Analogue-sequencer

On Wednesday 07 January 2004 16:34, Colin f wrote:
> Hi Robert,
>
> I'll get the excuses in first ;-) ...
> I'm conscious that the rapid growth of features in P3 has
> somewhat compromised the usability for a new user.
> But I'm happy to add anything that'll make life easier as
> long as it doesn't involve knocking something else off.

Cool. :)
Leffe? Alfa? Duvel?

> Once upon a time, in play mode 'Play' always appeared in
> the top right of the display, and 'Edit' in edit mode.
> These were dropped to fit more useful information in.
> One possibility I had thought of was using single
> characters to indicate the mode - possibly in reversed
> video so they don't need to be separated by a space.
> Maybe P for play, E for edit, and L for playlist edit.

That would be *perfect* Colin. And very much needed, imo.

> It doesn't even really need patching. The display memory
> layout is the same - I would just need to set the cursor
> position higher. But I haven't seen any 20x2 PLED
> displays yet. Plus I don't want to piss existing users
> off by forcing them into a display upgrade.

Well, I was thinking about an *option* using #ifdefs in the 
source tree. You could provide a binary in a number of 
optional configs, like the bigger screen, extra mode LEDS, 
whatever. It's more work, I know, but it would be nice to 
allow for different hw configs.

Btw, I'm still offering any software help you need for this, 
free of charge, if it's any help. Guess not. ;)

But I understand if you don't like the idea of a variable hw 
setup.

> Generally speaking, you use +/- softkeys for a setting
> with a small number of options, the step keys for a
> setting with a range of 1 to 16, and the data knob for
> settings with a range greater than 16. Some sort of
> visual reminder shouldn't be too hard tho'.

I was thinking about a special character at the beginning or 
end of the param (value) text. Maybe reversed video. 

Is it much work/code to have the Data knob alsways work for 
all params?


> > 3.c. Some parameters don't give their current value, I
> > think. ;) For instance, the last pattern step to be set
> > with the Edit Last parameter doesn't show the current
> > value? Correct? I'm not sure here.
>
> It's supposed to. That's a long forgotten 'thing to do'.
> I'll get there eventually ;-)

In this special case, the last step value could be placed on 
the LCD screen. If you're going to use the reversed E for 
Edit mode, the word 'Edit' in the top right could be 
removed and the Last step value could be shown there.


> That was an oversight on my part when the particular case
> you're using was made :-(

Ah, okay. No harm done, as this is just Boele's case. 
Lol! :) (Now I'll have to do even more work in his new 
house...)


> I mocked that up in paintshop, and didn't like the look
> of it. Personally I never have a problem with them where
> they are. I reckon some people have lazy wrists.

That's me yes. ;)

> My old piano teacher would have given you a right earful
> ;-) 

Don't worry, I've had my share from my classical guitar 
teacher. ;)

> > Am I correct that I can't see which track I'm
> > editing when entering playlist mode?
>
> Yes. I'm not sure there's anywhere it can go.
> I'll review the layout of the display and see if there's
> space.

Thanks. Maybe a LED?

>
> > Suggestion: Maybe explain a bit more in the manual
> > about this mode.
>
> Maybe ;-)

Uh oh. ;)