MIDI Time code display

Displaying MIDI Time Code data on a large 7-segment LED display, with wired connection to the PC.

MIDI TMC (Time Code) messages assist synchronization, allowing precise cooperation of different devices (such as sequencers, video players) based on a common time base. The 8-byte messages transmit hours, minutes, seconds, and frames (FPS), ensuring timing consistency in MIDI systems.

• Function: Precise timing synchronization between MIDI devices (Timecode).
• Data structure: Eight-byte message sequence containing hours, minutes, seconds, and frame count (FPS - Frames Per Second).
• Application: Used for coordinating sequencers, drum machines, and video equipment.
• Types: Belongs to system messages, ensuring musical events match the timeline. MIDI TMC is part of the MIDI synchronization protocol, essential in complex studio environments.

The ESP32 receives incoming wired quarter-frame MIDI Time Code messages after optocoupler isolation, decodes them, and sends the data to 8 large 7-segment LED displays using the MAX7219 8-digit LED driver. Simultaneously with the output, it transmits the data via ESP-Now 2.4 GHz RF transmission, which is received and displayed by a second 8-digit LED display.

The 2 units of 8-digit LED displays operate in sync to display the Time Code.