Gen export to micro-controllers ?

Hey lads,

Don't know much about this so please pardon me if I am misguided myself.

I see both potential and big issues with this. I would love to be able to port my max patches to dedicated hardware and be able to deploy pieces that do not rely on a laptop but I don't think we are there yet.

The teensy is great and I've done some projects with it as an Arduino replacement. The smaller size and higher specs are very appealing but from that to replacing a computer is a big step. I guess it depends on what the patch actually does. You can see from the specs what the boards are capable of doing but from that to a full computer there is a big step.

On using gen, I've read recently that you can export Gen patches to C++ code. This came up on a forum thread about using C++ instead of C to develop externals.

Now, if you are looking for a microcontroler that can do C++ and has enough power to run complex patches maybe you want to look at the Beagleboard, which if I understand correctly can run C++ code.

This brings a bigger issue to the foreground which is the Max-linux compatibility for the future. I have a friend who runs installations on a syslink modem using linux and PD, both of which have ports to any architecture I know.

Personally, I doubt Max will be ported to linux anytime soon (or at all). Even if there is a strong case for it, the logistics look like a nightmare:

PACE which is Max's antipiracy framework does not work in linux.

They would need to choose a specific distribution. Ubuntu is more popular but fedora has a tradition coming down from the planet CCRMA days. These are only two popular distributions out of literally thousands. Any explicit choice would make the rest angry at the company.

Distribute source files you say? Max is not open-source so no source files.

Individual binaries for your distro? No way. There are lots of distributions out there aimed to work with all kinds of hardware. Who is going to support anything once someone installs linux and Max on a digital toaster and expects to do FFT transformations?

Linux in general still have massive issues when it comes to the real-time kernel and audio drivers. This would mean that the folks at Cycling 74 would have to spend time and resources troubleshooting issues that do not relate to Max but to Linux-audio in general.

Does it all seem petty and silly? yes
Is it economically feasible? (as much as I love OSS) no

So, If you know enough about C++ to get Gen code well adapted. If you know about development for embedded platforms and if the microcontroler of your choice supports the complexity of your patch then maybe it is possible. I do hope to see those smarter than myself accomplishing this even as a proof of concept.

Can we have a workflow that seamlessly allows for Gen patches to be embedded in standalone microcontrollers? hopefully some day, I wouldn't hold my breath though...

I do believe that the question is valid. Unfortunately, I believe the response has more to do with societal and economical issues more than technological ones.

Having said all of the above, please someone prove me wrong!

- Miguel