Hello pancio! I asked here in the Abbuc forum how I can buy a Midicar. Andymanone wrote that you won't be making a larger edition anymore. My question: Do you perhaps still have one lying around somewhere that you would be willing to sell? Kind regards, Franky :?: :roll:
I need a midicar
Hi,
Thanks for interesting in MIDIcar. Yes, it's true. I didn't plan to make more devices anymore because project is open, so anyone can do it by own hands :-) I've a few PCB which I developed in the past so tell me which one you want to have (XL/XE). The last one version is common for both but we are still working on housing for it. So, let me know which one you prefer.
Best Regards, pancio
Hello Pancio, thank you for your quick and positive answer. I would like to take a PCB for the Atari 800 XL. Please write me the price including shipping and give me the bank details. I look forward to it! Kind regards Franky
Frank Erbert Thomas- Mann- Str. 35 10409 Berlin Germany
HI,
No problem. The cost is 65 euro for MIDIcar (housing include) + delivery (~15). Do you have steel springs installed on the PBI socket? Need to know because housing is different...
Have you MIDI module like S2 or X2GS which is needed if you want to use MIDIcar as fully equipped autonomic MIDI device.
Look at: https://www.serdashop.com/X2GS-S2-Bundle for more details. MIDI module need to be bought separately X2GS is my favorite but S2 playing very well! If you have your own synthesizer or keyboard included MIDI IN port you don't need to buy additional module.
BR, pancio
High Pancio, thank you for the interesting Facts! 1.) The price and shipping costs are OK! 2.)Yes,I have have steel springs installed on the PBI socket. 3.)I have a synthesizer "Roland Sound Canvas SC88VL" I am very pleased that I can receive the device including the case!!!!!!
Best regards Frank
Hi,
Great! I need a week in order to assembly and test device. I'll update you soon when will be ready for delivery!
Have a nice evening!
pancio
Fine. Thank you,!!! Franky
Hi,
Pretty ready... I will make some more test, inside MC to housing and will send on the middle of week.
https://owncloud.pancio.net/index.php/s/ixe8dU9Xpw0SK5a https://owncloud.pancio.net/index.php/s/y6ckEBxjZjnDcpD
Have a nice Sunday! pancio
Oh thank you, Pancio! I am Happy! Franky :D
Hi Franky,
I need to add your phone for delivery form. Could you please provide it?
Best Regards, pancio
Of course yes: +49 15231826507 Bye Frank
And email :-)
Hi,
I see that parcel is close to you :-)
https://allekurier.pl/tracking/29889947167
Sorry for delay but I've some issue with UPS and a few days later I decided to use other company.
I suppose you will receive parcel tomorrow.
BR, pancio
Hallo Pancio! I received the package about 45 minutes ago. It arrived safely! Thank you for that!
I will test the Midicar tomorrow.
Please give me the total cost and your bank details!!!
Have a nice evening,
Franky!
Hello pancio! I had to stop the test because my 800 XL isn't doing what it's supposed to at the moment. But that has nothing to do with the Midicar! I got to the MitiCar player start screen today! Then I needed a Midi.atr. I had that too, but I couldn't copy it. I'll continue testing over the next few days. Please give me the price and bank details! :!: I would like to pay off my debts. Kind regards, Franky
Hi,
I'm very happy you received MC. Don't be hesitate if any help will needed. Some important information: - Best environment for MC is SpartaDosX, - MC need to work power on PBI (47 or 48 pin, configurable by jumper on PCB) or using external power supply 5V (plus on stud). - MC can work with stock memory but you may use not so long MIDI file..., best option is 512 - I never use MC with longer file. - I attached MCP158.COM which is in my opinion most stable and always working fine. - default MC address you have on label on the mottom
How to run: - copy MCP158.COM on drive - under SDX type: X MCP158 /AD580 MCP will be run with Address $D580 - if in the same directory you have midi files, just choose one by key arrows and hit Return. - you may change drive number by type Dx on the bottom of MCP. - key H show HELP for MCP.
Any trouble? Just let me know!
Price is as we agreed: 65 +15 = 80 Euro
My account data: Name: BLAZEJ ADAM BIERNAT IBAN: DE07 1001 1001 2626 4761 57 BIC: NTSBDEB1XXX
or if you want to use PayPal: pancio@pancio.net
Best Regards, pancio
Hello pancio,thanks for your good work and the information about the MC.I think I will get it to work.Otherwise I will get in touch again. I sent the Money with PayPal.You hot IT? Best wishes for you Frank
" need to work power on PBI (47 or 48 pin, configurable by jumper on PCB) or using external power supply 5V (plus on stud)." Whats ist the Set on this Moment?
48 (99%)
BR, pancio
Hi,
I hope you are well! Have you any issue with MC or you are happy to listening music? :-)
If any trouble with it - just let me know.
I didn't receive money on PayPal account - could you please check what's going on?
