Arduino NES Synth Source Code

Just a quick update.

Part III of the NES Synth is coming soon. In the meantime, if you are curious, have a look at the Arduino source code I just posted on Github and marvel at my seemingly random application of coding standards.

 https://github.com/shiftmore/Arduino-NES-Synth

Thanks!

Arduino Controlled NES (2A03) Synth - PART II

This works, I swear.

Last time, we left off with a semi-functioning, proof-of-concept noise-maker. In the interest of eliminating variables, we simply shoehorned a design meant for an Arduino Mega onto our Uno. However, now that we know the circuit and software work, we can move on and add another layer, namely: a set of daisy-chained shift registers.

Arduino Controlled NES (2A03) Synth - PART I

image credit: the internet

I've wanted to build an NES synth for some time. I knew there were a few options for writing sequenced tracks for the Nintendo, but nothing that would be as satisfying as hitting a key on a keyboard and hearing a sweet arpeggiated square wave spill out. Rather than try to interface with the entire system via the cartridge slot, I felt the easiest way was to just rip out the CPU and control it with an arduino Uno/Duemilanove.

Its been a long time...

My last post was almost 3 years ago(!).  Sorry about that. Thanks for sticking around and checking back.. If this is the first time you've been here: Hi, I'm Nate.

I'll go into more detail in the next couple posts, but here's a quick overview of some of the things I've been working on:

Quick and Dirty Arduino Midi Over USB

A lot people use arduinos as a starting point for diy midi controllers. A perfectly reasonable assumption many of them make is that you can use the on board usb port to send midi data to your computer. While you can send serial data, it is not possible for your computer to recognize this as midi messages right out of the box.

Calculator MIDI USB Controller

Borderline useless, more trouble than its worth, but cool nonetheless.

Make cool things look as nerdy and boring as possible!

One of the first things I thought of doing with an arduino was turning an old calculator into a MIDI controller. The buttons are simple momentary switches.. no velocity sensitivity, but its nice for a pretty compact set of buttons.. and it looks neat. stfu.