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Can't stop the signal |
| See,
most people would love to listen
to live music in their living rooms, but don't want those unsavory
musicians hanging
around. Ugh. So, I'm cataloging MIDI-to-anything "MIDI in" interfaces,
used to MIDIfy custom Nickelodeons, Orchestrions, and all sorts of
mechanical musical instruments, new and antique. That way, they can
rip off ABBA MIDI files
from the 'web, and have them play automatically on bongos,
in the privacy of their own homes. There seems to be a lot of interest
in this type of project, so let me know if this list has been
helpful. I am archiving some of the manufacturers' data below.
Please inform me of any
corrections or suggestions. For a terrific reference regarding adding
a MIDI interface to an existing instrument, please see the archives
of the excellent Mechanical
Music Digest (MMD). |
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Please donate any amount to help pay for bandwidth. Thanks. |
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| For the most part, all of the boards listed below are MIDI Decoders, sometimes called "MIDI to parallel." In other words, the input to the board is a MIDI signal from a keyboard, computer, or MIDI player, and the board decodes the signal to individual note outputs; usually in increments of 16, 32 or 64 notes. Those individual 'note' outputs are used to do stuff, like drive a solenoid, open a valve, or tuna fish. Sorry, I was just checking if you were still reading. |
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Low cost MIDI Decoder kits!
example: MD24 24-note Decoder kit, $44.95 About $1.80 per note. |
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Quite
a range of MIDI encoders at low cost. Prices in
Euros. |
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"We
make MIDI to contact closure, contact closure to MIDI, and all sorts
of other MIDI processing products. We also offer custom modified
versions of our products for applications that require special MIDI
processing functions."
R8
8-Output MIDI-Controlled Relay Array, $479. [Yikes. About $60.
per note!] |
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The
mother lode! A VAST array of inexpensive MIDI encoders and decoders,
several of which are re-sold by some of the folks below.. |
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Here's
a great, low cost (US$40.) USB-to-MIDI interface. |
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MIDI
Decoder 128
"This
is a full 128 note MIDI decoder, professionally made printed circuit
board. Capable of driving magnetically driven devices such as solenoids,
electromagnets, motors and lights up to 35VDC/500mA per note. Perfect
for connecting a MIDI source, such as a MIDI keyboard or PC to a
real accoustical instrument fitted with electrical drivers. We use
this decoder in our electrically driven pipe organ valves. Other
boards are limited to 64 notes. If you have been restricted by this
limitation, this is the perfect MIDI decoder for you."
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MIDI
Decoder 128 |
Assembled |
Kit |
[price
per note] |
|
Notes |
MIDI
Range |
Price
Each |
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64 |
40 .. 103 |
$
210 |
$
185 |
$2.90 |
|
88 |
21 .. 108 |
$
230 |
$
195 |
$2.22 |
|
96 |
16 .. 111 |
$
235 |
$
200 |
$2.08 |
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128 |
0 .. 127 |
$
260 |
$
220 |
$1.72 |
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If
you search Google, you will find a lot of great projects built with
these boards.
The MIDItools boards were a product formerly sold by PAVO. -pete-
MIDItools Overview
"The
MIDItools computer is a generic hardware device designed to perform
MIDI operations. It consists of a chassis, a main board called the
CPU board, and a front panel board. The CPU board hosts a Motorola
6805 processor, a MIDI interface, some extra memory and an analog
to digital converter. The front panel board contains 8 switches,
16 LED's, a potentiometer and an LCD display. The CPU board also
has sockets for connecting the front panel, LCD and an optional
expansion board via ribbon cables. To gain an in depth understanding
of the MIDItools computer read Digital Projects for Musicians by
Craig Anderton, Bob Moses, and Greg Bartlett."
"MIDItools
is sold either as a kit or as an assembled unit. It comes in either
a rack mounted or hand held configuration. Once you know what application
you want you simply choose the platform and place an order. We program
the processor chip for you and send it with the kit or unit. The
nice thing about MIDItools is that once you have one, you actually
have several devices. All you have to do is pop in a new processor
chip, and you have a completely new tool." |
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MIDI
Decoder driver boards
"A
variety of MIDI Decoders are available in 64 note or 128 note versions.
Decoders are also available with High side or Low Side drivers in
a variety of configurations to meet your needs. High current FET
or Darlington drivers are also available, as well as Relay Contact
and AC Triac outputs."
MIDI
Encoder driver boards
"Several
MIDI Encoder arrangements are available for Keyboards, Pedal boards,
Stops encoders and MIDI Patch Control Encoders."
Also
available: Custom MIDI boards, Keyboards, MIDI Orchestra Bells,
and more. Some MIDI Products feature Firmware by Jordan
D. Petkov |
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MIDI
Decoder driver board
- 64
note with 500mA driver output: $245. [$3.82 per note]
- 10A
driver board $345. [Control multiple vacuum cleaners
w/ MIDI!]
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MTP-1
A low-cost MIDI-to-parallel board with good features:
32
note outputs
Alternative
option has 28 note outputs and 4 program change outputs
Any
output can be mapped to any MIDI note - ideal for non-chromatic
instruments
Outputs
can sink 500 mA @ 35 VDC
Easy
installation with screw terminal connections
The
cost of this unit includes programming,
installation instructions, delivery and technical support by e-mail/telephone.
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InterMidi
(now Sound Byte Systems, Inc.) "has been building and distributing
Hi-Tech MIDI Interface, Control & Tonal Systems ...
since 1984. Our driver boards have hi-power Darlington
outputs and come in sizes from 32 to 97 notes." |
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A very unique range of MIDI and electronic music resourses. Low cost MIDI encoder board. |
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Pianomation
MIDI systems
- Turnkey
package; Full PWM of each note.
- Processor/Driver/Solenoids;
- Velocity-sensing
input package available;
- Prices
on 'web site.
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