V-Dist Controller

thingiverse

V-Dist Controller is a simple MIDI hardware counterpart to Violin Melody's [V-Dist Classic](https://violinmelody.net/plugins/vdist/) single-knob VST distortion effect. Much like the VST itself, the controller features a single knob, and sends back MIDI data of the knob's position to the DAW or VST host of choice. This can be used either for V-Dist itself, or any other VST. Source code of the firmware is available here: [GitHub](https://github.com/Thorinair/V-Dist-Controller) **NOTE:** You may not sell completed units of this controller. You can only print it for your own use or as gifts for others. **Features** * Simple outside design, mimicking the original VST it was based on. * Minimal electronic work needed, just soldering 3 wires to a potentiometer. * Replaceable front plate, for customizing the design. **Required Components** * 1x **Arduino Micro** - The main microcontroller. [Link (tme.eu)](https://www.tme.eu/hr/en/details/a000093/arduino-solutions/arduino/arduino-micro-without-headers/) * 1x **10K Linear Potentiometer** - For the single knob. [Link (tme.eu)](https://www.tme.eu/hr/en/details/prp185-10k-a/carbon-single-turn-potentiometers/telpod/prp185-10k-a16p1/) * 1x **Brushed Aluminium Knob** - Obvious. [Link (tme.eu)](https://www.tme.eu/hr/en/details/a1438461/knobs-for-shaft-potentiometers/okw/) * 7x **M3x5 Screw, Countersunk** * 5x **M3x10 Screw, Countersunk** * **Wires** - For connecting it all together. **Parts To Print:** * Print everything. * If you want multiple skins, print multiple *Plate* parts for each sticker. **Printing Instructions** * The *Cover* part needs to be printed vertically. Minimal supports are needed and it prints similar to a Lithophane. * The *Top* part needs larger amount of supports for all the overhangs. * I suggest using white filament for bottom, so the MIDI LED may be visible (it allows for slight translucency). * Print all parts exactly as already oriented to maximize quality, strength and ease of printing. * You may use 20% infill for all parts. * You may print all parts at 0.2mm layer height. **Assembly Instructions** 1. Solder the electronics together as shown in the schematic on picture 4. Additionally, flash the firmware on the Arduino Micro from the following link: [GitHub](https://github.com/Thorinair/V-Dist-Controller). Instructions are in the readme. 2. Print out the stickers for skins you wish to use using a classic 2D printer and sticker paper. You will have to precisely cut them using a scalpel and also cut the hole in the middle. The skins are in the provided PDFs. 3. 3D print out all of the parts and remove supports as needed. 4. Glue the skin stickers to the *Plate* parts you have printed. They have to be centered exactly, there is around 1 mm breathing room for error. Shown on picture 5. 5. Push the potentiometer into the *Cover* part from below and screw it on. The pot listed above has a little notch for perfect fitting, but you may be able to use any pot. 6. Place the Arduino Micro into the dedicated slot on *Bottom* part as shown on picture 6 with pins facing down. 7. Press the *Cover* against *Bottom* part together and secure it using 3x M3x5 screws and 5x M3x10 screws as shown on picture 7. Use longer screws for the holes further away from front. **WARNING:** Do NOT overtighten. Since the *Cover* is printed with layers vertically, it can easily crack from overtightening. There is no need to tighten it hard anyway. 8. Push the desired *Plate* part into the *Top* part. 9. Press the *Top* against the *Bottom* and tighten it down using 4x M3x5 screws. 10. Insert the *Spacer* into the knob. This is not required, but it helps the knob float more instead of touching the *Plate*. 11. Determine the center position by connecting the controller with your PC and adding it as a MIDI controller to your DAW or VST host of choice. Turn the pot until it is in center position. 12. Slide the knob onto the pot so it is centered. Tighten the grub screw. I hope you enjoy and if you have any questions or found some issues, be sure to comment! I will see what I can do! As usual, I have also included the Blender file in case you want to edit it further.