ETC.py - Browser-based ETC Emulator (Alpha Release)

ETC
1

Hi everyone,

I’ve been working on a browser-based emulator for the Critter & Guitari ETC that I’d like to share with the community. It’s currently in alpha, but stable enough for experimentation and even some live performance use.

What it is

A web-based video synthesizer that emulates the ETC’s workflow using Python-like syntax. No installation required – it runs entirely in your browser and renders real-time visuals at 60 fps (browser-dependent).

Core features

  • Python-style draw() function API mimicking the ETC’s programming model

  • All four knobs with visual feedback and value display

  • Audio input (microphone) or simulated audio waveforms

  • Auto-clear toggle and background color control

  • Scene memory (4 slots) for saving/loading different patches

  • Mode switching between different example programs

  • Code editor with syntax highlighting (CodeMirror / Monokai theme)

  • OSD overlay for monitoring all parameters

  • Screenshot capture

  • Export to main.py for potential use with actual ETC hardware

Hardware UI elements

The interface recreates the tactile feel of the ETC with CSS-rendered wood buttons, black knobs with white indicators, and LED status lights. The control panel uses the signature red gradient to match the physical unit.

Current limitations

  • Not all pygame drawing functions are implemented yet

  • Audio reactivity is simplified compared to hardware

  • No MIDI support in this alpha version

  • Browser performance varies (Chrome / Edge recommended)

Try it

https://realtimeprayer.neocities.org/etc

A note about development

For context: I have no formal coding background and built this entirely with Claude AI’s assistance. I’m sure many of you have far more technical expertise than I do, so I’d really appreciate any advice, suggestions for improvement, or code contributions. This is very much a learning project for me.

This project isn’t meant to replace the actual ETC – it’s more of a sketching tool for developing ideas before transferring them to hardware, or for those interested in the ETC workflow but who don’t have access to the physical unit yet.

Feedback and bug reports are very welcome. I’m particularly interested in hearing from ETC owners about what features would make this most useful for patch development.

TT

https://realtimeprayer.neocities.org/

2 Likes