Best Regards, pancio
Hello Pancio! I am upset and surprised that you have not received the money yet! I have attached a printout of the transfer. Please write to me and tell me whether your name is displayed correctly here or whether it is not your name. I will then report the problem to Paypal! I hope everything will be fine. FrankPayPal_ Transaktionsdetails.pdf
Hello pancio! Did you red my answer reere or one your mailadress ( Paypal- Adress). Franky I think there is a problem with sending "Personal Messages" Franky
Hi,
Don't worry - I'm not surprised that something goes wrong. Not first and not last time in PayPal. I'm in no hurry - if you raised problem to PP it should be enough. Unfortunately I cannot to do the same because I've no information in my history about transaction.
My PayPal name is 'pancio' like on attached picture but I'm using 'pancio@pancio.net' as login to PayPal - it's valid name for transfers...
Please not be angry, it's happened many times :-)
Tell me please if you start play with MIDIcar? I want to halp if any issue...
Best Regards, pancio
Pancio, I have reported the case to Paypal. I will keep you updated when I get new information from Paypal. Thanks for the support you have offered for MidiCar. I will get in touch if I have any questions. Best regards Franky
Hello Pancio! I think things are looking bad for me. After I opened a case, I got this as an answer. I just called Paypal, the lady said she couldn't do anything. I should write to the person and ask them to send the money back. I did that. But I don't have much hope. I entered your correct email address in any case.!!!!!!!!! Has your account been hacked? How can it be that the money suddenly went to a different address? It would have been a mistake on my part to send the money to family/friends. I said that I didn't receive any goods or a package. I will keep you updated. I advise you: don't let anyone transfer money to your Paypal address anymore. Bank transfer is safer. Best wishes The sad Frank
Sorry, I was so angry that I forgot the document! Franky
Hi Frank,
I'm sure - my account wasn't hacked. I'm Linux user from 1995 :-) It's look's like swap email when you use copy/paste my email from Forum's PM... We may test it if you want.. I'll sent to you e.g. 1 euro then you refund it to me in the same method like you sent money earlier - we will see what's going on... And don't worry if PayPal will be not able to execute refund - I hope to make you happy and will not be unhappy about such a small loss... :-)
Best Regards, pancio
How could the email have been swapped? I suspected something like that. I don't know that email address. However, if I remember correctly, I copied your email address from the PM you sent me via the Abbuc site. I probably should have typed it in letter by letter by hand. Please send me the euro. We'll test it. Frank
Please provide your paypal name :-)
Done,
See attachments.
BR, pancio
I got 1,00 €.I did it on my cell phone exactly the same way as I did the day I sent it to you. Here are the hard copies from the smartphone. I'll send you photos from the Paypal account via PC access. Unfortunately, not all photos are there because the pages changed too quickly.
Hi,
I received 1USD instead 1EUR but it's detail and not important... As you see, it's working as expected. Did you made transfer (for MC) from your handy phone? If yes, check it. I suppose it might be compromised and you have hijack agent on it. Did you tried to send email to address penky@interia pl and ask him about case?
BR, pancio
Here you can see the thing from the PC. Did you get the money? Best regards Frank
Yes, I sent from my cell phone like I did before. I will check my cell phone. Yes, I wrote to him but haven't received a response yet.
Pancio, I sent another email to the recipient of the money today. Please let us wait until Tuesday next week to see if we get a response. I will get back to you then. Have a nice weekend, Frank
Hi Frank,
I'm not in a hurry. Don't stress over this situation! It's not worth our health :-)
Have a nice weekend!
pancio
Hello Pancio! I have just transferred €80 to your N26 Bank Berlin account. I would like to thank you again for building the MidiCar for me. I have had no success with Paypal in terms of getting a refund. Anyway, I sold one of my Ataris and the money came back. I will be working on MidiCar again around Christmas time. If I have any questions then, I will get in touch. Have a lovely Advent season! Best wishes from Frank
Hi Franky,
Thank you so much for transfer. I'm very happy and surprised but sad that you must sell some stuff. I hope that it's not end of story and money will back to you. I'll write to this person in polish and try to say something to help.
Again, thanks a lot and hope you will have many fun moments with MIDIcar. Don't be hesitate to ask about anything. Anytime!
Have a nice evening!
pancio
Hello pancio!Thanks for your reply.I think it's good that you want to write to this person again.I've already written twice.So we both tried it, even if it didn't work. Have a nice day Frank
Hi,
I wrote an email to him.
I did some investigation... and I've news... I had contact with this person a few years ago... he asked me about my old project based on HiaaS memory extension. He aked me about approve to made and sell a few modules on http://www.kleinanzeigen.de (eBay). I found two emails and correspondence with him. He is active on https://www.atari.org.pl/forum/search.php?action=show_user_posts&user_id=5433 and known as 'hichal'. In fact I see big chance to execute refund!
