Ribbon controller

Forum 2005-2010 (read only) Hardware Troubleshooting
1

Hi all, I have built a ribbon to midi controller instrument using an at mega168 in roboduino nano format.
My problrm is this - the unit will work faultlesly for a whilesending all the correct midi messages and performing great then all of a sudden it will stop transmitting midi completely!
I have tried every combination of turning off and on and the order in which I connect it to my laptop.
My setup is this
Laptop running winxp using cubase 5 and a USB midisport 2x2 interface between the instrument and the laptop.
I think it is a problem with the arduino for the following reasons

  1. When I power it up the red power led comes on

  2. The small green led (it has a L above it) next to the red power led blinks 4 times and then goes out (usually this will half lght up when the unit detects a note being pressed on the ribbon strip.It will also randomly flash from time to time.

I have checked the wiring scrupulously and have tried several new sets of batteries.
I have tried reloading the original sketch but it keeps on coming up with an avrdude error about the unit not being in sync?
I dont think the sketch has been corrupted due to the fact the unit will work from time to time (although at the moment having left it powered down over night with no battery connected) it will still bnot transmit any midi.
Any thoughts on what itmight be or have I just got a dud unit.
I can post the sketch here if anybody thinks that might help.
Thanks for your help.
p.s. when I get the unit working fully I will post pictures.
Cheers
Ray

2

I have tried reloading the original sketch but it keeps on coming up with an avrdude error about the unit not being in sync?

That means the computer can't detect the arduino. Have you disconnected the midi i/o when you try this as the midi interface can interfere with normal serial communications.

3

Thanks Mike, I will try that - unfortunately the whole interface is hardwired to the midi board so I think now might be a good time to socket everything :slight_smile:
Cheers
Ray