joao

Relatively new to Arduino (using an Uno), medium skill in Max, mostly using Max4Live.

I've got the basic sketch from the CapSense library working (showing good readings in serial monitor in Arduino's IDE).

I've got "Communications Tutorial 2: Serial Communication" from Max's documentation working.

I even got an edited version of the CapSense sketch using only one sensor communicating with Max.

No matter what I try, where I look, I can't get the CapSense Sketch as it is with 3 sensors speaking to the serial object. I've tried numerous example patches, starting from scratch, nothing.

Feel like I'm missing something stupidly simple. Mercy. Please help.

Starting to feel like a dunce...
Relatively new to Arduino (using an Uno), medium skill in Max, mostly using Max4Live.

I've got the basic sketch from the CapSense library working (showing good readings in serial monitor in Arduino's IDE).
I've got "Communications Tutorial 2: Serial Communication" from Max's documentation working.
I even got an edited version of the CapSense sketch using only one sensor communicating with Max.

Feel like I'm missing something stupidly simple. Mercy. Please help.


cant-get-arduino-talking-to-max-for-my-life-please-help

So this is the Arduino code, and the Max serial communication tutorial patch below:

* Uses a high value resistor e.g. 10M between send pin and receive pin

* Resistor effects sensitivity, experiment with values, 50K - 50M. Larger resistor values yield larger sensor values.

* Receive pin is the sensor pin - try different amounts of foil/metal on this pin

CapacitiveSensor cs_4_2 = CapacitiveSensor(4,2); // 10M resistor between pins 4 & 2, pin 2 is sensor pin, add a wire and or foil if desired

CapacitiveSensor cs_4_6 = CapacitiveSensor(4,6); // 10M resistor between pins 4 & 6, pin 6 is sensor pin, add a wire and or foil

CapacitiveSensor cs_4_8 = CapacitiveSensor(4,8); // 10M resistor between pins 4 & 8, pin 8 is sensor pin, add a wire and or foil

cs_4_2.set_CS_AutocaL_Millis(0xFFFFFFFF); // turn off autocalibrate on channel 1 - just as an example

long total1 = cs_4_2.capacitiveSensor(30);

long total2 = cs_4_6.capacitiveSensor(30);

long total3 = cs_4_8.capacitiveSensor(30);

Serial.print(millis() - start); // check on performance in milliseconds

Serial.print("\t"); // tab character for debug windown spacing

Serial.print(total1); // print sensor output 1

Serial.print(total2); // print sensor output 2

Serial.println(total3); // print sensor output 3

delay(10); // arbitrary delay to limit data to serial port

/*
 * CapitiveSense Library Demo Sketch
 * Paul Badger 2008
 * Uses a high value resistor e.g. 10M between send pin and receive pin
 * Resistor effects sensitivity, experiment with values, 50K - 50M. Larger resistor values yield larger sensor values.
 * Receive pin is the sensor pin - try different amounts of foil/metal on this pin
 */

CapacitiveSensor   cs_4_2 = CapacitiveSensor(4,2);        // 10M resistor between pins 4 & 2, pin 2 is sensor pin, add a wire and or foil if desired
CapacitiveSensor   cs_4_6 = CapacitiveSensor(4,6);        // 10M resistor between pins 4 & 6, pin 6 is sensor pin, add a wire and or foil
CapacitiveSensor   cs_4_8 = CapacitiveSensor(4,8);        // 10M resistor between pins 4 & 8, pin 8 is sensor pin, add a wire and or foil

void setup()
{
   cs_4_2.set_CS_AutocaL_Millis(0xFFFFFFFF);     // turn off autocalibrate on channel 1 - just as an example
   Serial.begin(9600);
}

void loop()
{
    long start = millis();
    long total1 =  cs_4_2.capacitiveSensor(30);
    long total2 =  cs_4_6.capacitiveSensor(30);
    long total3 =  cs_4_8.capacitiveSensor(30);

    Serial.print(millis() - start);        // check on performance in milliseconds
    Serial.print("\t");                    // tab character for debug windown spacing

    Serial.print(total1);                  // print sensor output 1
    Serial.print("\t");
    Serial.print(total2);                  // print sensor output 2
    Serial.print("\t");
    Serial.println(total3);                // print sensor output 3

    delay(10);                             // arbitrary delay to limit data to serial port
}

is Max communicating on the proper serial port? (like "b", "c", etc?)

make sure you don't have anything else trying to communicate with the arduino at the same time (like the arduino serial monitor, or another application)

is Max communicating on the proper serial port? (like "b", "c", etc?) 

make sure you don't have anything else trying to communicate with the arduino at the same time (like the arduino serial monitor, or another application)


My goodness, thank you! I had no idea that serial monitor (or another app) shouldn't be talking to it at the same time. I had serial monitor open to make sure the Arduino sketch was working. Solved. Thank you!

My  goodness, thank you! I had no idea that serial monitor (or another app) shouldn't be talking to it at the same time. I had serial monitor open to make sure the Arduino sketch was working. Solved. Thank you!


I personally use a Teensy and build is as a MIDI instrument, so, I don't even need MAX to use with any music software. Could be a Leoanardo with TeeOnArdu, or any TeeOnArdu compatible board too. This allow you to see your controller like if it was any other MIDI interface, so, once is coded, it is plug and play.

Can't get Arduino talking to Max for my life, please help.