workaround wanted for missing hi-hat function in a Roland PM-16

[RS]

HI,
I bought an old Roland PM-16 trigger interface to build an e-kit for my kids.
I remember there was a workaround on the old edrumforfree website to sort of emulate a hi-hat pedal.
The only problem is that I can’t find it there anymore and I don’t remember how it worked.
 
Does anybody know how to deal with this or remember the solution on the old edrumforfree website?
 
Thanks in advance!

Topic

[PFozz]

Hi,

Actually, there are at least 2 solutions…

The first one is something built around a 2 poles switch :

The idea was to build a beaterless foot trigger like described in this (very) old article :
http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/1995_articles/diydrumpad.htm
You can then add a 2 poles switch inside this pedal and help to a basic circuitry, it is possible to get a kind of non variable hihat controller (switch) combined to a velocity sensitive foot trigger (piezo, …).
Here’s a diagram describing the circuitry :

‘Closed’, ‘Opened’ sockets are linked to 2 of your PM-16 inputs.
You need 1 more input for the piezo inside the pedal.
The hihat pad is linked to the ‘Pad’ socket (not directly to the module).

Here are some ‘vintage’ pictures of my first hihat controller 🙂

---

The 2nd solution… (a bit better, IMHO)

You can use the circuitry of an analog joystick to build a hihat controller.
A basic analog joystick is usually made of 2 pots and some buttons.
If you remove one of this pot and replace it by something like http://www.toontrack.com/forum/tm.aspx?m=35474 (or anything that is or include a hihat controller made of a variable resistor), you’ll have the needed hardware part of the solution.
Of course, the DIY project of your choice must be adapted in order to use a variable resistor that matches the pot removed from the joystick.

You will have to calibrate this modified joystick later, and the calibration process may not work if you just have 1 pot in your customized “joystick”. That’s why you shouldn’t remove the second pot or the buttons from the original joystick circuitry.

Once the hardware part is ready, you need a software that is capable to translate the joystick informations to MIDI.
My old freeware may do the job. You can download it http://edrum.for.free.fr/edp/InstallEDP12.exe.
Best regards.

www.eareckon.com

[RS]

Thanks PFozz!
The first solution is the on I can use, the second one isn’t possible since I’m gonna use an old fashion hardware drumcomputer.
The piezo in the first option is for the “chick” sound?
 

[PFozz]

Hi,
 
You’re welcome 🙂
And yes, the piezo in the first option is for the chick sound.
 
Best regards.

www.eareckon.com

[Author]

Replies