FAQ
Questions asked by Kone, Firestarter and Kingkas
1) thats cool...so, try to explain a little bit more your project please...
MIDI sequencers and PCs allow you adjust the tempo - but its not really fine enough to mix with. My project will use MIDI clock to implement a fine tempo control - which will be good enough to mix with. SYNC24 is also available for analog drum machines and sequencers.

2) so...if I understood well, your project is for synchronisation between MIDI Instruments and DJ Decks...But what I don't understand is who delivers the reference clock, is it the decks or the musical instruments ???
OK - my device delivers the reference clock to the MIDI instruments. You have to set the tempo yourself - as if you were mixing. The controls are START/STOP, COARSE TEMPO, FINE TEMPO, ON/OFF so it's very easy to use.


3) And now you are making a pcb-plan for it? Or just schematics?
I want it to be available for anyone to make so there will be a strip-board layout only. The only problem is the device I'll use for the midi is PLCC!! I will have to be imaginative with the layout ;->

4) a programmed logic device?
Thats correct - I will use a Xilinx 44 pin CPLD. The circuit is in my head at the moment.

5) OK, but the cpld need to be programmed, so the people need to get a programmed one from you? Did I understand you right?
OK I understand!! You can download the design from a PC using the printer port. You need a special cable though ($95). My idea is to build the cable into the circuit board and have a 25pin port on the box. Was that clear?
I should say the download program for PC is a free 10Mb download from the Xilinx website...

6) OK, and with this program, your own PLD-programmcode, the self-made cable with one side printerport and other-side interface to the PCB people can 'upload' the software into PLD? Right?
Thats right. I will arrange for the self made cable to be a straight-through printer cable you can get from any PC store.

7) Will it be 'in-circuit-programmable' ?
Yes - it will be in-circuit-programmable, I have plans to have different CPLD schematics to do different things - maybe beat lights and stuff.


8) Are you going to get a company to make it?
No, I want it to be like 'public domain' software but with electronics.

Back to DJ device page