Groovesizer

Category: General

  • Foxtrot Firmware now available

    I’ve just released the Foxtrot firmware and there’s a growing implementation chart on the Foxtrot’s firmware page. It’s a MIDI controller, but far from being a one-size-fits-all controller, it’s meant specifically as a clip and scene launcher for Ableton. (And yes, it does mean there are other MIDI controller firmware planned, too.) The firmware is designed to fit in perfectly with my Ableton workflow, but I fully expect users to go in and fiddle with the firmware code to make it ideal for their own setup.

  • Template Firmware

    We’ve uploaded a template to help you get started rolling your own firmware. You can download it from the Template page.

    Here’s a quick look at what the template does.

  • Front panel design

    For those of you curious as to what the front panel will look like, here’s the design. The gray background here will be black – it’s just so you can see the bend-lines of the eclosure.

    Nothing too fancy, or specific, since functionality will change depending on the firmware.Groovesizer - Silkscreen

     

    UPDATE

    The manufacturer is unable to do silkscreen printing within 3mm of a bend, so I’ve had to adjust the design somewhat. I chose to keep the circles around the pots in their altered form. It’s more as a design element – but someone may still have a practical use for it.

    Groovesizer - Silkscreen_updated2

  • Enclosure design – first look

    Here’s a first look at the completed design for a sheet-metal enclosure. Kudos to my brother who obviously spent a lot of time working on this. We’ve sent the design to a local manufacturer and are waiting for them to come back to us with a quote.GS Assy_Shtmtl 100813PM

    GS Assy_Shtmtl 100813PM_2UPDATE:

    The manufacturer suggested we simplify the design into two shells (top and bottom) only. I’m expecting an example in a week or so. The enclosures should be available early in November 2013.

    We’ll keep this design in case we ever want to do wooden end cheeks – classy!

    UPDATE 2 (2023-10-05):

    We’ve just received a sample enclosure from the manufacturer – it looks great! (Click to enlarge.)

    DSC00270

    DSC00272

    DSC00273DSC00274DSC00276

  • First Kit

    My friend Old Crow will be helping me demo the Groovesizer at this year’s Knobcon on September 13th & 14th.

    Not so much time left, so I packed a kit for OC post haste and sent it off. Here’s what the first kit looks like.

    first kit

  • Update: Hong Kong Mini Maker Faire

    I had a great time at the Hong Kong Mini Maker Faire on the weekend. I got some very valuable insights into explaining exactly what the Groovesizer is to passers-by. I also got great tips from a design and production perspective from some of the other makers. I’m very happy about the enthusiastic response I got from many quarters, especially from musicians.

    2013-08-17 14.50.42
    The Groovesizer table at the Hong Kong Mini Maker Faire

    My only regret is that I didn’t have time to explore all of the awesome other projects on display. But there’s always next year ;^)

  • Welcome

    The original Groovesizer on the breadboard
    The original Groovesizer on the breadboard

    Welcome to Groovesizer.com – this website is currently under construction, but will soon be home to everything related to the upcoming Groovesizer range of 8-bit DIY musical tools. Watch this space!

    If you’d like us to let you know when more information is available, please use the contact form below.

    [contact-form-7 id=”4″ title=”Contact form 1″]

    In the meantime, have a look at the original Groovesizer Arduino project and build one for yourself:
    Info & Schematics
    Manual (firmware v1.9)