Roland FC-7 Pedal Spacing

[pentaprism]

I'm planning a DIY FC-7. Not having access to a genuine copy, I'm unsure about the distance between individual switches.

FC-7 (and the likes) owners, please tell me how far (center to center) the switches are.

Thank you.

 

[JIM D.]

I built a FC-7 copy for myself some years back. I spaced the momentary contact switches 2 3/4 apart.
And used these for switches ---
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Momentary-D...578594&hash=item4400fe03e3:g:uJgAAOSw2s1UyIPD

 

[pentaprism]

Thanks for the quick help, Jim. 2 3/4 sounds reasonable.

In terms of switches, Ill probably order this one:

http://bitcheslovemyswitches.com/#!...tch-Normally-Open/p/10220659/category=5027572

Regards.

 

[JIM D.]

Yes a good switch but, I use the type that can be wired normally open or normally closed.
They suit more applications.

 

[pentaprism]

Of course, Jim.

You have a shop that has different needs for different applications. The more versatile the part, the better.

Incidentally, I just ordered a few dozens of magnetic switches to lighting projects at home. Not knowing what the future needs would be, I bought the "normally open/normally closed" version.

 

[Keymn]

Of course, Jim.

You have a shop that has different needs for different applications. The more versatile the part, the better.

Incidentally, I just ordered a few dozens of magnetic switches to lighting projects at home. Not knowing what the future needs would be, I bought the normally open/normally closed version.

I tried something interesting (experimental only). I have a Korg PA3x with the Korg pedal. I purchased one of those Bluetooth Relay boards on Amazon ($12.00). Wired it to the pedal input. It has a handheld wireless small pushbutton station. Fits on a key chain. My intention was a way to control my keyboard wirelessly. Now take that handheld pushutton convert to a foot pedal? Put this relay board in a small black box with connector, find a Bluetooth pedal to pair with this. Just dreaming :idea:

 

[JerryPH]

When I did the mental exercise of what pedals to use, I also came up with all kinds of solutions. In the end, I ended up wiring up my own setup and I really like it... a bit narrower than the entire FC-7, but it is a combination of ideas I picked up on the web and what I had in my basement.

I first made an adapter to use my Ketron X4 pedal (6 switches), and that worked, but I ultimately wanted a 7 button setup (8 with the performance next option).

I now use basically a 3 pedal setup:
- A BOSS F5-SU for the Performance Next Function
- A 3 button pedal that serves as the Start/Stop, Intro and Ending functions
- A 4 button pedal that serves as the 4 variations/drum breaks of the BK-7m

http://syner-g.asuscomm.com/mymusic/files/pedals.jpg>

I like the 3 pedal layout as it is pretty logical and fairly close together but still all far enough apart to be easily usable without unintentional errors.

The complete story of my process is on my blog, complete with wiring pin-outs I used.

 

[pentaprism]

Of course, Jim.

You have a shop that has different needs for different applications. The more versatile the part, the better.

Incidentally, I just ordered a few dozens of magnetic switches to lighting projects at home. Not knowing what the future needs would be, I bought the normally open/normally closed version.

I tried something interesting (experimental only). I have a Korg PA3x with the Korg pedal. I purchased one of those Bluetooth Relay boards on Amazon ($12.00). Wired it to the pedal input. It has a handheld wireless small pushbutton station. Fits on a key chain. My intention was a way to control my keyboard wirelessly. Now take that handheld pushutton convert to a foot pedal? Put this relay board in a small black box with connector, find a Bluetooth pedal to pair with this. Just dreaming :idea:

Should work.

I tried this flash/camera wireless remote control with the pedal input of the BK-7m. Worked great.

 

[JerryPH]

Should work.
I tried this flash/camera wireless remote control with the pedal input of the BK-7m. Worked great.

Thats idea is actually quite brilliant... lol
The thing is that YongNuo are not known for being very reliable, nor long lasting, but none the less, an incredible display of imagination and innovation! :ch

 

[pentaprism]

Thanks, Jerry, for your kind words.

