on the forum that I even dare starting a project like this.

I'm thinking of buying some kind of test board and cheap components to practice my soldering skills. And while waiting for all the stuff from Synthex, my hunt for a good enclosure continues.

[davem]

Good luck dude. I'm almost to the end of it now, and whilst it's quite a bit of work it's well worth the effort

Nice to hear. I can imagine how nervous I'll be when powering it up the first time. Have you put all things in an enclosure yet?

Yeah, pretty much. I'm waiting on a few bits to finish up though... have to mount the LCD, get another 2x13 connector for the second input board as I broke the last one and also fix my encoders, but after that I'm done. Pics soon

[rockdude]

Yeah, pretty much. I'm waiting on a few bits to finish up though... have to mount the LCD, get another 2x13 connector for the second input board as I broke the last one and also fix my encoders, but after that I'm done. Pics soon

Looking forward to see your pictures davem!

[rockdude]

32 inputs PCB (9 stacked jacks or 17 jacks + USB + MIDI) = 249 mm
24 inputs PCB (6 stacked jacks or 12 jacks) = 122 mm

I just realized that I need an enclosure that's at least 380 mm wide if I want to fit all the inputs on the same side.
There's probably only rack cases that's big enough. Where do you get yours dmitri?