From las8323@rs175174.ks.boeing.com Thu Jan 03 07:31:36 2002
Subject:Re: midi


> >Will a simple SPST switch on pin 5 work to kill the data stream and
> >be able to re-extablish communication?? Assuming, of course, using
> >the switch when not holding down notes or other simultaneous functions.
>
> This will work, but be extra careful if you're planning on kicking it in
midstream. The software side of the MIDI spec makes the assumption that the
connection is always in place, and things like running status and MIDI clocks can
get messed up if only part of the data is received.
>

Yup. There will needs be 2 switches. 1 to the Kurz micropiano, just be sure
all hands and feet are clear, right? :-). The other one to the V3 -- well,
actually, to the midi draws *then* to the V3 (aux channel) but i'm guessing it'd
be better to have it UP stream of the midi draws just in case of snags, then
I can turn down the volume with the draws until reset/restore can be had :-)


> >Not the most elegant way to work it but it'll sure get me going
> >if I can use such a system. BTW, thought the midi spec shows pin2 as
> >ground/shield, I've yet to cut open a "midi cable" that did this.
>
> The MIDI spec shows Pin 2 as ground on the OUT and THRU jacks only; on the IN
jack it is "NC" (no connect). Pin 2 is really only used as a method to get ground
to the shield, not as a full connection, so cable manufacturers that use DIN jacks
that provide a direct shield path will often not bother with trying to tie the
shield to Pin 2.

Though you're, of course, right, single-ended shielding is quite efficacious
especially in cramped quarters. Reverb tanks, Hammond vibrato lines, etc. all
use single ended shielding to some extent. FTMP, midi shielding is nearly
a non-issue, but I learned the hard way on FrankenClone RevA when this nasty
scream came through the audio and found it was no more than one of these
crappy unshielded midi cables lying in the wrong spot. Had to move (reroute)
several inches and the scream went away .... but that was before I tore the whole
thing apart [again] :-)

Larry