ExpProjectsAndOnNews

Efforts to Turn a Cheap Keyboard to a MIDI Capable Keyboard Using Arduino

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Ahmet Akif Kaya (@ahmetakifkaya)'in paylaştığı bir gönderi (3 Tem, 2019, 10:00ös PDT)

Overview

Although resulting in the breakdown of the keyboard, this project has been very informative for me. I fell into this struggle with the purpose of bringing a MIDI port to a non-Midi keyboard. (Apparently, it has a five-pin midi connector on the back, but it has no real function.) I have used an Arduino Pro mini, 2 74hc595's, and some diodes/switches for multiplexing. With the benefit of stealing power from the keyboard's mainboard, I managed this circuit to function. However, because of the plentyness and the complexity of the cables, there were some interruption issues.

The Keyboard Used

This is a 61 key keyboard which is called "MRK61MD," and it is claimed that it has MIDI capability. However, it doesn't have MIDI capability. The ports are not connected to anything. Therefore this keyboard is perfect for this kind of conversion project.

Circuit Setup

This project is an Arduino based project. The first prototype was made on the breadboard in order to make changes easily when needed, as you can see in the first picture.
The keyboard has an 8x8 square Matrix pin layout, so the circuit was made in accordance with that. 2 74hc595 chips and some diodes/switches were used for multiplexing because Arduino didn't have enough pins for all of the keys on the keyboard.
Then the circuit was transferred to a Perfboard in order to make things more professional and cleaner. Switches (There are 8 of them) are used for switching between Arduino and the circuit of the keyboard. When it is in the Arduino mode, you can send MIDI commands to the computer with the help of the full-size USB-B port, which has included in my setup. And when it is in the keyboard mode, you can play it just like before with the own speakers and modes of the original keyboard.
On the Perfboard, an Arduino Pro Mini was used. Arduino pro mini doesn't have USB-Host capability, so it can only output MIDI signals (from the five-pin MIDI connector), but not USB-MIDI signals. A cheap MIDI to USB converter was also used in this setup to convert the MIDI signals from Arduino to USB signals. (As you can see on the 7th image.)

Inside the Keyboard

The setup was installed into the blank spaces on the keyboard. Thanks to those blank spaces, there was no need to add any external modules or electronics boxes to the system. The USB-B port was fitted to the back of the keyboard, along with the other ports, such as the power port and the original non-functioning MIDI ports :)

Control Panel

The left speaker panel of the keyboard was dismantled, and some holes were opened on it for the switches. On these holes, a big power switch and 8 mode changing switches were installed. The placement of these switches helps the user to easily control the setup.

Additional Project About This Keyboard - DIY Metronome

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Gokcen Music ♡ 🎼🎶🎻🎹 (@gokcenmusic)'in paylaştığı bir gönderi (4 Ağu, 2018, 2:00ös PDT)

This is another project that I have created about music. I needed a metronome but didn't want to buy one. So I have made one for myself using Arduino, a servo motor, and some weights. The Arduino is powered by a power bank.

On this page, you can find some of the Android applications which I have created for experimental purposes.

Apps Created With Java and Android Studio

Prime-Factorization-Program

With the Prime Factorization Program, all of the prime factors of any number can be found.

Source Code and Apk: https://github.com/ahmetakif/AsalCarpan-Asal-Carpanlara-Ayirma-Programi-Prime-Factorization-Program

Tellal-Text-to-Speech-Application-for-Android

With this application, you can convert text to voice in languages such as Turkish, English (US/UK), German, French, Italian, Russian, Japanese and Korean. In addition, speaking frequency and speed can be adjusted.

Source Code and Apk: https://github.com/ahmetakif/Tellal-Text-to-Speech-Application-for-Android

Toplamaca-Practical-Calculator-Quick

With Toplamaca, you do not have to press a separate button for each transaction, as in normal calculators, and the number you pressed is automatically added to the result. Just shake the device to reset the result.

Download Here: https://github.com/ahmetakif/Toplamaca-Practical-Calculator-Quick

Apps Created With JavaScript and PhoneGap

StarField

This app is to relax while cruising through the stars. The cruising speed can be set by touching different areas of the screen.

Download Here: https://github.com/ahmetakif/StarField

Tetris-with-P5js

You can play Tetris game by touching the different areas of the screen.

Source Code and Apk: https://github.com/ahmetakif/Tetris-with-P5js

Shitpace on Amazon App Store

This is not inspired from the space invaders! This may be the one of the most difficult arcade game ever. I bet you can not keep your spaceship alive more than 20 seconds. Good luck with the cruel aliens that are very good at killing your inferior spaceship. Just try to survive!

Download Here: https://www.amazon.com/NOadGames-ShitPACE/dp/B07G2N7QWK/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Shitpace&qid=1586874332&s=mobile-apps&sr=1-1

Source Code on GitHub: https://github.com/ahmetakif/Shitpace

Apps Created with MIT App Inventor 2

Control-Bluetooth-Rc-Cars

This app can also be used with some of my other Bluetooth RC projects with only some little adjustments. Like these:

My Arduino Bluetooth Airboat: https://github.com/ahmetakif/Arduino-Homemade-Bluetooth-Rc-Boat
App of this: https://goo.gl/aoSqBR

My Arduino Bluetooth Rc Car: https://github.com/ahmetakif/Arduino-Bluetooth-Rc-Car
App of this: https://goo.gl/Bs6LtN

My Cylindrical Rolling Robot with Arduino and Bluetooth: https://github.com/ahmetakif/Arduino-Cylindrical-Rolling-Robot
App of this: https://goo.gl/GriYKG

Download Here: https://github.com/ahmetakif/Control-Bluetooth-Rc-Cars-with-The-Gyro-and-Accelerometer-Sensors-of-Your-Phone

Text-to-Speech-Application-for-Android

With this app, you can say something by typing into your phone in any language!

Download Here: https://github.com/ahmetakif/Text-to-Speech-Application-for-Android

"NOadGames" Developer Account on Amazon App Store

I shared one of these applications on The Amazon App Store. You can also find that application on The Amazon App Store from here: https://www.amazon.com/s?rh=n%3A2350149011%2Cp_4%3ANOadGames

"1423apps" Developer Account on Google Play Store

I was sharing these applications on The Google Play Store. Even though my account was suspended, you can also find these applications on the archive: https://sameapk.com/developer/1423apps/