#242

I think I stated this too ambiguously. :smiley: What is required to compile and update firmware for the expanders?

I just ordered a teletype last night. Please put me down for one of each expander.

#243

Ah; gotcha. It is dirt-simple.

Expanders are programmed using the Arduino IDE with the Teensy extensions. You just need to install those two things. I work on a Mac, but they should work equally as well on Windows.

The modules are programmed in C++ (save the base Android file which is in Androideese). I kept it this way to make them easy to play around with and extend. Steps to compile and update are as follows:

  1. Open project (TXo or TXi)
  2. Make desired changes.
  3. Connect the Expander to Your Computer via USB
  4. Click the Upload button and the Firmware is Compiled and Updated

You can also drop the HEX file into the Teensy loader and skip the Arduino IDE if you aren’t making any changes.

I’m sure there is a command line way to do this - I don’t bother. I do use a simple Node.js app that I whipped up to connect to the expander and show logging messages when debugging. I’ll be sharing that as well. :slight_smile:

I should make a note that there are a couple of new models of Teensy with a lot more horsepower that are pin-compatible. With these, it will be possible to up the sampling rate and also do more with the experimental features of the expanders. I’m pretty excited about this - but haven’t had time to properly experiment. They are in my DO NOT TOUCH box until this part of the project is done.

Cheers!

b

3 Likes
#244

Sweet, this even works well on Xubuntu (which is what I’m running).

1 Like
#245

A new option for the panels is available from Lazergist. For an additional $7 per module they can glass bead blast them for more of a finished look. I’m inclined to do it in order to better match the finish of the expanders to the Teletype. The current panels look nice - but they have a slight sheen to them that picks up colors in the environment a little more. See the pics below.

Anyone have major objections?

With Glass Bead Blasting:

sandblasted.png800×300 253 KB

Without:

expanders.png800×300 369 KB

More about the process:

5 Likes
#246

Looks like 7 dollars well spent. buttery smooth.

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#247

“Das Glasperlenspiel.”

Do it.

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#248

Yes, please. They will look lovely next to my raw-from-the-mill 6061T6 panels. :smiley:

#249

For $7+ a panel, you could probably get the panels made at MPC (where the monome modular panels are made) for the same price or less. Quantity is always the issue though – I would guess ~50 pieces of each would work out to $7 or less per panel (note there’s a $75 setup fee for each design).

I can help arrange this if you’d prefer to take that route.

2 Likes
#250

These both look so cool!

What was the depth on these again? Would love to be able to squeeze it in an -isms w/ the rest of my monome modules, I believe you had specced it around 50mm which sadly is a couple mm to big for isms (41mm). Any possibility this has changed in development?

2 Likes
#251

Yes please, looks very very nice with!

#252

I’m in for anything making it match with the other modules.

1 Like
#253

are they already on modulargrid? getting excited

#254

I’d love to have the expanders in exactly the same look as the monome modules.

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#255

Yes please please, make them isms friendly!

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#256

9mm difference is nearly a 1 cm… which is huge.
that can’t be.
you sure it’s millimeters?

#257

Looks beautiful.

I’d add another vote to whatever process best matches the TT which is to say probably following up with @Galapagoose to see if MPC makes sense.

#258

Thanks for all the feedback.

@Galapagoose - I’ll look into MPC - I’m assuming it is these guys (https://www.mpofcinci.com/metal-panels). Might be more economical to source panels from them; Lasergist was cheaper (and faster) for my short test runs than a one-off from Front Panel Express. Thanks for the info. If that is way more expensive, I’ll most likely go with the glass bead blasted approach from Lasergist.

@tambouri + @wolfgangschaltung - I followed Tom Whitwell’s form factor for the Teensy-powered RadioMusic module. It is listed on ModularGrid as being 40mm depth.

I think it will be close without doing anything extra. (A quick offhand measure of the TXo with all of the headers in place puts it at 40.83 - not counting the panel or any breathing room.) The good news is there are two layers of standard black removable headers - which means options for tightening up the spacing (using non-removeable mounting and/or smaller precision headers).

Here is a shot of the TXi from earlier in the thread (with a 3D printed panel) to show you the stacking:

13437145_1720485031562185_783923527_n.jpg1080×1080 95.4 KB

Note: there are a few more headers in the final design at the top and bottom of the inner boards to curb any rocking that may happen during mounting or travel.

When it comes time to full production I’ll have a definitive height and also any mounting options if they are necessary for those who have reserved a unit.

6 Likes
#259

Fully support the matching panels. Please.

1 Like
#260

me too!
So looking forward to this!
It will be luxurious!
:smile:

1 Like
#261

Wow - just wow…

I 100% want one of each, possibly two.

I’m just constantly blown away every time I come here to check on the progress of these projects (I’m still waiting on my teletype from analog haven).

1 Like