ivop Posted August 23, 2017 Share Posted August 23, 2017 Hi, I have decided to build myself a MIDI Interface for the Atari XL/XE. Based upon an old schematic from Elektronika Praktyczna (6/98), I came up with this: It's 5cm x 5cm and supports MIDI IN/OUT/THRU. The device is turned on/off by the Motor Control Line. Now the question is, would anybody else be interested in this and, if so, what would you like? PCB only, PCB+parts, or fully build? (all excl. SIO cable) Note that I have not build anything yet, although some parts are on their way. Regards, Ivo 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+David_P Posted August 23, 2017 Share Posted August 23, 2017 Midimaze... 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kyle22 Posted August 23, 2017 Share Posted August 23, 2017 Is this compatible with Midi Track III? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ivop Posted August 23, 2017 Author Share Posted August 23, 2017 (edited) It depends on what Midi Track supports. As far as I can see there are two different types of interface. Some use an external crystal to clock Pokey at exactly 31250 (i.e. Midimate) and the others use a Pokey frequency which is close enough. All seem to use Motor Control to enable and disable the device and free the SIO bus again. Edited August 23, 2017 by ivop Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Van Posted August 23, 2017 Share Posted August 23, 2017 Would be interested in bare board. A suggestion, add 3 pin header footprints under the DIN sockets to allow panel mounted sockets instead of board mounted DINs. Yogi 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ivop Posted August 23, 2017 Author Share Posted August 23, 2017 Added 3 pin headers as suggested by Van. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brentarian Posted August 23, 2017 Share Posted August 23, 2017 I'd be interested in one board. Maybe two or more if it works with MidiMaze. ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ndary Posted August 23, 2017 Share Posted August 23, 2017 Hi Ivo, what software support this interface? Nir Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mathy Posted August 23, 2017 Share Posted August 23, 2017 Hello Ivo Wouldn't it be easier in use if all three DIN plugs would be on the same side? Or if somebody wants to build the interface into a larger case? Sincerely Mathy (who already has three MIDI interfaces, all MIDI-Mate compatible except for the missing sync ports. Fully MIDI-Mate/MIDI-Maze compatible) 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mono Posted August 23, 2017 Share Posted August 23, 2017 I'm interesting in fully build device. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ivop Posted August 24, 2017 Author Share Posted August 24, 2017 what software support this interface? These should definitely work: MIDIPlay v1.3 by Ireneusz Kuczek MIDIRec v1.2 by Ireneusz Kuczek MIDI PatternEditor MPE v.2.3 by Radek Sterba MIDI Sequencer 1.15 by Maciej Sygit Possibly more, I don't know. This is my first venture into the 8-bit MIDI world. Wouldn't it be easier in use if all three DIN plugs would be on the same side? Or if somebody wants to build the interface into a larger case? I decided on a 5x5 board mainly because of the price, but I also like the small form factor. Having IN and THRU at opposite sides reminds me of guitar stompboxes. The pin headers I just added as per Van's suggestion is meant for panel mounted DIN connectors and larger cases. But, nothing is set in stone yet. The PCB is pretty full at the moment, so I guess if any other features need to be added, I'll upgrade to 5x10cm. Regards, Ivo 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stormtrooper of Death Posted August 25, 2017 Share Posted August 25, 2017 I might be interested aswell. In a fully build. Would be fun to make some small programs that play midi music , controlled by good old Atari 8bit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+orpheuswaking Posted August 25, 2017 Share Posted August 25, 2017 I'd likely purchase a PCB + Parts Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tuf Posted August 25, 2017 Share Posted August 25, 2017 Interested in one assembled. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
k-Pack Posted August 26, 2017 Share Posted August 26, 2017 I would be interested in a couple of boards. Having a parts list would be of great help also. I had downloaded some files from CompuServe and took a look at them a couple of months back. One of the files is: MIDIDR.DOC (MIDIDR.XMO)MIDIMate Software Interface Documentation 5/21/1985By Hybrid Arts, Inc. If you haven't seen it, the .atr holding this file and can be downloaded from this blog entry. There is also a MIDI handler that can be used with BASIC and should work with your interface. In case someone wants to program the next MidiMaze game. http://atariage.com/forums/blog/572/entry-13705-a8-midi-and-the-atari-age-of-rediscovery/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matej Posted August 26, 2017 Share Posted August 26, 2017 I would take 2x fully assembled devices.Also I will do 3d printed cases for them and make them opensource... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+StaxX28 Posted August 26, 2017 Share Posted August 26, 2017 Interesting, that is works on A8 with dual pokey board? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ivop Posted August 26, 2017 Author Share Posted August 26, 2017 Yes, it's a SIO device. Dual Pokey should be no problem. It could actually be beneficial if one were to write a piece of software to use the Atari as a sound module. You lose channel 3+4 of the first for MIDI communication, but you could use channel 1+2 and the second pokey's channel 1+2 and 3+4 for three 16-bit audio channels in total. Update: I'm going to order the PCBs tomorrow. I'll start with a batch of 10. More than enough components coming in the following weeks for 10 complete units. @pack007, I checked the Fig-Forth code in your ATR and uses the external clock line, which this device does not support. I also glanced over the Midimaze ROM, and it does the same. But, I don't think it'll be too hard to "fix" them for this device. Perhaps somebody already did that "back in the day"? 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+StaxX28 Posted August 26, 2017 Share Posted August 26, 2017 Thanks ivop ! Maybe i'll buy one, depending of the price... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Van Posted August 26, 2017 Share Posted August 26, 2017 Yes, it's a SIO device. Dual Pokey should be no problem. It could actually be beneficial if one were to write a piece of software to use the Atari as a sound module. You lose channel 3+4 of the first for MIDI communication, but you could use channel 1+2 and the second pokey's channel 1+2 and 3+4 for three 16-bit audio channels in total. Update: I'm going to order the PCBs tomorrow. I'll start with a batch of 10. More than enough components coming in the following weeks for 10 complete units. @pack007, I checked the Fig-Forth code in your ATR and uses the external clock line, which this device does not support. I also glanced over the Midimaze ROM, and it does the same. But, I don't think it'll be too hard to "fix" them for this device. Perhaps somebody already did that "back in the day"? I was also thinking this the other day about a dual Pokey set-up Yogi 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr.Bacardi Posted August 27, 2017 Share Posted August 27, 2017 Would be also interested in one assembled device. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blues76 Posted August 27, 2017 Share Posted August 27, 2017 I'm interested in a fully build Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sikor Posted August 27, 2017 Share Posted August 27, 2017 I'm interested fully build. What is cost? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ivop Posted August 28, 2017 Author Share Posted August 28, 2017 All components and the PCBs (10 pieces) have been ordered. As for the price, probably somewhere between €10,= and €15,=. First I want to build one and verify its working before I take orders. But I have a ballpark estimate now as for the amount of interest there is. Thanks for that. I'll get back to you when I have built one successfully Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xebec Posted August 28, 2017 Share Posted August 28, 2017 Midimaze... I think i've read Midimaze on the 8bit can network with the ST via midi? or only other 8bits? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
AtariAge on Instagram
Watch us on YouTube
Chat on Discord
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.