[Fpga-synth] MIDI-controller and the Arcade Extender

[Magnus Wedmark]

Hi all,

This list is still kinda slow so I'll give it a try to start some
discussions!

I read earlier about someone on the list hacking a working synth using the
Picoblaze as MIDI-controller. Is that code open, and if that is so, where is
it located? I couldn't find it just now.. If not I just gonna have to hack
my own. I like the Picoblaze, it's a nice little usable piece to play with!
I feel very productive when using the very-well written
http://www.mediatronix.com/pBlazeIDE.htm to do the prototypes. Sorry to say
I had problems getting in touch with the creators for some bug fixes.

I've got a working design using a simple monophonic SIN-synth and using the
PC as a MIDI=>COM-bridge, but now I have designed and finished an
extender-board called "Arcade Extender" fitting a 2*20 0.1" standard
connector that I would like to try out. It is specified to be optimal for
FPGA-based synth-applications, emulator-applications (C64, TRS-80 , VIC-20,
Amiga, Atari ST and more), new SOC-platforms and more.

I have 10 professionally made boards from the first batch.
See it at:
http://wedmark.se

I have already soldered 2 of them for me and a pal and I will start out by
validating all connectors for correct function. I already got the VGA, PS2
and LineOut tested and these are working great.

Then I will try to sell the rest of them (8) to anyone wanting one. I sell
the unpopulated PCB with a BOM (bill of materials) for you to finish. It
also comes with PDF-schematics. Email me if you are interested but please
feel free to comment it on the list for some TRAFFIC! :-)

The board comes with some nice additions to an existing
FPGA-dev.board-connectors like:

- MMC/SD-card (SPI only)
- A 64/Amiga/ST-Joystick port (with 2 additional buttons specified)
- VGA-output with 4096 colors
- MIDI-in port
- PS/2 connector (extra for simultaneous mouse+keyboard)
- LineOut connector Stereo-sound ("Space-Invaders" Look-alike sound)

The FPGA-board used by most of you synthetic-guys (500E) does not fit it
directly so you need to build a 2*20<=>FX2 100-pin link or just hook it up
to those J-connectors on the board. I have the same thing with my new board
(see below).

Some weeks ago I upgraded my Digilent Spartan-3 Starter Kit (200K device)
with a Digilent Microblaze Starter Kit (1600E device). Very nice upgrade
indeed! It comes with a working Linux as one of the demos with a
Telnet-server, web-server, ftp-server! :-)

Lots of strange things (read constructions) will evolve on that board! I'm
think of starting out by using the A/D D/A for some simple Filtering-tests!

Keep on hacking synths!! If and when I get my own original-synth working I
will post it to the page.

Best Regards
Magnus Wedmark
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