That Little Box GpiO BOX USB Manual

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The GpiO BOX USB is a user programmable MIDI control system designed for use

with remote buttons and triggers. Based on the popular USB GO BOX, the GpiO

BOX USB uses buttons attached to its 2 XLR sockets rather than on board

controls to trigger MIDI commands.

The GpiO BOX has 2 XLR connectors on

its front face. These are inputs for

Buttons, switches or any contact closure,

such as the GPIO output from a mixing

desk or redundant switch system. Each

XLR can be used to connect up to 2

Controls or a single illuminated Control.

The front panel also features a 3-

position slide switch used to set the

operating mode of the box.

The rear of the GpiO Box is the same as that found on the USB GO BOX and

features 2 USB B outputs, allowing for simultaneous control of 2 computers.

There is also a Power /Status LED Status LED that will display the currently

selected mode of the GpiO BOX USB.

USB 1

USB 2

Power/Status LED

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USB

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Summary of Contents for That Little Box GpiO BOX USB

Page 1 The GpiO BOX USB is a user programmable MIDI control system designed for use with remote buttons and triggers. Based on the popular USB GO BOX, the GpiO BOX USB uses buttons attached to its 2 XLR sockets rather than on board controls to trigger MIDI commands. The GpiO BOX has 2 XLR connectors on its front face. These are inputs for Buttons, switches or any contact closure, such as the GPIO output from a mixing desk or redundant switch system. Each XLR can be used to connect up to 2 Controls or a single illuminated Control.
Page 2 Modes The GpiO box has 3 modes, the Modes are selected using a 3 position slide switch and are only checked on power up. Operation of the slide switch once the box has been turned on will have no immediate effect. The 3 modes are: 1. 2-Button Mode Switch to the LEFT 2. Button learn Mode Switch Centre 3. 4-Button Mode. Switch to the Right In 2-Button mode the GpiO BOX will accept a single Control per XLR. This may be illuminated. In this mode a control should be wired as Follows: 2-Button Mode Pin Function Ground Control Illumination A MIDI message is fired when the control line (pin 2) is shorted to ground (pin 1) It should be notes that Pin 3 does NOT have a resistor in line. When attempting to light an LED a resistor should be added in series. If using That Little Box “Button Box” products a resistor is included in the design.
Page 3 Learn mode The GpiO BOX is fully user programmable and can be configured to output any Musical MIDI when any of its 4 input control lines are triggered. To enter Learn mode position the slide switch to the center when powering up. P rograming When the GpiO Box is powered up in Learn Mode the Status LED on the rear of the unit will begin to slowly flash. This indicates that the GpiO box is in Learn Mode and awaiting further instruction. Next connect the control button (or other control) you wish to use and press it. The Status LED with stop flashing amber and go to solid red. This indicates that the GpiO BOX has detected a button press and is awaiting a MIDI command. As a safety feature, if no buttons are pressed the GpiO BOX is left in learn mode for 60 seconds the unit will exit learn mode and restart to its most recently selected button mode. This is designed to reduce the risk of an accidental mode change when mounted in a rack adversely effecting operation. Once the LED is solid red a MIDI command can be send in to either of the MIDI ports on the rear of the GpiO Box. To do this, simply connect the GpiO Box to the Output of a MIDI device or USB MIDI interface. Once a...
Page 4 Cable length While it is advisable to keep cable runs between a control and the GpiO BOX as short as possible very long runs of up to and in excess of 1Km are possible and do not adversely effect the GpiO BOX’s operation. The GpiO BOX has been tested using a button connected to up 1.5Km of cable. All tests have been done using high quality modern microphone cable and no practical limit has been found beyond witch the GpiO BOX cases to function. Despite this That Little Box do not guarantee function in cable runs exceeding 1Km as cable and button quality can vary greatly. If you have any questions regarding your GpiO Box or would like to talk to us about custom button boxes or custom GpiO BOX features then please get in touch via our website www.thatlittlebox.co.uk.