*** MIDPlay ***

Version:  v1.00
Author:   FONG Chee Keat (cheekeat@iname.com)
Homepage: Windows CE Conservatory (cecon.home.ml.org) 
Date:     25 April 1998


--- Description ---

Finally - a program to play MIDI files through the serial port!!! 

MIDPlay does that - but not much else at the moment. MIDPlay could (and hopefully will) be much more, but I thought I'll just release this version first - so that those eager to try it out won't have to wait much longer. 

MIDPlay sends MIDI data via the serial port to an external MIDI device that accepts serial MIDI data from PCs. Examples of MIDI devices would be some of Yamaha's Tone Generators (TG and MU series), and some of Roland's Tone Modules (SC series). 

These devices usually have a 'To Host' 8-pin mini-DIN socket at the back, with a 4-position switch (MIDI,PC-1,PC-2,MAC). The switch needs to be at the PC-2 position for this to work - it transmits at 38400 bps, 8N1. 

MIDPlay transmits all events, including key and channel aftertouch, all control changes, pitch bends, and all system exclusive messages.


--- Usage Notes ---

To install, simply unzip the file, and copy the executable directly into your 
H/PC. There is no setup program. Do not run the executable on your desktop PC!

This application does not however generate any sound from the HPC's speaker - it does not have a software wavetable engine. 

To connect your HPC to the MIDI device, you will need to connect two pairs of pins together from the HPC's sync-cable and your MIDI device's serial cable. One of them is signal ground (GND - pin 5) to signal ground (GND - pin 5). The other is the transmit pin from the HPC (TxD - pin 2) to the receive pin (RxD - pin 3) of the MIDI device. See the file "connect.gif" for a diagram.


--- What's New ---

First release to the public


--- Disclaimer ---

Use this software at your own risk. By doing so, you agree that I will not be 
held responsible for any damages, either directly or indirectly, resulting from 
the use of this software. This includes but is not limited to - screwing up of 
data, cold-booting the unit, meltdown or incineration of the user's H/PC, 
loss of life or the use of one or more limbs or senses.


