Several “makers” at the recent Maker Faire Detroit demonstrated projects that incorporate Highly Liquid MIDI decoders.  For more photos, see the new Highly Liquid Photostream at Flickr.

Chip Flynn (Apetechnology) brought several robots, including an MSA-R controlled string instrument (background left):

Dana Dolfi demonstrated the MSA-T controlled Great American Horn Machine:

Dave Kadlitz performed with his MSA-R & MSA-T controlled mechanical drum machine, the “Waits-o-Matic 9000″:

Michael Una performed with an MD24-synced DIY sequencer:

Steve Averill’s robot drummer first appeared in this blog as a pair of disembodied plywood forearms.

The “Spruce Deuce” has since become a sophisticated android drummer brought to life by 11 RC servos.  Servo control signals are generated by a single MD24 MIDI Decoder:

Compare to Steve3PO, an MSA-T driven MIDI robot drummer.

Other MD24-based MIDI percussion projects are underway and are being discussed at the Highly Liquid Forums.  Have you joined the forums yet?

The MIDI CPU firmware has been updated.  The new version is recommended for all users.

This update includes all functionality from the previous version, plus:

• Support for up to 16 indicator LEDs in a 4×4 matrix
• New logic input modes useful for the implementation of various MIDI controllers, including foot switch controllers

The update also includes fixes for two bugs in the version 1.0 firmware:

• Certain control terminal configurations are not stored correctly.
• The “running status” implementation prevents the re-sending of status bytes despite periods of inactivity.

Firmware upgrade instructions can be found in the firmware user manual.  The manual and the firmware update SysEx file can be found at the MIDI CPU product page.

Features in this update were requested by users at the MIDI CPU support forum.  If you have feature requests, please join the forum and participate in the ongoing discussion.

The new MIDI CPU accepts input from switches, potentiometers, rotary encoders, switch matrices and external digital & analog signals.  In response, it generates virtually any type of MIDI message.  Buy now!

The MIDI CPU ships fully assembled.  Simply attach MIDI connectors, control components, and a battery or DC power supply.

Features include:

• 24 independent input terminals
• Monitors up to 128 switches, 14 potentiometers, or 12 encoders
• Allows mixed input types
• Merges MIDI input with locally generated messages—multiple units share a single MIDI Out port
• Powered via battery or DC supply between 3.3V and 12V
• Measures only 66mm x 38mm (2.6″ x 1.5″)
• Configured via MIDI SysEx message
• User-upgradeable firmware

The MIDI CPU has a long list of potential applications.  Build your own traditional footswitch, keyboard, or “knob box” controller.  Build your own alternative MIDI controller—optical theremin, fret-based controller, etc.  Generate MIDI note patterns or CC waveforms from digital or analog signals.  Re-purpose a “consumer” keyboard, calculator, game controller, or other electronic device as a MIDI controller.

These possibilities will be explored with “how-to” information at the blog and forums.

Have you registered yet?  The forums are the best place to ask for product information or technical support.

The MPA MIDI Decoder (potentiometer and logic output) hardware is being updated.  The improved design features simplified assembly, smaller footprint and easier-to-read I/O labels.  The new boards will be available in early June.

Dana in Pennsylvania combined a car hauler trailer, a 4-cylinder gasoline engine air compressor, a 620 gallon air tank, and an assortment of air horns & whistles.  He then added 24 relays driven by three MSA-T MIDI decoders and a laptop running Anvil Studio.  The result:

Complete project discussion and additional photos can be found here.  Also see the rig’s renditions of “76 Trombones” and “The Pennsylvania Polka“.

Daren Ager’s modular drum demo, using an MPA MIDI Decoder as an interface between a Machinedrum and modular gear:

Ronin Otter’s UMR / Casio SK-1 installation how-to video (also see Nomeist’s UMR mini-review):

MIDI2600 / Synthcart / Atari 2600 demo video by The Longhorn Engineer (also see this MIDI2600-External enclosure discussion):

Spunkytoofer’s latest noise machine which includes an MSA-R for MIDI control (lots of other devices here):

Stylinghead’s photos of a clever CS01-MIDI internal install by Billy Neenos:

A Boss DR-110 / MD24 MIDI retrofit project from Darren at MakerSpace, Wellington, New Zealand:

MPA Firmware Version 1.4 is now available.  The new features are:

• User configurable power-up states for all outputs
• CC “on/off” mode for logic outputs
• “Any note” modes for logic outputs (output responds to any note number)
• Device is pre-configured with a “factory default” configuration

Complete details can be found in the firmware user manual, linked at the product page.

Larry Cotton’s 3-octave “player marimba” was featured in MAKE, Volume 4.  Larry added two MD24 MIDI Decoders and the marimba can now be controlled by any MIDI sequencer or keyboard.

Larry’s other contributions to MAKE are listed here.