no UART output

h. blackrose · Jan 2, 2006, 06:51 AM

Hi:

I appear to be having the same problem as AdRiX (see thread http://www.hardwareheaven.com/soundfonts-midi/87137-no-midi-output.html), and he didn't seem to get an answer, so maybe it's a common problem...?

I can't seem to get MIDI output through UART to my hardware synth - either of them. Specifications: SBLive 5.1, kx3537, Cakewalk Music Creator Pro 2, win98 (yes, I know, I have repented... sigh). MIDI input through UART is working just fine from both synths. And selecting either software synth, it plays fine. But selecting output to UART just gives me... nothing.

Could it be a hardware problem - could the gameport connector be working for input but not for output? Alternatively, would the fact that my hardware synths are pretty old have anything to do with it?

TravelRec. · Jan 2, 2006, 11:40 AM

You have to check whether the gamepot put´s out any data or not - you can do this with a simple LED with a safety resistor (!) of 1kOhm. Put this network on pin 12 of the gameport and connect it with GND:

pin12 ----:::::----->|------ GND

Send some data and look whether the LED is blinking or not. Check further the correct installation of the UART (use DXDiag application to send some data). If the LED blinks, then the UART is okay but your MIDI-Gameport connector may be damaged. To check this, you can connect a LED on the MIDI-OUT-Socket (pin 4/5) turn the LED polarity for testing, one direction should work. It has nothing to do how old the synth hardware is, if they have MIDI, they should work. If your testing fails, reply again.

Jan 2, 2006, 06:51 AM	#1
h. blackrose DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 1 Rep Power: 0	no UART output Hi: I appear to be having the same problem as AdRiX (see thread http://www.hardwareheaven.com/soundfonts-midi/87137-no-midi-output.html), and he didn't seem to get an answer, so maybe it's a common problem...? I can't seem to get MIDI output through UART to my hardware synth - either of them. Specifications: SBLive 5.1, kx3537, Cakewalk Music Creator Pro 2, win98 (yes, I know, I have repented... sigh). MIDI input through UART is working just fine from both synths. And selecting either software synth, it plays fine. But selecting output to UART just gives me... nothing. Could it be a hardware problem - could the gameport connector be working for input but not for output? Alternatively, would the fact that my hardware synths are pretty old have anything to do with it?

Jan 2, 2006, 11:40 AM	#2
TravelRec. Alternative Audioproductions Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Germany / Sachsen-Anhalt Posts: 1,710 Rep Power: 56	You have to check whether the gamepot put´s out any data or not - you can do this with a simple LED with a safety resistor (!) of 1kOhm. Put this network on pin 12 of the gameport and connect it with GND: pin12 ----:::::----->\|------ GND Send some data and look whether the LED is blinking or not. Check further the correct installation of the UART (use DXDiag application to send some data). If the LED blinks, then the UART is okay but your MIDI-Gameport connector may be damaged. To check this, you can connect a LED on the MIDI-OUT-Socket (pin 4/5) turn the LED polarity for testing, one direction should work. It has nothing to do how old the synth hardware is, if they have MIDI, they should work. If your testing fails, reply again. __________________ Always take a look behind.