New Megadrum module not picking up hi-hat controller

[Russ15]

After trying to set up my hi hat controller on my new module I'm having a few issues.

My hall effect sensor that I have been using as my hi hat controller isn't being picked up by the new module (or if it is I'm not sure what settings are not correct). I wanted to make sure this was exclusive to my new module and not a problem with the hi hat controller, so I hooked up my old megadrum and had 0 problems. I'm not sure what I have done wrong.

I can clearly see the Visual MIDI in action using the old megadrum module within Megadrum Manager FX, but it is not working at all with the new module.

Any thoughts?

Thanks
-Russ

[dmitri]

When you press/depress the pedal, does the raw pedal level value change as shown on the LCD?

If yes, then you need to adjust Hi/Low pedal levels.

If not, then most likely HiHat Impedance switch position doesn't match AltIn setting.
With AltIn set to "No" (default) the Switch must be in the Up position (low impedance).
With AltIn set to "Yes" the Switch must be in the Down position (high impedance).

[Russ15]

When you press/depress the pedal, does the raw pedal level value change as shown on the LCD?

If yes, then you need to adjust Hi/Low pedal levels.

If not, then most likely HiHat Impedance switch position doesn't match AltIn setting.
With AltIn set to "No" (default) the Switch must be in the Up position (low impedance).
With AltIn set to "Yes" the Switch must be in the Down position (high impedance).

dmitiri, are your referring to the number after the Lvl readout on the lcd display under the word "Pedal"? Currently the value (126) does not move when pressing/depressing the pedal

On my new module I tried both settings above:
AltIn set to "No" (default) and Switch in the Up position (low impedance)
AltIn set to "Yes" and Switch in the Down position (high impedance).

Neither of these setting are working. Should the Big VU show a long white line that would then shorten when pressing the pedal? On my old module the Big VU displays a large line that takes up the full display. As I press the pedal the line length then decreases.

On my old megadrum module, the wiring is setup for low impedance on the board and AltIn is set to "No". Here's a post I made when I built my hi hat controller. viewtopic.php?p=21415#p21415 Still unsure why one of those settings doesn't work properly.

[dmitri]

If you tried both AltIn in both switch positions then I can only presume there is something wrong with the connection (did you plug it in all the way in?).
Try this:
1. Set AltIn to No and swithc to Up. Connect a cable to the jack with nothing on the other end. Shorten tip and sleeve (with a wire) on the other end . What is the level reading? Shorten tip and ring. What is the level reading?
2. Set AltIn to Yes and swithc to Down. Connect a cable to the jack with nothing on the other end. Shorten tip and sleeve on the other end. What is the level reading? Shorten tip and ring. What is the level reading?

[Russ15]

With Set AltIn to No and switch to Up:
Shorten tip and sleeve: level = 3
Shorten tip and ring: level = 966

AltIn to Yes and switch to down:
Shorten tip and sleeve: level = 3
Shorten tip and ring: level = 1020

[dmitri]

Level readings mean that the pedal input is functioning correctly - by shortening tip to ring/sleeve you are in fact simulate fully open/fully closed pedal positions .
Connect the pedal controller and on the controller itself check:
1. Voltage between ring and sleeve.
2. Voltage between tip and sleeve while pressing/releasing the pedal.

By the way, did you wire your controller for Roland or for Yamaha polarity? MegaDrum by default comes with Roland type polarity. If your controller is wired for Yamaha polarity then you have to use a cross-over cable.

[Russ15]

Voltage at controller between ring and sleeve: 4.72
Voltage at controller between tip and sleeve: 0.62
Voltage at controller between tip and sleeve when pressing depressing pedal: no change (0.62)

As far as wiring I am not sure if it is preconfigured for Roland vs Yamaha. Here is the current wiring:

VCC: tip
VOUT: Ring
GND: sleeve

[dmitri]

The MegaDrum default wiring for the pedal jack is the same as Roland, i.e:
Power (VCC): ring
Signal (VOUT): tip
GND: sleeve

[Russ15]

Much appreciated dmitri. I will make that change and report back with my findings. Out of curiosity is synthex's v2.5 board default wiring for the pedal jack different? This is the board used in my old megadrum module.

[Russ15]

Dmitri,
Switching the wiring to the Megadrum default wiring for the pedal jack fixed everything. Synthex's old board must be wired as I described earlier.

One quick question regarding what the best settings would be:

When setting AltIn to No and putting the switch in the up position my maximum level is 336.
When setting AltIn to Yes and putting the switch in the down position my maximum level is 504.

I'm guessing using the high impedance settings (level 504) would give me the most playable range is that correct? Would there be any advantage to using the low impedance settings?

I really appreciate your help on straightening everything out.