sowa.synth.net

Quite a range of MIDI encoders at low cost. Prices in Euros.

MIDI Solutions, Inc.

"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!]

MGB: MIDI Gadgets Boutique

The mother lode! A VAST array of inexpensive MIDI encoders and decoders, several of which are re-sold by some of the folks below..

M-AUDIO USB Midisport Uno MIDI Interface

Here's a great, low cost (US$40.) USB-to-MIDI interface.

Hut Music & Electronics

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."

MIDItools

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."

Roland US

TMC-6 Trigger to MIDI Converter

While generally designed for MIDI percussion use, I can see it being used as an interface between any contact surface or trigger set, and a MIDI instrument. Under US$250. -Pete

"When paired up with acoustic drum triggers, you can use the TMC-6 to trigger a sampler or other sound module from your acoustic drum set. Tap into a universe of sounds with this easy-to-use bridge."

Sound Research

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

MIDI-Organ Consultants

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!]

jw Electronics

MTP-1 A low-cost MIDI-to-parallel board with good features:

Sound Byte Systems, Inc. (formerly InterMidi Systems)

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."

QRS Music

Pianomation MIDI systems

• Turnkey package; Full PWM of each note.
• Processor/Driver/Solenoids;
• Velocity-sensing input package available;
• Prices on 'web site.

MediaMation

• BB-100 Motherboard w/ 3 card slots: $399. (required)
• LO-16 High-power, 16-channel output card: $149. [with above, about $34. per note]
• LI-16 16-channel input card: $ 149.
• AO-8 Analog-out card: $149.

"Our BB-100 product is a small (6x4x2) Midi motherboard that has 3 card slots on it. You can mix and match any of our 3 available cards in each BB-100. These include:

LO-16-Provides 16 open collector outputs that respond to Midi Note On/Off signals and can be used to power valves and relays directly up to 500ma between 0-40 volts DC.

LI-16- Generates 16 Midi Note On/Off messages from a contact closure OR a 0-5 volt DC signal.

AO-8- Provides 8 channels of variable 0-10 volt DC outputs that respond to Midi Continuos Controller messages. Also has 8 ttl level digital inputs OR outputs (your choice) that do Midi Note On/Off."

I have included these listings for reference only, as the manufacturers'
names still appear on some sites.

Emutek

"Site Under Construction" 1/2002

Contact: Ulric Gordon-Lewis

• Pipe Organ Relay Systems - low cost, versatile, expandable & easy to install, record & playback, MIDI in/out
• Pipe Organ Swell Shades - low cost, low noise, easy to install, open/close individual shades

Midiator Systems

Supposedly will be manufacturing former Octet Design Corp. product, but it looks like their pages haven't been updated for a while. Their links still point to an old Octet URL...

UM1 universal MIDI interface (former Octet specs)

• 128 input/outputs (each of two 64 I/O group is programmable as input or output)
• Outputs are TTL compatible, or open collector solenoid drive at 0.250A, 40volts
• Output option -P provides solenoid drive at 0.500A, 40volts
• Outputs are short protected and have built-in clamp diodes
• 4 analog outputs, 0-5volts for controllers
• 1 pulsing output for solenoid driven "vibrato"
• Inputs are TTL compatible, built-in pull-ups/down, with switch debounce
• 5" x 8" x 2" case with mounting brackets
• Fast MIDI interface allows up to 16 UM1 modules in series
• Windows software utility for setup and diagnostics
• UM1-128 universal MIDI interface, standard outputs $299.
• UM1-128-P universal MIDI interface, power outputs $339.
• Also available without chassis.

Devtronix

Classical Organs, Inc.

Devtronix "MIDI Select System" uses combinations of three boards and various EPROM programs to perform many pipe organ functions.

• MIDI Processor $250 DIN Conn IN-thru-OUT, with wall transformer.
• MIDI Input Board $125 Ribbon cable conn IN, 64 notes, jumper set to any of 16 ch.
• MIDI Output Board $125 Ribbon cable conn OUT, 64 notes, jumper set to any of 16 ch.
• MIDI Ribbon Cable to solder terminal board $25.