Hey Agent Calm - I did a video walkthrough of how to setup a drum map and what it's useful for.  I know you initially said that you didn't really want to get into all of that, but in the end, in my opinion it makes the whole thing easier to manage and see the midi data, remap to other drum samples, etc.  the video is based on Sonar 5, but the drum map stuff hasn't really change much since then, believe it or not.
 
Here's the page on my site with the video: http://blades.technology/music/sonar/88-specific-topics/79-sonar-drum-maps
 
This has helped many - I hope it helps you.

Well still not working but I at least made some progress.   The Spriekenzi lab guys couldn't even tell me what model Arduino board they sold me.  But the guys on the arduino forum were able to help there.   I can now upload the configuration file to the brain.  It still is not even sending a signal to Sonar but I will keep chasing Spriekenzie labs for help on configuration.
I have the brain's pads set to what I think are correct notes (piano key) for SD3.   For example i have the snare set to key 38.  But there will be no doubt other settings I'll need to check.
For example Im not sure what channel either SD or the brain should be set to.   Im guessing if these do not match then no data will hit SD3.    But I migt be a step closer now that i can configure and upload the brains configuration so to speak.  

Thanks Kam.    My SD is on Omni.  I didnt actually know what omni was to be honest.  I think they have their kit set to zero.   I'm not a programmer so I dont understand any of the lines of instructions.  I'll have to keep trying to push these guys for better help.   There may be other settings in the code I need to change.  

I assume that's MIDI channel 0?

Now, while the binary encoding for the 16 MIDI channels is 0-15, everything that humans interact with - instruments, sequencers, interfaces - numbers the channels 1-16. So if the Arduino is set to channel 0 that should be showing up in Sonar as channel 1. You won't find Channel 0 as an available channel in Sonar (or any other DAW as far as I know).

For what it's worth, the loose convention is to use Channel 10 for drums. Though there's no need to, with the exception of making files to the General MIDI standard, which is something we needn't worry about here.

However, SD is quite possibly expecting to see MIDI on channel 10. TTS-1 can produce basic drum sounds, and that will expect drums to be on Channel 10. It might be easiest to set SD to channel 1 than reconfigure the "brain"...

The presence of "Wheel" events from a drum brain is a different matter. That is probably modulation wheel (standard thing on keyboards) data. If so it should be on Continuous Controller 1, or pitch bend information. It might just be that the MIDI programming in the Arduino sends that data for some reason, or it might be intended to detect how open or closed a hi-hat pedal is.

Greyed out notes in the event view probably indicates a MIDI channel mis-match. The data's there but not on the channel the track is set to play it on.

Hey guys.   I returned that DIY kit as i couldnt get it working and decided to buy a ready made kit.   I just ordered a Millenium MD-90        This unit looks very similar to some of the Yamaha D series all in one units.    It will take a few working days for it to arrive but I was wondering if any of you guys ever used one of these types of drum kit?  Im curious to know if you have to somehow match the "real" drums with its virtual VST partner.   In other words do you need to manually set it up so that hitting the real snare gives you a snare sound in Session drummer and not a hi hat or tambourine etc. 

Just one last item on this guys.   The MD-90 arrived and works great.  Although it doesnt have a midi port but a USB port, it gets detected by Sonar as an E Drum.   This shows up in Sonars preferences alongside other devices.
Because of this, you can go into the Inspector of Session drummer and the E Drum is there listed as an input option.
So now you can pick any drum kit you like in SD and the MD-90 acts as a trigger.   Although Im only learning drums, this is a much better option than using a keyboard for drumming.
I'd imagine if anyone decides to buy one of the Yamaha or Alesis versions of these electronic kits they will operate the same way.    Thanks again guys for the tips. 

Good to know Ken.   Although im quite happy with SD , if I ever did decide to buy a different virtual drum such as AD or EZdrummer it's good to know they will operate in a similar way regarding the electronic drum kit.