Summary of Open source RK-007 MIDI commander created by RetroKits
The RetroKits RK-007 is an open-source MIDI Commander based on an Arduino Pro Micro, designed for minimal soldering and setup. It features a 4-key keypad (A-D) for command modes, numeric keys for values, and a dial for controller messages. The device converts USB MIDI to DIN5 via firmware or an added serial port using two 220ohm resistors. Its housing is available as a printable .STL file, allowing users to customize the 3.5mm jack panel by removing tabs if necessary.
Parts used in the RK-007 MIDI Commander:
- Arduino Pro Micro
- Keypad with A, B, C, D keys
- Numeric input keys
- Dial for controller messages
- OLED display
- 3D printed housing (.STL file)
- 3.5mm jack
- Printed circular panel
- Two 220ohm resistors (for MIDI port addition)
The team over at RetroKits have created a new open source RK-007 MIDI Commander allowing those interested to hack into their MIDI setup. The device requires minimal soldering and set up and is based on an Arduino Pro Micro and easy available parts found online. The Pro Micro is able to be a USBMIDI device so you can plugin the RK007 into the RK005 / RK006 (or just plug it into a computer with a DAW) and incooperate it’s MIDI commands via USB to DIN5.
Using the RK-007 MIDI Commander users can send out various MIDI commands and the keypad has 4 keys with characters A B C and D, these pads define the command mode. The numbers can be used to enter values and the dial can be used to send controller messages.
“The RK007 firmware will also output the MIDI commands via it’s serial bus to adding a ‘real’ MIDI port on it can also be done without too much hassle. (You would need to power it with 5v obviously and add an extra two 220ohm resistors) The housing is available as .STL file which you can print with a 3D printer. You can plug the 3.5mm jack with the extra printed circular panel if you don’t want to use it and if the tab which holds the OLED is in the way for your type of jackplug, just break it off. “
To learn more about the different modes and uses of the open source RK-007 MIDI Commander jump over to the documents created by RetroKits by the MIDIC link below.
Source: Open source RK-007 MIDI commander created by RetroKits
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What microcontroller does the RK-007 use?
The device is based on an Arduino Pro Micro which functions as a USBMIDI device. -
How do users select different command modes?
Users define the command mode using the four keys labeled A, B, C, and D on the keypad. -
Can the RK-007 connect directly to a computer?
Yes, it can plug into a computer with a DAW to incorporate MIDI commands via USB to DIN5. -
What components are needed to add a real MIDI port?
You need to power the device with 5v and add an extra two 220ohm resistors. -
Is the housing for the project pre-made?
No, the housing is available as an .STL file that must be printed with a 3D printer. -
How can I modify the 3.5mm jack panel if the OLED tab interferes?
You can simply break off the tab which holds the OLED if it is in the way for your type of jackplug.