Now that I have a solution, I just need to find the problem

I can buy 8 copies of the YongNuo, and make a wireless FC-8.

I actually have very good luck with the YongNuo. I have several copies of the 602, they haven't yet failed me.

 

[Keymn]

Thanks, Jerry, for your kind words.

Now that I have a solution, I just need to find the problem

I can buy 8 copies of the YongNuo, and make a wireless FC-8.

I actually have very good luck with the YongNuo. I have several copies of the 602, they havent yet failed me.

What I would like to see is further development on the BK Partner app. Now It duplicates the controls on the iPad. I Think just the BK keyboards not sure of the BK7m? Interface to a Bluetooth pedal! Programmable to whatever button you want to press on arranger. A dreamer

 

[JerryPH]

I Think just the BK keyboards not sure of the BK7m?

It does.
https://www.roland.com/us/support/knowledge_base/201919349/

 

[Keymn]

I Think just the BK keyboards not sure of the BK7m?

It does.
https://www.roland.com/us/support/knowledge_base/201919349/

Thanks for the link. Would it be possible to eliminate the need for the FC-7? Use A BlueBoard instead to connect to the BK Partner app to control the BK7m, start/stop/ var. 1,2,3...etc...I do not have either devices...
There needs to be something in the settings which I do not see?

 

[pentaprism]

Would it be possible to eliminate the need for the FC-7? Use A BlueBoard instead to connect to the BK Partner app to control the BK7m, start/stop/ var. 1,2,3...etc...I do not have either devices...

In my opinion, the BK Partner app only enhances the user interface of the BK-7m, no more, no less. It doesnt add any functionality, even something as simple as allowing the user to copy a performance from one performance list to another performance list (or if I miss it, please set me straight).

I dont think Roland will produce another foot controller, even wireless, to replace the FC-7. Even if they do, Im not sure it will sell. Its difficult to shell out $250 for the FC-7, its even more difficult to buy an iPad and another (expensive) foot controller just to replace the FC-7.

Im still puzzled by Rolands decision to discontinue the FC-7.

 

[Keymn]

Would it be possible to eliminate the need for the FC-7? Use A BlueBoard instead to connect to the BK Partner app to control the BK7m, start/stop/ var. 1,2,3...etc...I do not have either devices...

In my opinion, the BK Partner app only enhances the user interface of the BK-7m, no more, no less. It doesnt add any functionality, even something as simple as allowing the user to copy a performance from one performance list to another performance list (or if I miss it, please set me straight).

I dont think Roland will produce another foot controller, even wireless, to replace the FC-7. Even if they do, Im not sure it will sell. Its difficult to shell out $250 for the FC-7, its even more difficult to buy an iPad and another (expensive) foot controller just to replace the FC-7.

Im still puzzled by Rolands decision to discontinue the FC-7.

Check this link. Doesnt BK Partner duplicate the function buttons of BK7m on the iPad?
<YOUTUBE id=jiCEYDSn_KI url=></YOUTUBE>

To make this app a killer! I do not see this in the app?
1. Ability to work in the background. Reason you want it to work in the background is so you can still use Songbook+ app or OnSong.
2. Program a Bluetooth pedal to communicate to press a selected function key like start/stop, var, end 1,2...etc.
3. Something a BK7m owner can investigate. Or can it be done already?
Again I am. Dreamer...

 

[Keymn]

Would it be possible to eliminate the need for the FC-7? Use A BlueBoard instead to connect to the BK Partner app to control the BK7m, start/stop/ var. 1,2,3...etc...I do not have either devices...

In my opinion, the BK Partner app only enhances the user interface of the BK-7m, no more, no less. It doesnt add any functionality, even something as simple as allowing the user to copy a performance from one performance list to another performance list (or if I miss it, please set me straight).

