When I departed to Japan I had the idea that in case I failed to do a modular sequencer in terms of hardware -meaning that one could patch modules by using cables, as in modular synths-, I would make a modular sequencer in a computer, that would be accessed through my hardware controller. As in Kyushu I started doing JavaScript prototypes for different models of sequencer modularity, I soon came into the realization that I could do a Node server that would hold the virtually modular sequencer. This would give me a great flexibility to tweak the interactions, and how the modular environment worked as I wanted. Over that, in the future, it would allow any other user to tweak my development and create their own modules; which is an extreme realization of my project intention. Perhaps this would allow a parallel culture of creating modules in my platform, like the one of eurorack modules, only that these would't need hardware.

The folder in the repository is "node_brain": https://github.com/autotel/thesis-prototype-zero/tree/master/node_brain

I bought a Raspberry Pi, and I reprogrammed the firmware of my interface, to get it working with a different pin mapping. I had to rewire only four pins in my prototype, and plug the raspberry to the serial port. Node Js had available libraries for all these functions:

• Express, httpServer, socket.io: I used these to make a server that I could use to display interesting visuals, in live performances. Just in case.
• jazz-midi: I used this to try midi functionality in windows. It doesn't work in the Raspberry.
• midi: this is the one that works in the raspberry. Sadly, the Midi input is still broken here.
• onhandlers: a simple library of my own to make custom events
• raspi: for peripheral support on the raspi
• raspi-serial: allows the raspberry to communicate with the arduino, which was now a human interface only

the visualization of the virtual modular sequencer in a web browser

there are some other libraries in the package.json simply because I haven't done a cleanup yet.

With this model, I could finally create a truly interesting tool for music improvisation. The user interface is still a bit cryptic, but with a bit of cleansing, I could do it understandable. There is some more detailed information of this exploration on this post.

me, playing live using my protoype

a closer look at how the virtual modular prototype works.

Given the design error that I described in the last update, this is how I needed to re-wire the manufactured PCB to make it work with the raspberry:

• PORTD 0 (RX): now is not soldered to the board
• PORTD 1 (TX): doesn't go to the board either
• A1 goes where PORTD 0 (RX) used to go
• A2 goes where PORTD 1 (TX) used to go