AmeNote ProtoZOA Prototyping Tool with Optional Display Module and CME WIDI BLE Module
Latest release: Version 2.0 -- adds the NetworkMIDI2 Bridge (USB MIDI 2.0 <-> Network MIDI 2.0 over the Wiznet W5500 PoE Ethernet Expansion Module). See Releases for prior versions.
Welcome to the world of MIDI 2.0 Prototyping. Initially ProtoZOA was concieved as a prototyping tool for the developer to experiment with and develop USB MIDI 2.0 along with other members of the MIDI Association with the coal of creating complete, consistent and industry approved implementations of MIDI 2.0 on USB.
As the development continued, ProtoZOA has evolved to be a prototyping tool for MIDI 2.0 in general. ProtoZOA along with this Github community (https://github.com/midi2-dev/Amenote_Protozoa) creates a community fostering the advancement of MIDI 2.0 with current capabilities and activities.
We look forward to collaborating with you, making MIDI 2.0 great!
Some other resources available:
- ProtoZOA Schematic
- ProtoZOA Board General Layout (larger PDF document to print if you like for easier reference)
We recommend you work through the above resources to help you understand and work with your ProtoZOA kit. We also recommend you review the Getting Started Guide if you are currently waiting for your ProtoZOA to show up. It includes a list of other resources and materials you will need to make the most of your ProtoZOA device.
This git has the following sub directories:
| Directory / File | Resource |
|---|---|
| ProtoZOA_Main | Code and build for the Main Pico on ProtoZOA - the one soldered onto main board. |
| ProtoZOA_PicoProbe | Code and build for the PicoProbe utility from Raspberry configured for use on ProtoZOA development board. Can be loaded onto either Main or UUT Pico. See User Manual for more information. |
| UUT | Code and build for the UUT (Unit Under Test) Pico on ProtoZOA - the one on connectors. |
| UUT_FreeRTOS | UUT variants built on FreeRTOS (e.g. USB MIDI Echo, general FreeRTOS task examples). |
| lib | Dependencies pulled in as git submodules (CMSIS_5, FreeRTOS-Kernel, ni-midi2, AM_MIDI2.0Lib, tusb_ump, NetworkMIDI2, RP2040-HAT-LWIP-C). |
| tools | Host-side developer tools (e.g. mac_nm2_usb_loopback, a macOS NetworkMIDI2 loopback tester). |
| doc | ProtoZOA support documentation. |
| CMakeLists.txt | Top-level cmake build file. |
| CMakePresets.json | CLI/CI/IDE-agnostic configure & build presets (cmake --preset release). |
| Contribution.md | Contribution agreement |
| License.md | License agreement |
| README.md | This file. |
| pico_sdk_import.cmake | SDK connection file for Pico development |
This project targets Raspberry Pi Pico SDK 2.3.0 with ARM GNU Toolchain 15_2_Rel1, and requires CMake 4.x (SDK 2.3.0's linker-script system relies on a target_link_options(... "LINKER:-L...") mechanism that CMake 3.x fails to translate correctly for copy_to_ram binaries such as ProtoZOA_Main and picoprobe -- you'll see a cannot open linker script file section_platform_end.incl link error if you build with CMake < 4).
- Clone with submodules (submodule URLs are SSH -- make sure you have an SSH key configured for GitHub):
or, if already cloned:
git clone --recursive git@github.com:midi2-dev/AmeNote_Protozoa.gitgit submodule update --init --recursive - Either:
- VS Code: install the official Raspberry Pi Pico VS Code extension and use it to install SDK 2.3.0 / toolchain 15_2_Rel1, then open the folder and build via the extension's CMake/Build commands, or
- CLI / other IDEs (CLion, etc.): install the Pico SDK and ARM GNU toolchain yourself, set
PICO_SDK_PATH(andPICO_TOOLCHAIN_PATH, unless the toolchain is onPATH) in your environment, then:See CMakePresets.json for the available presets (cmake --preset release cmake --build --preset releaserelease,debug).
- See Developer Guide for more detail.
MIDI Association (www.midi.org)
ProtoZOA was originally developed as part of an offering from the MIDI Association towards their mission for corporate members to:
- Develop and enhance MIDI to respond to new market needs
- Create new MIDI 2.0 standards with broad industry participation
- Ensure the interoperability of MIDI products
- Protect the term MIDI and MIDI logo markets
- Promote the use of MIDI technology and products.
The MIDI Association is no longer distributing ProtoZOA units to commercial members -- that offering has ended. This repository remains available for the community to build, prototype, and develop MIDI 2.0 with.
To obtain a ProtoZOA Prototyping tool, contact AmeNote at info@AmeNote.com. Note that the ProtoZOA's are assembled in batches by hand. In response, AmeNote will provide you with more details in response to your inquiry.
AmeNote (and others) will be releasing additional expansion accessories for use with ProtoZOA from time to time. Currently in development or externally availabe are:
- LCD Display Module with joystick and funciton buttons (see User Guide for more info)
- CME WIDI Core Bluetooth module (www.cme-pro.com)
- AmeNote ProtoZOA PoE Ethernet Expansion Module -- available now, with Network MIDI 2.0 support via
UUT/NetworkMIDI2_Bridge, bridging a Wiznet W5500 Ethernet expansion board to USB MIDI 2.0. - Type 25 Expansion Module (tbd)
- External Power Supply - see User Manual for more details.
- Micro-USB to USB A (host) Adapter - see User Manual for more details.
The ProtoZOA hardware and associated developed firmware is Copyright (c) AmeNote Inc., 2022, 2026.
AmeNote Inc. desires for whole community involvement and for the group to all benefit from the development and advancement of ProtoZOA and the associated firmware, therefore a very open license agreement exists with the ultimate goal of all firmware resources becoming open source and open hardware reference designs for public use. The decision of open to public will be jointly decided by AmeNote and the MIDI Association.
The reader agrees to the terms of the ProtoZOA License and Contribution Agreement.
We wish to thank and acknowledge all contributors to this project. Please review our Contributors document regularly.