Archive:SNES DJ Controller

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SNES DJ Controller Release status: beta [box doku]
Description	A small MIDI-Controller for DJs inside a casing of a SNES
Author(s)	Jan

Parts used

• 50 RGB LEDs, common anode
• USB<->MIDI Cable
• 8 Arcade Switches white/clear
• 8 potentiometers 10k, mono, linear, no raster
• TLC5940 LED driver
• SNES
• Arduino Mega
• Plexiglas

Most of the stuff was already there. I just had to order the bold marked things.

Milestones

☑ sending MIDI

My first goal was sending MIDI data to the PC. MIDI is a pretty basic serial protocol transmitting data with 31250 baud. For testing purposes i send data at 9600 baud via the arduinos serial interface to a software called Hairless MIDI. This will be changed in the future.

☑ preparing the case

All of the inner parts of the Super Nintendo have been removed. This includes the controller ports, the main PCB, the top dark-grey panel and also some plastic struts. The Controller-Port in the front was replaced by a 3d printed part. You can get the .stl and openscad file here: snes_front.zip The (still working) console parts will be put into a new fancy case to give this classic console a new life.

Faceplate v2

☑ cutting the faceplate

The faceplate was laser-cut. Until now i have built three iterations of this part.

1. Wood - Buttons were too close together and had only 24mm holes.
2. Wood - Buttons and pots fit great
3. Plexiglas (latest) - same as above but shiny, see-through acrylic glas
   i knew it was a great idea to order that casemodding window kit back in 2003.

You can get the latest files here: snes_faceplate.zip (contains SVG and DXF)

☑ add blinkenlights

Every project needs blinkenlights.
Although the arduino has 54 digital outputs it cannot provide enough energy for 16 RGB LEDs (48 channels). Therefore i used the awesome TLC5940 LED driver ICs for driving the LEDs. For this i soldered a own breadboard Demo-video here: [1]