Retrofitting a Megadrum into a Simmons SDS 1000

[Mikesmith]

Hi
I have recently re-entered the foray of electronic drums with the acquisition of a Simmons SDS 1000. What a sweet sounding machine, let me tell you. I feel is has better response then the Yamaha DTxpress 1 I used to own. The velocity variation on the toms is just musical. Anyway, I was not fortunate enough to get hold of the SDS 1000 M which comes with built in midi ports but I would still like to link up my pads to the pc to get even more useability out of them. Was having a look at various trigger modules and sound cards when I came across this exciting project and I thought I be keen to give it a go. What I am thinking of doing is creating a simple, dumbed down version of the Megadrum 32 which I could retrofit into the SDS module itself by wiring the inputs if the megadrum directly onto the inputs of the module. Does this sound like a reasonable idea? I have never untertaken such an involved electronics project before but I believe I have the neccessary skills. Also if I put the megadrum inside the SDS it will eliminate the need to desig a case for it which would have caused me to postpone the project inevitably while I design what I deem to be an appropriate case and then end up being dissatisfied with the end result anyway. I have no need for chokeable triggers and such, just a way to interface the kit with a pc so I can patch more sounds to it.

I will greatly appreciate the input. I'm looking forward to starting this little mod project. I think it could be quite exciting.

Mike

[dmitri]

Look at the MegaDrum kit - viewtopic.php?f=3&t=1420 - the PCB is only 101x56mm and it has everything soldered already. Check if it fits inside the SDS module.

[Mikesmith]

That should work. Are there schematics available for it or is it something I could derive from the 32's schematics?

[dmitri]

The schematic is essentially what you can see in Latest MegaDrum schematics. 32 inputs. with more inputs. But with the MegaDrum kit you don't really need the schematic - it's all soldered already. All you need is the pin out description of the board which is in MegaDrum kit - instruction manual.pdf in viewtopic.php?p=16732#p16732

[Mikesmith]

I was thinking of building the unit myself from scratch. The SDS only takes 4 pads so i thought I could make a much simpler board.

[dmitri]

Then http://www.megadrum.info/content/what-y ... d-megadrum is all you need.

[Mikesmith]

Thanks, but I would not have the experties to simplify the board design myself. Are the schematics for the MegaDrum8 still available?

[dmitri]

Thanks, but I would not have the experties to simplify the board design myself Are the schematics for the MegaDrum8 still available?

http://www.megadrum.info/old_site/schematics_old.php
Isn't it easier to just exclude unneeded parts from the up-to-date schematic/PCB?

[Mikesmith]

I would have thought that to be the way to go about it, if it is a simple enough process.