Easy(?) fix for APC40 colorblind trouble

[Hanz_Petrov]

Actually, there is another way, however, it involves making minor changes to the APC40's python MIDI remote scripts. The necessary source files can be found at my blog, on the Support Files page.

It is probably easiest to start with the already-customized APC40_22 script - or you could use the 8.1.3 APC40 scripts (which will also run on 8.1.4 and 8.1.5) - then you need to make additional modifications as follows:

To change the clip colours, in the main script - APC40_22.py (or APC40.py if you start with the plain vanilla 8.1.3 scripts) - you will need to find and modify the following lines of code:

clip_slot.set_triggered_to_play_value(2)
clip_slot.set_triggered_to_record_value(4)
clip_slot.set_stopped_value(5)
clip_slot.set_started_value(1)
clip_slot.set_recording_value(3)

The values in brackets represent the colours. For the APC40, the possible values are:
0=off, 1=green, 2=green blink, 3=red, 4=red blink, 5=yellow, 6=yellow blink, 7-127=green

So, for example, to change the clip "stopped" colour from yellow to green, and the cip "started" value from green to red, you would change the values as follows:
clip_slot.set_stopped_value(1)
clip_slot.set_started_value(3)

You can make simple edits like this with a plain text editor, such as Notepad.

Let me know if you need any help.

Best regards,

Hanz

[kaioconnell]

@GmanTech -
I have a build that should hopefully work, the python scripting is probably better if you can get going with that though. If you want to try a copy of apc buddy for pc, just pm me with your email.

[kaioconnell]

@dstroud - if you want me to pull this down just say the word.

for anyone wanting to give a pc version of APC Buddy a try, here's a link.

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/8168027/APC%20Buddy%20Win32.zip

[dstroud]

Sounds great to have a options for Windows users. If it's confirmed that the Windows version works, I'll host it on my .Mac account too. The script modification sounds great too- I'll have to give this a shot.

[GmanTech]

Thanks everyone this is great stuff! I will try it out ASAP and get back to you. Hopefully tomorrow!

Thanks Again.


G

[GmanTech]

I'd like to thank you all for your help on this.
For me the simplest was to use Hanz scripts, and they work perfect.
Thanks you Hanz you have enabled me to now use my APC40, I am so very happy!

Amazing!


Thanks again!

G

[Pierre_Clemens]

Hello,

I have find a "solution" with a simple sheet of plastic (orange) That's change the color : the green is less green and orange more orange.
Here for the photos :

http://picasaweb.google.com/akaiapc/APC ... directlink#

[d-rektional]

Hello,

I have find a "solution" with a simple sheet of plastic (orange) That's change the color : the green is less green and orange more orange.
Here for the photos :

http://picasaweb.google.com/akaiapc/APC ... directlink#

thanks for the detailed photos of the dismantling of the unit Pierre. Apart from the green being less green i like what you did here. Does this "solution" make the LED's visible in the daylight?

I have no trouble with colour blindness, I have alot of issues seeing any colour at all when using the APC 40 in daylight.

I contacted the local importer, they suggest to wear a large shady sombrero. But when it is a sunny day party in a white dome the glare is not from one direction, I have attempted several methods of shade over the unit, but this makes it less spontaneous to relate to whats happening in the red box on the ableton screen.

I contacted akaipro.com in hope they had a transparent pad replacement, they suggest I search the ableton forum.

I have noticed that the blue LED's are visible in daylight although they are not as critical as the clip status colour, the LED's on the rotary faders are easy to see in any lighting condition. there has got to be a less opaque rubber pad material.
I like the auto mapping of the 8 knobs and sliders etc, and navigation to get to large sets with shift button, i am just annoyed that something simple as LED brightness is overlooked and feel like akai have overlooked this in the design.

[Pierre_Clemens]

Hi,

I have no solution for the daylight.. I think the only solution is to find an other rubber pad, with less transparency, but is it exist on the market ? I don't think..
AKAI must change all this problems (I hope) for the next generation of APC (so not for us)

[ciphersilan]

dstroud can't thank you enough... 1 of the 7 percent with happy eyes!

[sham-79]

Hello,

I have find a "solution" with a simple sheet of plastic (orange) That's change the color : the green is less green and orange more orange.
Here for the photos :

http://picasaweb.google.com/akaiapc/APC ... directlink#

Thanks for this suggestion, I use a Launch Pad rather than the APC and have no problem with it but my brother was perplexed due to his colour-blindness. Next time he’s over I will try this solution.

S

[pwr]

@Hanz_Petrov
thank you very, very much. your input just saved my apc40 of being thrown out of my window! (together with my money...)

chris

[ericwmast]

Works for me! This is awesome!

[stinson]

Can anyone reupload the original link from D Stroud? Apple has closed all mobileme accounts.

[thewarmth]

hey i would really appreciate it if someone could upload the original link from dstroud. It's not working anymore

Thanks!