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Jabo
Joined: 06 Jan 2008 Posts: 4
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Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2008 7:39 pm Post subject: |
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Thanks for sharing this!
I was about to embark on the relay switch mod but was dreading the soldering part when I saw your method. I've already ordered the switch device from smarthome and I'll pick up a pre-made 1/8" mono plug cable from radio shack in the next couple of days. I've got a gibraltar practice drum pad, so I will use that also for the mod. I've got a funky old pedal laying around, but I think I want to use the same pedal I use on my kit. Right now, I'm planning on using velcro instead of tape to attach the switch to make it more portable between Rock Band and my real kit.
I'll post pics once I get it put together. |
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Tsithlis
Joined: 07 Jan 2008 Posts: 1
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Posted: Mon Jan 07, 2008 8:22 pm Post subject: Mono Plug |
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With these specific magnetic contacts that you are using I found a really useful item on Radioshack that may help with people who do not want to make one themselves. Its item #42-2454 its a 1/8" mono plug with the wire and prongs already attached and ready to be screwed into the magnetic contacts. This means no stripping wires or attaching anything just screw it on and go. |
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joshtbuff
Joined: 25 Apr 2007 Posts: 173
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Posted: Tue Jan 08, 2008 3:55 am Post subject: |
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Dacvak wrote: | Siberian wrote: | Wouldn't this one also work?
http://www.smarthome.com/7352.html
Sounds like it's smaller then the one in your post and it's operational distance is shorter so it would be easier to mount. And if I'm reading it correctly it's the same type of circuit. |
No, this would not work. It's missing the key ingredient, which is a Normally Closed circuit. See how it says: "Compatibility: Works with nearly all standard, hardwired alarm systems"
Most alarm sensors work on a normally open circuit, meaning when the two sensors are not within range, the circuit is completed. (Sounds stupid, but that's how alarms work.) It's absolutely crucial to get one that says Normally Closed, because otherwise, it'll work exactly opposite.
~Dac |
i found normally closed sensors at radio shack. work great. _________________
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Gamewatcher
Joined: 08 Jan 2008 Posts: 3 Location: Seattle, WA
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Posted: Tue Jan 08, 2008 8:23 am Post subject: Practice pad necessary? |
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I normally shy away from these kinds of projects, but this seemed very straightforward and I would love to trade up from that plastic piece of junk that came with the game. I just know I'll break it, and I like the idea of using a pedal with some real action to it.
So I ordered the contacts and they're on the way. Now I need to find a decent pedal - any brands to avoid? I think the one pictured might be a Pearl, and it looks seriously sturdy - but I can't find anything like it locally. The music stores in Seattle don't seem to have anything below $50-60, but I'm sure I'll eventually find something decent.
I did wonder whether it's important to have a practice pad and, if so, is the Gibraltar standing one the only real option for a bass pedal? I'm not finding any locally that aren't top mounting for snare practice. A guy at a music store told me to just use a cardboard box. Good advice?
-=Dave
BusyGamerNews.com |
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Gamewatcher
Joined: 08 Jan 2008 Posts: 3 Location: Seattle, WA
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Posted: Tue Jan 08, 2008 6:59 pm Post subject: |
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I just bought a Mapex (used, but not much) off eBay. Looks decent. I'm wondering if I can simply remove the beater and have the pedal work more or less like the plastic one - only with better action. _________________
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Arakahn
Joined: 30 Mar 2007 Posts: 16
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ringmar
Joined: 08 Jan 2008 Posts: 5
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Posted: Tue Jan 08, 2008 9:12 pm Post subject: |
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Thanks so much Arakahn. I'll get one tonight and try it out.
I tried just plugging in (with a 1/4 -> 1/8 adapter) my dtxpress III electronic kit bass-drum pad, but it's not registering properly with any consistency. Maybe this magnetic switch option will work better. |
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Jabo
Joined: 06 Jan 2008 Posts: 4
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Posted: Tue Jan 08, 2008 10:17 pm Post subject: |
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ringmar wrote: | Thanks so much Arakahn. I'll get one tonight and try it out.
