I have been playing around with Cynthcart for a while now and I really love the simplicity of the interface ( in contrast to Prophet ). I have a 128C setup with Datel MIDI interface, but I find it hardly portable as it requires a MIDI controller, and a bunch of cables, so I was pondering if I can make a more compact version for live performances.
My first attempt was a rescued breadbin, that I've got in a terrible condition ( missing keys, case broken, drilled, motherboard hacked to pieces ).
The musical keys are just 3D printed, the holes on top covered with paddle pots and a ROM switch knob. It has got an integrated 5GHz AV transmitter and runs on batteries. Unfortunately the SID gave up in it at some point and I didn't bother to find another one since. ( i will fix it, when someone throws a SID at me )
I liked it a lot, but I was missing the actual musical keys as they feel more like an instrument. Last week I was lucky and I have got another 64C for free and a non functional MIDI controller for 6EUR.
Their sizes were matching up pretty good. There was a good chance to fit the C64 MB into the MIDI case, but I just love the design of the 64C ( and this controller was particularly ugly in so many ways ).
So I ended up throwing out most parts of the MIDI controller and made an interface between it's key matrix and the PIA. This way the expansion port is free to plug in whatever cartridge I want ( Cynthcart. Always. But when not... games? ) I can use the keyboard as USB MIDI, and also the C64 as USB MIDI and I have a USB host if I want to connect an HID keyboard to use the 64 like a computer ( which it is, the best one ever ).
It is far from finished, I am still printing parts to cover the top of the keys and tinkering on the interface, but it generally works and I am quite happy about it, as it develops into something I think I have always wanted.
On this note, does anyone have by chance a beige numeric keypad to spare? I would like to organize access to all modulation functions on an external mini keypad, because I think any knob or button would just ruin the design otherwise.
cheers,
m.