#101

happy new year everyone

also happy to report the test-jig and and vb_driver revision are 100% functional.

looking to placing a small order of assembled units soon to get out to a few people to cover all the grid editions and prove firmwares when they have been modified.

hope you are all doing well!

11 Likes
#102

Wow! This is great news! Thanks for updates, as always, and looking forward to some grayscale varibrightness in the future!

2 Likes
#103

it would be :yellow_heart: if you could share a list of editions you’re working on supporting

1 Like
#104

All non-varibright editions!

basically anything with a MAX7219 this could go into…
this excludes the 4-level varibright models.

for devices with the through-hole MAX7219 (think 40h kit, MK, (arduinone (firmware might be harder))) there will be adapter boards shared via oshpark

6 Likes
#105

very excited! Happy new year! :sweat_smile: :partying_face: :partying_face:

1 Like
#107

20 characters of excitement :slight_smile:

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#108

Exciting! Looking forward to using my original run walnut 128 with modern monome devices :slight_smile:

#109

This is so beautiful! :slight_smile:

#110

The vb_hype is building.

#111

Great idea! Congratulation on your project! I have a 128 greyscale with tilt sensor in need of newer adventures (hopefully paired with norns or fates. I’d be interested in this for sure :slight_smile:

#113

Sure. I’m still sorting production of an initial quantity (30-50). Coronavirus has impacted fabrication facilities in China, pushing lead times to 50-75 days. which had in turn impacted local fabrication facilities and pushed out their lead times or pushed up the cost.

fortunately I have a friend with the right gear (pick and place, oven) who has made himself available to help move this along.

There are other things to sort though, parts, panelization, etc… all non-trivial. This is potentially large financial undertaking, so i’m taking my time.

yes, my grid is from 2007, walnut, and was DC powered until I upgraded it.

when it’s time, there will be a shopify (or similar) page to order from and express interest when restocking is needed.

it is my intention to get 50 or so out to people who can help verify firmware for different grid versions (think walnut, greyscale, 40h) and sizes (64,128,256,512). I will then get another 100-150 done soon after, based on interest i’ve seen expressed through this thread.

16 Likes
#115

If my walnut 64 grid milled enclosure says monome.org re09
Max7221CWG 0711
is that one of the few 4 step varibright?
No module right now to test.

#116

You can test very easily in max. Download the monome test suite.

#117

How do I tell the difference between monobright and varibright grids? I’m looking to purchase a grid here in Japan and the seller hasn’t made it clear which version it is.
The casing is walnut and in one of the pics all the pads are shown lit up in red.

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#118

That looks like the same version as my 64, namely a “series” 128:

“series” 64, 128, 256 – 2007-2010

smaller keypads than the 40h. mitred-frame walnut enclosure, plate embedded/framed within enclosure, orange LEDs. rubber “noodle” slip guard on bottom. burned brand “monome” on bottom. 256 and 128 shipped with external power supply. bus power upgrade offered later. 64 bus powered and included tilt sensor. 256 and 128 not tilt upgradeable.

https://monome.org/docs/grid/editions/

1 Like
#119

This is one of the original non-varibright grids. This is upgradable with vb_driver when I get them out there.

The 4-level ones of this kind have a single solid milled walnut base and no rubber inserts.

2 Likes
#120

Hello again.

Panelized PCBs are in production. Parts are still to be ordered then can move to assembly.

In other news I came off my bike two weeks ago and fractured the 5th metacarpal in my right hand. Getting a plate put in tomorrow morning.

4 Likes
#121

Sorry to hear about your accident, heal up soon!

1 Like
#122

Ugh, I am sorry to hear you spilled like that. Bike accidents are legitimately one of the worst. And they hurt more with each passing year.

Happy to hear about the news about the Vb-driver! Continuing to look forward to this project and always excited for updates to the thread!

1 Like
#125

I’ve seen some partial answers related to this - and forgive me if I’ve missed something obvious - but is getting a monobright grid worth it or should I really just go the extra mile and get the varibright?
The grid that I posted above is going for a pretty reasonable price (37000JPY) and I’m itching to try one out with my Norns, but I’m worried that I’ll run into a wall pretty soon on the monobright.
Any insight on this would be appreciated!