MIDI Boutique mkc64x User Manual

mkc64x MIDI keyboard encoder

1. Purpose

mkc64x is a small electronic unit, designed for retrofitting old
mechanical keyboard instruments like pianos, organs etc. turning them
into standard MIDI keyboard controllers capable to control external MIDI
sound modules (expanders, synthesizers etc.) or PC MIDI software.
During play
ProgramChange and BankChange MIDI messages, depending on settings. See
Table 1 for details about settings.

2. Connecting

The full wiring diagram is shown in Appendix A.
This unit expects the keyboard to be arranged in scanmatrix, where
key contacts are grouped in up to 8 groups, each of 8 contacts. This
arrangement allows minimizing the wiring between the encoder unit and
keyboard, but requires diode per key contact.
The unit can work alternatively with standard MIDI gear connected
thru DIN5 connector or with PC connected thru Game/MIDI DSUB15 connector
but never both!
•
Connecting to standard MIDI gear
The unit can be used for controlling standalone MIDI synthesizers
as well as various MIDI-controllable devices, providing that they have
standard MIDI input. The connection between mkc64x and the listening
device must go thru standard MIDI cable that has DIN5 male connectors
from both sides. In this case the unit needs powering from power supply
adapter capable to source 50 mA AC/DC at 9-12 V. The connection between
ythe unit and the power supply adaptor goes thru 0.1" co-axial connector
on board. Any power supply adaptor capable to supply 50mA AC/CD or ore at
9-12V can be used for powerin this unit. In case of direct current (DC)
adaptor the polarity does not matter as there is on-board diode bridge
that takes care boput polarity.
•
Connecting to PC
For connecting
(schematic shown on wiring diagram) that has HU5 (5 pin) header from one
side and DSUP15 male connector from the other. This cable is not included
in package and could be additionally purchased. In this case no power
supply is necessary as the unit is port-powered. Moreover, using external
power supply while the unit is connected to PC GAME/MIDI port could
damage the PC sound card and the unit itself!
•
Special functions
The first 16 contacts (keys) have second function that may be
accessed only in 'Program' mode (Table 2). The unit is in 'Program' mode
while 'Program' button is depressed and held down.

3. Using mkc64x.

Once mkc64x
standard MIDI keyboard controller. Table 1 shows the default parameter
values set by manufacturer. Each of them can be changed using special
keyboard functions (shown in Table 2).
* user's guide *
mkc64x transmits
to PC, simple
is installed in
NoteOn, NoteOff,
conversion cable
your keyboard,
AllNotesOff,
is necessary
it is turned into