Instrument in temporary housing
Since the Pint Glass will need some microcontroller MIDI code, might as well be an opportunity to write some of that. Happen to have a 4x4 rubber dome pad and RGB LEDs.
Version 1 worked easily enough. Want to box it up in a respectable-looking case, but the LEDs exhibit visible strobing when many of them are turned on simultaneously. Going to have to get a proper driver for the LEDs. Suspect the MAX7219 I ordered are not functional. Acquired a pre-made kit to test the MAX communication code and eliminate possibility of wiring errors. Chips and LEDs are slightly different package, though.
After deciding the MAX chips were defective, I used a TM1640 to drive the RGB LEDs, which worked out better, due to the addidional pins anyway. The button inputs and potentiometer were just wired up straight to an Arduino. Aside from being a dense mess of wires, it works great. Just send MIDI events down the serial connection and use Hairless MIDI to turn them into a JACK-exposed MIDI device.
Added enough functionality for playing around; it can record and playback loops on different instruments. Still wants to be in better housing, though.
