Ansible 8x8 grid compatibility (40h)

I very much want to start using the euro modules but I only have an original 40h. The docs warn against using an 8x8 yet teasingly say it will work (just not all functions). I’ll eventually get a 128 but curious if there is any point in keeping the 40h around (not interested in using it with a computer any more though - only the modules). Thoughts?

I do see the similar threads btw - my point is more is there any reason to keep the 40h other than my own nostalgia for it. I suppose I wouldn’t get much for it anyway (trying to help fund the 128).

I just bought a series 64 and after a few firmware tweaks from our wonderful dev community have it running with Teletype grid ops. I like the size quite a bit and appreciated the price too. I don’t know if your 40h is comparable, however.

interesting because teletype would be my true goal. right now looking at a used white whale.

I want to ask sth similar.
If i get ansible. Whats the smalest and most inexpensive grid i could use?
Or if it makes a difference in this case earthsea instead of Ansible

keep it. should work with modules, since i used one in the initial development of the avr32 drivers. (but as with series 8x8 devices, might require a tweak or two to codebase to compensate for rot/drift.)

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Were are these tweaks documented?

i’m referring to @scanner_darkly’s fixes to teletype grid ops for 8x8 grids in general, to which @jnoble also refers. all libavr32 and module code is on github, including change history. (in this case, on scanner’s fork.)

as i understand it, these fixes will be in next teletype beta; but they don’t actually apply to ansible (TT grid ops were just making some incorrect assumptions about how internal LED buffer mapped to physical leds in smaller devices) - so this isn’t actually something you should care about if you aren’t planning to use 40h with TT grid ops.


anyways. the OP asks whether ansible is compatible with 8x8 grids. the short answer is: no, not really.

the longer answer is: kind of, but not all functions. if this seems like a “tease,” its because ansible has a lot of functions. describing them is a lot of work and has been beautifully done in monome’s official documentation with the talented assistance of this community. so i would recommend looking at that, and noting which functions require the use of the last 8 columns, and making your own decision on whether the remaining functionality is satisfactory.

  • kria will not be very functional because sequences will run off the end of the grid
  • meadowphysics will basically work but you won’t have access to the “rules” interface.
  • earthsea will basically work but you won’t have access to the “runes” interface.

as far as the 40h in particular - what i’m saying is that to the best of my knowledge, its serial protocol will work with the modules, and it will light up and it will generate keypress events. but it is not varibright, so keep that in mind as well.

you can always create your own appllications, on the ansible hardware or elswhere.

HTH

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Ok i got ansible with erathsea and could get a diy 64 grid locally fair priced. I cant make out if its a safe bet to get the 64 and run it with Ansible ES. I can live without the runes.

Did i get this right that on github there is a tweaked firmware for 64 grids that i should somehow flash to it, and then i should be able to use it?

Are those 64 powered by ansible/usb bus?

no, don’t flash your 64 firmware. there are no alt-firmwares for grids.

the grid is powered by USB bus.

Thanks tehn,
And what would happen plugging a 64 to ansible (for earthsea use only!)?
Functionality without runes?

for ansible earthsea questions please use the thread above (but didn’t we already have this discussion? check the link and the posts that follow)

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Some grid 64 Ansible confirmation
https://llllllll.co/t/mannequins-just-friends/3142/265?u=hlp