MarshallArts

As promised earlier this year: Here is the thread for the new version of this midi controller (now called "The Ekano", because that name was still available on google sites).

More than three years ago, I started a thread about a DIY Midi Controller I built. This thing has been on my pedalboard ever since, but I redesigned it to use another microprocessor (Arduino Pro Micro). I also created a website with all required ressources (3D-print-files, drill-templates, build instructions, programming guide,...): https://sites.google.com/view/ekano/start This new version will be recognized by you computer as an input device once connected to your USB-C-Port. This being said, it can control your DAW or plugins or anything midi on your computer as well... Enjoy reading, building, programming, playing.

Yes, you can use it with any midi device, but you may have to modify the code for your specific device.

I am in the process of building a new version of the "Evening Sun Midi Controller". I will call this one Evening Sun "MC6 PRO" :-). Functions will be the same like in the first version with minor tweaks in the provided standard configuration (Preset up/down will be implemented via midi, not by emulating FS 4/5) and general cleanup of the arduino files. I have designed a new 3D-Printed enclosure and need to build the first MC6 PRO in order to verify that everything fits in there. Once everything is done, tested and documented, I will provide updated files (and start an new thread in this forum as well).

Sorry for not being more active on this forum, I just came across this old project, as I did some research on the HX Midi implementation. Just wanted to answer the questions I saw above, not sure, if those are still relevant... - First of all, after almost 3 years, this thing still runs in the original configuration on my pedalboard, so chances are, you don't need to get into the coding part, as it does what it does and it does it great. Dont change the display, stick to the instructions, get the correct components and you'll be fine. - I might (!) add an expression pedal connector somewhen. If somebody has already done it, let me know! - The reason for this is the following: The newest HX Stomp update has a feedbacker in it, so I will get rid of the FreqOut on my pedalboard and replace that with a dual footswitch (FS4 and FS5). I know, that I can have an expression pedal and a single Footswitch as well, but if I am doing changes to this pedalboard, I might also try to improve my evening sun midi controller. - Yes, there were some changes in the midi implementation in the HX Stomp 3.5. update. Obviously, the evening sun works perfectly with the current 3.71 release. - AFAIK Midi HAS to be on digital pins. Let me know, if you succesfully connected midi to other pins and were able to upload sketches without having to disconnect midi - Web Interface and such... I could do that (similar to the morning star solutions), but I'd rather keep it simple. After all, the five presets provide more than I use already (I use ONE preset of the five to change between 3 HX snapshots, one button to boost the output for solos and two buttons to change presets on the hx stomp)

Sorry, did not find a button for PM's, so you will have to ask questions right here ;-)

Hi... I sent you a pm with my contact information. For the rest of the questions: The Nano should work fine. Changing the display means changing a library and getting into the code. You need some experience with programming to do this (it is absolutely possible, though). The display seems small, though and I have had bad experience with readability of those on stage or in sunlight. You need an enclosure, the jacks, buttons, a display, the arduino, the 3d-printed holder, wire and solder stuff. No extra circuit board required.

I put everything in a folder: <Update 04/2024: New version will be availabe soon, please check for new thread on this forum> It's not a drill template, but the CAD-Drawing I created as a basis. it's not to complicated, just the square hole is a bit annoying...

I wrapped this up for my live rig: I will most likely stick with the configuration in bank one (3 Snapshots on the bottom row (buttons D-F), scroll HX presets up/down (buttons A/B) on the top row and a solo boost (Button C). This means, I will not change the code over in the near future, but document it well enough for everyone else to adjust it to their preferences. You can find it here: <Update 04/2024: New version will be availabe soon, please check for new thread on this forum> Dont hesitate to ask questions, if you have trouble getting into it.

Thanks.

It's done and it's working great! Besides the Arduino Nano and the LCD Display, there's only two resistors, six switches, a Midi Jack and a power jack - that being said, I decided to build this without any additional PCB.

I will post the code in a few days, when everything is working and leave a link here. I am not planning to provide midi through but would be interested, what you would use this for (I assume more than one device and another one, that is lacking a through jack?).

Hi, not quite sure where to put this, however, I though it was worth sharing. I am close to finishing a DIY controller for my HX stomp based on an Arduino nano. Building it is easy with some drilling and soldering skills, changing Midi commands (and sequences) according to your preferences is easy. It cant do all the things a morningstar MC6 can do, but it comes with a 4-line Display and 6 switches, so it may look similar. All you need is a Hammond 1590xx enclosure, an Arduino Nano, an LCD display, a midi Jack, a DC power jack, 6 momentary switches, and a few resistors. It's actually so simple, I am thinking of not even making a Circuit board for it. Overall costs will be around 50 €. I would provide the software for free, once it's done. If you would like to donate what it's worth for you, I would be thankful ;-) Here is a picture of two Banks that are already working: What it can do: Button Action: Single Press, Long Press Toggle Values of Blocks via Midi CC ("Toggle Solo Boost" in my example) Activate/Deactivate Blocks via Midi CC Change Presets (via Midi PC) Activate/deactivate the Tuner Change Snapshots Change the Footswitch Mode on the HX Stomp (Snapshot Mode, Preset Scroll mode, Preset mode, Stomp Mode) Downsides: No webinterface - to change midi, you will have to change the arduino code (it's actually easier than it sounds) No Midi in, so it's a one-way-street from the controller to the HX or Helix or whatever device you are using Anybody interested?

