Need a 2nd dedicated USB port for Mega2560 for Midi Controller

Projects General Guidance
1

I have a Mega2560 unit.

I am attempting to create a Midi controller to meet my own needs and possibly to be sold/distributed.

the problem i am experiencing is with the PC interface. I'd rather use USB than MIDI Din

I do not want to rely on a 3rd party application to convert the serial signal, no do I want to alter the Arduino Firmware on the board.

I have purchased a FT232RL Break out as well.

My question is - Is there a way to connect the USB break out to the 2560 to Transmit MIDI data via USB without the need for a separate application?

Perhaps a custom dll to convert the serial data?

2

Are you wanting to receive USB data from a PC, or transmit it to another device?

3

I need to transmit data from my controller to the PC Primarily.

However i am considering using motorized faders which then i would need to transmit data back to the controller

so i guess i need to check the possibilities of both options - PC receive as well as receive/transmit

4

specifically between the mixer and PC though. It will not connect to any other device

5

I would just use an FTDI Basic or equivalent with one of the other 3 serial ports.

6

This is the ftdi I have

http://www.ebay.com/itm/GeTech-USB-serial-FT232RL-converter-Light-Arduino-Nano-mini-USB-Adapter-/190925303817

other 3 serial ports? i didnt realize the 2560 had more than one

and once the FTDI is connected how can i be sure the information will transmit through it instead of the onboard USB?

7

That will work. I've been using these
http://www.tinyosshop.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=600

Connect Rx, Tx, Gnd to one of the Mega's serial ports 17/18, 15/16, 13/14, then
use Serial1.begin(speed); or Serial2 or Serial3 to send/receive data.

8

ok i get it now- thank you.

now if i use the midi baud rate in the serial begin line will i also need a serial data handler on my PC to convert the data?

or is there a way for my computer to recognize the FTDI/Mega as a Midi/Audio device?

9

Yes. Midi is 31500, something like that? Not one of the standard 9600,19200, 38400 rates.

The PC only sees the FTDI chip; if you open the Device Manager/Ports, once you hear boop-boop, its the FTDI device code that is read and shows up as the connected device.

10

ok i've researched a bit more into it- seems if the 2560 is flashed the onboard USB can be detected as an audio device

would i have to flash the FTDI?

im just curious what will make the PC detect it as midi? instead of a generic USB com port

11

I believe you would be flashing the 16U2 for that change.

The FTDI is not changeable like that.

12

ok i'm confused now

the PC reads the FTDI but i'd need to flash the 16u2?

13

Yes, you can't change the "coding" for an FTDI device.
You can change the coding for a 16U2 to make it look like something else.