Programmable Arduino based digital effect/amp switcher

[defaced]

Sorry, I just don't know schitt about programming. I've been trying to get started with PIC platform... but the documentation is like an endless loop of diversion. Might as well be written in bocci.

Microchip is somewhat obtuse in their datasheets.  That alone has caused me some serious headaches, but I think I'm almost sorta getting the hang of it.  I use MikroElektronika's Basic compiler for my work.  They also have a C and Pascal compiler. 

I did a project similar to this a couple of years ago.  Basically a channel switching controller for an amp.  I found the ULN2008 to be very nice for driving the relays. 

[iccaros]

you can start with Pic Basic pro (cost $$) http://store.melabs.com/cat/PBP.html

But I find assembly easier some times. I wrote an AES encryption device with a PIC as a prototype, emulating a TACLAN for a project.  Worked well.
If you are still woring with PIC's This is the best book I have found --> http://www.amazon.com/Programming-Customizing-Microcontrollers-Electronics-Technical/dp/B0012F9XR8/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1315243339&sr=1-3

[head_spaz]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I've bookmarked the links.
I'm thinking that PICs have their place... but perhaps they aren't the ideal learning platform for true beginners, like me.
I ended up spending half the day yesterday looking at Arduino stuff, which seems less intimidating.

[defaced]

Thanks for the book suggestion iccaros.  I ordered a used copy last night.  I figure for 7 bucks shipped, it can't hurt to have it on the shelf. 

[head_spaz]

Hellllllllloooooooooo....

        Is this thing on???

                 Anyone at home?

                          Is that smoke I see???

                                     Someone hand me the snausages!

[tempus]

I built a board virtually identical to what you're trying to do (minus the save presets function) using a PIC and JFET switching a while back if you're interested in checking it out. As for programming the PIC, it isn't that hard - this was my first project:

http://www.diystompboxes.com/smfforum/index.php?topic=76715.0

[bancika]

no updates, I'm afraid. Waiting for chassis to be completed in a local metal shop and in the meantime I started another Mesa IIc+ build for my friend.
I'll post upates

[head_spaz]

Well Bane? Any news?
I bought me some Arduino UNOs... and some books... and now I'm ready to start buildin' sumpin'.

[wavley]

Somewhat unrelated, but I'm a member of IEEE and the other day we got a tech email that I didn't really think anything of, until I got this in my inbox...

Dear Members and Readers,

Please accept our sincere apologies for the headline in today's Tech Alert: "With the Arduino, Now Even Your Mom Can Program." The actual title of the article is "The Making of Arduino."

I'm an IEEE member, and a mom, and the headline was inexcusable, a lazy, sexist cliché that should have never seen the light of day. Today we are instituting an additional headline review process that will apply to all future Tech Alerts so that such insipid and offensive headlines never find their way into your in-box.

Spectrum's insistence on editorial excellence applies to all its products, including e-mail alerts. Thank you for bringing this error to our attention. If you have any additional comments or recommendations, do not hesitate to contact me or other members of the editorial staff.


Sincerely yours,
   
Susan Hassler
Editor in Chief
IEEE Spectrum

Apparently someone took offense, but it's a nice article about arduino nonetheless http://spectrum.ieee.org/geek-life/hands-on/the-making-of-arduino/?utm_source=techalert&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=102711

[DavenPaget]

My modelling amp had a TMS320VC540 DSP chip that took 5 secs to startup but apparently it was wired in a way that when you flick on the switch , it appears to "warmup" like a tube .

[gtudoran]

Hey bancica i'm working at a very similar project - it will not have (at least not in this version) MIDI controll but i would like to implement some PC or CC Midi codes. I use C for AVR and Avr studio 5 and for this project Attiny 2313  - maybe we can make a project together if you are intrested.


Best regards,
Gabriel Tudoran
Analog Sound

PS: you can use an darlington array to switch the relayes isted of a bipolar tranzistor.

[cbradburne]

Hi Bancika,

Did you ever get this working?  I was thinking about building something similar and found this.

Thanks,
Col