Fixed the issue - I was able to get rid of the duplicate PC messages, works again. Obviously, the older HX firmware was more tolerant in accepting a second PC message sent immediatly after the first one.

This was a perfect recommendation, thanks - I did the backup/factory reset/restore process and I dont recognize the issues with the "frozen values" any more. However, some program changes (with even numbers, very strange) did not work, so the HX reacted to Program 1, 3, 5 etc but would always jump to program 1 when I wanted to trigger 2, 4, 6 etc. So I installed a midi monitor and it seems that the arduino software I programmed always sends two program changes. A "1" always followed by the requested program: IN |25.09.2021 12:44:07,32 | 1 | PROGRAM CHANGE Patch/Program - Number: 1 IN |25.09.2021 12:44:07,60 | 1 | PROGRAM CHANGE Patch/Program - Number: 4 IN |25.09.2021 12:44:07,79 | 1 | Control CHANGE Hold 2: off IN |25.09.2021 12:44:07,95 | 1 | Control CHANGE Foot Controller 0 IN |25.09.2021 12:44:07,113| 1 | Control CHANGE Portamento Time 0 IN |25.09.2021 12:44:07,136| 1 | Control CHANGE Data Entry MSB 0 IN |25.09.2021 12:44:07,154| 1 | Control CHANGE Channel (formerly main) Volume 0 IN |25.09.2021 12:44:07,216| 1 | Control CHANGE Balance 0 IN |25.09.2021 12:44:07,231| 1 | Control CHANGE Undefined 0 IN |25.09.2021 12:44:07,247| 1 | Control CHANGE Pan 127 IN |25.09.2021 12:44:07,263| 1 | Control CHANGE Expression Controller 0 IN |25.09.2021 12:44:08,641| 1 | PROGRAM CHANGE Patch/Program - Number: 1 IN |25.09.2021 12:44:08,663| 1 | PROGRAM CHANGE Patch/Program - Number: 3 IN |25.09.2021 12:44:08,683| 1 | Control CHANGE Hold 2: off IN |25.09.2021 12:44:08,700| 1 | Control CHANGE Foot Controller 0 IN |25.09.2021 12:44:08,717| 1 | Control CHANGE Portamento Time 0 IN |25.09.2021 12:44:08,741| 1 | Control CHANGE Data Entry MSB 0 IN |25.09.2021 12:44:08,759| 1 | Control CHANGE Channel (formerly main) Volume 0 IN |25.09.2021 12:44:08,795| 1 | Control CHANGE Balance 0 IN |25.09.2021 12:44:08,830| 1 | Control CHANGE Undefined 0 IN |25.09.2021 12:44:08,846| 1 | Control CHANGE Pan 127 IN |25.09.2021 12:44:08,864| 1 | Control CHANGE Expression Controller 127 IN |25.09.2021 12:44:39,199| 1 | PROGRAM CHANGE Patch/Program - Number: 1 IN |25.09.2021 12:44:39,222| 1 | PROGRAM CHANGE Patch/Program - Number: 2 IN |25.09.2021 12:44:39,246| 1 | Control CHANGE Hold 2: off IN |25.09.2021 12:44:39,263| 1 | Control CHANGE Foot Controller 127 IN |25.09.2021 12:44:39,317| 1 | Control CHANGE Portamento Time 0 IN |25.09.2021 12:44:39,350| 1 | Control CHANGE Data Entry MSB 0 IN |25.09.2021 12:44:39,367| 1 | Control CHANGE Channel (formerly main) Volume 127 IN |25.09.2021 12:44:39,396| 1 | Control CHANGE Balance 0 IN |25.09.2021 12:44:39,436| 1 | Control CHANGE Undefined 0 IN |25.09.2021 12:44:39,548| 1 | Control CHANGE Pan 0 IN |25.09.2021 12:44:39,599| 1 | Control CHANGE Expression Controller 0 IN |25.09.2021 12:44:43,228| 1 | PROGRAM CHANGE Patch/Program - Number: 1 IN |25.09.2021 12:44:43,254| 1 | PROGRAM CHANGE Patch/Program - Number: 1 IN |25.09.2021 12:44:43,274| 1 | Control CHANGE Hold 2: off IN |25.09.2021 12:44:43,290| 1 | Control CHANGE Foot Controller 127 IN |25.09.2021 12:44:43,322| 1 | Control CHANGE Portamento Time 0 IN |25.09.2021 12:44:43,339| 1 | Control CHANGE Data Entry MSB 0 IN |25.09.2021 12:44:43,368| 1 | Control CHANGE Channel (formerly main) Volume 127 IN |25.09.2021 12:44:43,414| 1 | Control CHANGE Balance 0 IN |25.09.2021 12:44:43,433| 1 | Control CHANGE Undefined 0 IN |25.09.2021 12:44:43,450| 1 | Control CHANGE Pan 0 IN |25.09.2021 12:44:43,472| 1 | Control CHANGE Expression Controller 0 With the old releases (Pre 1.10), that obviously worked, now it seems that the HX does not recognize the second program change on even program numbers. Well, I guess, I have to review my 3 year old code for that ;-) Thanks again! Matthias