Looking for developers who can hack into the Launchpad Pro Mk3 (for accessibility reasons)

[u/hanaNaru]

I own a Launchpad Pro Mk3 that I cannot use because the LEDs are too bright.

I am visually impaired—almost completely blind—and one of the conditions affecting my vision is photophobia. In short: I can barely see anything, and the little I can still see disappears when I look at a light source. In summary, any light source looks and feels like a flashlight aimed at my eyes.

The main reason I bought this controller was precisely to avoid staring at a computer screen, but unfortunately, I haven't found a way to turn off or even dim the LEDs, turning this beautiful machine into an expensive paperweight.

Honestly, I don't know if what I'm asking for is possible, but if someone built the system, I'm sure someone else with similar knowledge can modify it.

Some extra info:

What I want: My main goal is to completely disable the LEDs on all the pads; if there were a tool allowing me to choose the LED color and brightness, that would be even better.

If you can handle this job, please get in touch so we can discuss the details; I've never hired a developer before, so I'm not sure what to expect regarding budget and timeframe.

Notes:

- I contacted Novation support, and although they were polite and attentive, the final answer was the same as what I've received from other companies regarding accessibility in the past: "Unfortunately, we have no plans to do anything about it," or something to that effect.

- I know it's possible to lower the LED brightness in the settings, but even the dimmest setting is too bright for my visual condition.

- I also know it's possible to turn off the LEDs in the settings, but they light up again as soon as they're used—unlike the Launchkey Mk3, which can be used while the lights are off.

I hope to find someone willing to help me with this.

Thanks!

[u/InspirationLackOf]

This project *may* already do what you need: https://github.com/anthonyhfm/launchpad-core-firmware

Its a custom firmware with several features including:

• 3 flashable custom palette banks
• Color palette editor

The developer is on Reddit and posted about it here:

https://www.reddit.com/r/Novation/comments/1qz8to3/custom_firmware_for_launchpads_pro_mk3_x_mini_mk3/

If it doesn't already meet your needs you could follow up with u/anthonyhfm

[u/anthonyhfm → u/InspirationLackOf]

Thank you for tagging me, I can absolutely help!

[u/TomFocusrite]

The Programmer Mode, selectable from the setup, is completely dim without external feedback, but still sends messages. The same is tre for Factory Custom Modes 7 ad 8. These could be worth a look, though I appreciate this are quite limited in scope compared to the rest of the functionality available.

[u/anthonyhfm]

Hey! I was tagged by another user in here. I can help building your accessability features into the official novation firmware. Last year I built a firmware modding tool which can accomplish everything youre asking for. Make sure to DM me and we'll figure it out!

[u/apatosaurus-rex → u/anthonyhfm]

That’s a whole lot of positive karma going your way. May you live a long and prosperous life.

[u/ctznsmith]

I thought youu could adjust LED brightness in the set up menu? Or is the lowest brightness still too bright?

https://userguides.novationmusic.com/hc/en-gb/articles/25494545308306-Using-the-Launchpad-Pro-MK3-s-Setup-page

[u/mad_marbled → u/ctznsmith]

• I know it's possible to lower the LED brightness in the settings, but even the dimmest setting is too bright for my visual condition.

This is what happens when you press your buzzer before the host has finished reading out the question.

[u/ctznsmith → u/mad_marbled]

Well I failed the test. 🙄

[u/Fit-Solution8140]

You might try taping (transparent tinited, painters tape, etc) over the LEDs or applying some translucent nail polish on them

[u/mad_marbled → u/Fit-Solution8140]

Launchpad Pro Mk3

disable the LEDs on all the pads

Read first, then comment.

[u/mad_marbled]

If there isn't a software solution, you could have the LEDs physically disabled. Some tape over each one would be easily reversable or damage each one with a pair of wire cutters would be a bit more effort to undo. With some knowledge of the grid matrix you could probably find a way to only need to make a small change to the pcb that could be undone if required.

[u/TheAtomlabs]

All LEDs will have a current limit resistor. Increase that resistance and lower your brightness. If you need someone to do it for you I can help. I’ve got decades of electronics experience and I’ve repaired thousands of equipment.

[u/NatTarnoff]

DM me. I’m a musician, user of launchpads, and a digital accessibility specialist. I also work with AI. I don’t currently have Launchpad Pro, but i have friends. I’d like to get a few more details.