I tried just plugging in (with a 1/4 -> 1/8 adapter) my dtxpress III electronic kit bass-drum pad, but it's not registering properly with any consistency. Maybe this magnetic switch option will work better. |
Ringmar. Since you have a DTX kit, have you tried playing DrumMania? It's compatible with the DTX line. I've heard that its great fun and you're playing on a real kit. If you haven't, and you have a PS2 or a PS3 that plays PS2 games, you should definitely rent or pick up a copy to check it out. I don't think that it's out for PS3 yet. |
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Glaurung
Joined: 28 Nov 2006 Posts: 105 Location: Wilmington, DE
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Posted: Tue Jan 08, 2008 10:56 pm Post subject: |
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information removed - see post below
Last edited by Glaurung on Wed Jan 09, 2008 6:05 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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Arakahn
Joined: 30 Mar 2007 Posts: 16
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Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2008 12:14 am Post subject: |
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No problem Ringmar; let me know how it works, I haven't had the chance to pick one yet. |
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ringmar
Joined: 08 Jan 2008 Posts: 5
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ringmar
Joined: 08 Jan 2008 Posts: 5
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Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2008 3:24 am Post subject: |
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Jabo wrote: | ringmar wrote: | Thanks so much Arakahn. I'll get one tonight and try it out.
I tried just plugging in (with a 1/4 -> 1/8 adapter) my dtxpress III electronic kit bass-drum pad, but it's not registering properly with any consistency. Maybe this magnetic switch option will work better. |
Ringmar. Since you have a DTX kit, have you tried playing DrumMania? It's compatible with the DTX line. I've heard that its great fun and you're playing on a real kit. If you haven't, and you have a PS2 or a PS3 that plays PS2 games, you should definitely rent or pick up a copy to check it out. I don't think that it's out for PS3 yet. |
I have a PS2. How does my DTX kit connect to the PS2? |
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Jabo
Joined: 06 Jan 2008 Posts: 4
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Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2008 4:54 am Post subject: |
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ringmar wrote: | Jabo wrote: |
Ringmar. Since you have a DTX kit, have you tried playing DrumMania? It's compatible with the DTX line. I've heard that its great fun and you're playing on a real kit. If you haven't, and you have a PS2 or a PS3 that plays PS2 games, you should definitely rent or pick up a copy to check it out. I don't think that it's out for PS3 yet. |
I have a PS2. How does my DTX kit connect to the PS2? |
It connects via a MIDII to USB converter. In the past, I've considered buying a DTXpress kit just to connect it to Drummania. I couldn't justify it, however, I already have an acoustic kit and the DTX would have been just for the game.
Rockband and Guitar hero are basically ripoffs of Guitar Freaks and Drummania. Games that were huge hits in Japan as long as 8 years ago. The only thing is Rockband has the great song list, but on Drummania you'd be playing the real drums.
It's not readily available. I did a quick google search. It seems there was a new version released in Oct 2007, but I'm guessing that was for the Japan market, since I didn't see it at gamestop or any other popular stores. I would check e-bay. Look for version 3 or 4. Make sure you get it without the game controller since you don't need it. I think it would totally be worth your time since you already have the DTX. There's also DTX mania if you have a PC. |
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jarhead1125
Joined: 04 Sep 2007 Posts: 7 Location: Michigan
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Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2008 4:04 pm Post subject: drum mod |
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im definitly gonna be tryin this, im so sick of my pedal not registering hits... not me mention i just broke it. im gonna fix it and try it as a double bass pedal though just for fun. thanks for the info and pics. this is so much easier than the reed switch one.
i just ordered the sensors, thanks for that link. ill let you know how it goes when i get it all done |
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Glaurung
Joined: 28 Nov 2006 Posts: 105 Location: Wilmington, DE
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Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2008 6:06 pm Post subject: |
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The following link worked yesterday but the item seems to have been removed from Radio Shack's website. It was the same sensor as what was linked from The Source CC above which came with the cord attached, and was available in the US:
Directed 8600 Magnetic Micro Switch
Hopefully the removal is temporary and it will be listed there again soon. The only normally closed magnetic switch they have listed on their site now is this one, which doesn't come with the cord and looks a little bigger:
Directed 8601 Magnetic Switch
If you search for "Directed 8600" in Google (with the quotes) it'll come up with a few other places selling it. |
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