I dont think Roland will produce another foot controller, even wireless, to replace the FC-7. Even if they do, Im not sure it will sell. Its difficult to shell out $250 for the FC-7, its even more difficult to buy an iPad and another (expensive) foot controller just to replace the FC-7.

Im still puzzled by Rolands decision to discontinue the FC-7.

Appears the FC-7 was discontinued to be replace with midi pedal fc-300. The price tag is high on both...
The breakaway cable on the fr7 and a spare battery too was expensive. Thank you fr4x for the AA rechargeables!

Have a Korg PA3x arranger. EC5 programmed as follows: Harmony (Korg has built in voice harmonized), start/stop (not really needed all the time, use sync/start), Variation advance up ( I suppose I can program the remaining button to var advance down). This is what I been using for years.

I very seldom touch the Korg arranger buttons as I have control with the iPad Songbook+ and EC5.
On my old Korg PA1x (without the use of EC5 and iPad), eventually wear out the frequently pressed buttons. There are called tactile switches which are soldered on the circuit boards inside the arranger. The manufacture would sell them for $8 each, but found the same at Digikey for $0.25. Had to replace several throughout the years. Think most arrangers have the same type of switches. A big job on the keyboard, many screws to remove, fine solder removal and replace.
Does the BK-7m have circuit boards with these switches?

I think pedals are important, no matter what your use and preference.

 

[pentaprism]

Appears the FC-7 was discontinued to be replace with midi pedal fc-300.

I dont think so. Note that the FC-7 (and thus what the BK-7m expects from its FC-7 input connector) is just a collection of 7 simple momentary switches. It does not and can not produce any MIDI signal. The FC-300 is a MIDI foot controller.

The breakaway cable on the fr7 and a spare battery too was expensive.

Agree. Thats why I am not using them.
See https://www.accordionists.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=4142

Does the BK-7m have circuit boards with these switches?

Probably. But almost all of electronic devices have them too, and they can last surprisingly long. For example, the switch for the shutter release of my camera is rated at 300000 cycles. If I hit it 20 times a day, it will wear out in more than 40 years.

To make this app a killer! I do not see this in the app?
1. Ability to work in the background. Reason you want it to work in the background is so you can still use Songbook+ app or OnSong.
2. Program a Bluetooth pedal to communicate to press a selected function key like start/stop, var, end 1,2...etc.
3. Something a BK7m owner can investigate. Or can it be done already?

I havent tried (1), but for (2), I dont think its possible. At least I havent found a way to do it.

As noted in one of my previous posts, BK-Partner just enhances the user interface of the BK-7m thanks to the iPads larger display. BK-Partner does not add any functionality to the BK-7m.

 

[Keymn]

Appears the FC-7 was discontinued to be replace with midi pedal fc-300.

I dont think so. Note that the FC-7 (and thus what the BK-7m expects from its FC-7 input connector) is just a collection of 7 simple momentary switches. It does not and can not produce any MIDI signal. The FC-300 is a MIDI foot controller. Korg does the same with EC5.

The breakaway cable on the fr7 and a spare battery too was expensive.

Agree. Thats why I am not using them.
See https://www.accordionists.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=4142

Does the BK-7m have circuit boards with these switches?

Probably. But almost all of electronic devices have them too, and they can last surprisingly long. For example, the switch for the shutter release of my camera is rated at 300000 cycles. If I hit it 20 times a day, it will wear out in more than 40 years.

To make this app a killer! I do not see this in the app?
1. Ability to work in the background. Reason you want it to work in the background is so you can still use Songbook+ app or OnSong.
2. Program a Bluetooth pedal to communicate to press a selected function key like start/stop, var, end 1,2...etc.
3. Something a BK7m owner can investigate. Or can it be done already?

I havent tried (1), but for (2), I dont think its possible. At least I havent found a way to do it.

As noted in one of my previous posts, BK-Partner just enhances the user interface of the BK-7m thanks to the iPads larger display. BK-Partner does not add any functionality to the BK-7m.