MIDI Breadboard Instrument
A breadboard-based project that plays MIDI melodies by converting MIDI data into C code for the device.
The hardware currently includes two active buzzers, one passive buzzer, a rotary encoder, a 1.3-inch AMOLED display, two buttons, and two LEDs.
Combining Hardware, Software, and Creativity
This project represents the kind of work I enjoy most: combining hardware, software, music, experimentation, and creativity in a practical and unusual system on a breadboard.
To get melodies onto the hardware, I wrote a script that converts MIDI data into C code for the device. That generated C code drives the breadboard setup to play MIDI sounds while providing physical controls and visual feedback.
Confirmed Components on the Breadboard
| Component / Layer | Confirmed Specification |
|---|---|
| Conversion Workflow | Custom script that converts MIDI data into C code for the device |
| Device Code Output | C code |
| Active Sound Components | 2 × Active buzzers |
| Passive Sound Component | 1 × Passive buzzer |
| Display | 1 × 1.3-inch AMOLED screen |
| Rotational Input | 1 × Rotary encoder |
| Push Inputs | 2 × Buttons |
| Visual Indicators | 2 × LEDs |
| Additional Circuit Details | Details will be documented as the project develops. |
What I Am Currently Learning & Next Steps
How data conversion scripts bridge file formats (like MIDI) into low-level C structures, and how multiple physical outputs (two active buzzers, one passive buzzer, two LEDs, and a 1.3-inch AMOLED screen) can be coordinated alongside user inputs (a rotary encoder and two buttons).
Next StepDocumenting how the MIDI-to-C conversion script formats note events and adding further hardware notes as the breadboard prototype evolves.