Best Regards, pancio
Hello pancio! That's unbelievable. I would of course be very happy if it worked out. Maybe he sold some parts for Atari or Amiga that I bought from him via PayPal (for example Fujinet, A8Picocart). And I'm the one to blame because I somehow clicked on his address using the copy function on my smartphone. And it was then in the memory (clipboard) of the smartphone. And I didn't notice. Unfortunately he didn't answer me. Let's see if we get lucky. Thanks Frank
Hello Pancio! I have just received the PayPal money back from you. Did you get the money back from him? I would like to thank you very much for your efforts!!! What did he say in response to your email? Best wishes from the happy Frank
Hi,
I received information that he answer today and making refund to you. Hope we may close this topic for ever :-)
Best Regards! pancio
I hope so too. Thank you very much! Kind regards, Frank :)
I hope so too. Thank you very much! Kind regards, Frank :)
No Problem Frank! I'm happy that he read mails and return money... If you will have any question, please let me know :)
BR, pancio
Hello pancio! I hope you had a nice Christmas! It was very nice for me too. The grandchildren were there and we had a great time playing. I tried out the MidiCar. The Midi player is running and I was able to load and play files using S-Drive max. Unfortunately, no signal was received by the synthesizer. But I just noticed that I don't have 5V on the Midicar. But I didn't even think about the fact that Midicar also needs 5V via the socket: QUESTION: 5V DC positive pole inside. Would that be right? I have a power supply like that here. I'd rather ask before I break something. Best wishes Frank
Hi,
Thank you... The Christmas went well and family-wise :-) MIDIcar needs power, but if it played files for you, it is powered. You just need to use a DIN-5 cable to connect MIDI-OUT on the MIDIcar to MIDI-IN on the synthesizer. The blue LED should blink when playing music... You don't need any additional power if you have PIN47 or pin48 modded.
And yes, +5V is on the center stud but I prefer to use power from Atari - this is more safety method.
BR, pancio
Hallo pancio! Thank you for your answer! Yo wrote:"The blue LED should blink when playing music..."But she doesn't!!!
What did I do?: I removed the MidiCar circuit board, measured the voltage on the PBI and jumpered the J9 bridge to PBI47. Then I measured again. The MidiCar is supplied with 5 V perfectly! But there is still no signal on my Roland-SC88VL. I also tried it with a 130 XE - same result. Is there perhaps a simple explanation for this???: Does MidiCar perhaps absolutely require a Dreamblaster S2 or X2GS in order to be able to send a MIDI signal via MIDI-Out to a Sound Generator SC-88???? Have a nice Sunday! Greetings from Frank
Hi,
Yes.. blue LED == RED one :-)
There is no need to have any MIDI module. I tested your piece with my KORG NX5R before delivery: https://owncloud.pancio.net/index.php/s/y6ckEBxjZjnDcpD
Look for red LED flashing on the right top of MC : Zrzut ekranu z 2024-12-30 06-29-20.png
It means that data are going to external device... MIDIcar has MIDI-OUT parallel for internal (DreamWave socket) and external (DIN-5) socket wiring.
Could you please explain your case with more details? some photos.. movies? Are you using MIDIcar Player Software?
BR, pancio
Hello pancio! Enclosed are 3 photos and a video (zipped). It should show you that the LED is not lit and no MIDI data is being sent. I wish you all the best for the new year, lots of money and health. Greetings Frank
Hi,
Everything good in N Y 20225!
Look at the schematic. Tx_data going to U4D (LED indicator), U4B (to DreamBlaster Module) and parallel to U4E (ext MIDI OUT).
Zrzut ekranu z 2025-01-01 13-36-31.png
There is no possibility that it's not working on EXT MIDI-OUT if LED is blinking. If LED is not blinking mean that address of MIDIcar is wrong or it's not powered...
Could you please describe when you had good results and MD played well? I need to understand whole scenario.
Which address are you using for MC?
Hello Pancio! I tested the voltage on the PBI and directly on the IC again. There are 5 V DC at both points!! But the LED D2 still doesn't flash when the player plays a midi file. (I can only see this on the monitor. The MD has never played a file via midi-out!!) The jumper D3 is set to DX80. I assume that's what you meant when you asked which address the MC uses!? Should I try other jumper settings here??
I wish you a happy and healthy new year! Greetings Frank
Hi,
Sorry for may delayed answer. I'm on biggest Atari Party in Poland... and have no time to check forum.
You may use any address from $D5 page or $D1 page. By dfault I set $D580 and you should run MIDIcar Player with /AD580 switch when you load player. Please try with $D560 or $D5A0 (/AD560 or /AD5A0 as a switch) I will come to home tomorrow evening - will check it for you with other piece... but I'm sure it working properly, and was tested before sending.
BR, pancio
Hello pancio! Thanks for your information. What you wrote is a bit overwhelming for me. Please tell me first of all whether the way I have started the player so far is correct. I will first look for the error in myself: 1. I boot the MCP.atr file (from the ABBUC site) using SDrive Max 2. When the file is loaded, I see the Midicar player. I then load a song file from SDrive Max as .atr. When this is loaded, I select a song, which is then loaded and starts immediately by itself. Is that correct up to this point or do I really need Spartados for this?
Take your time with your answers to me!!! There is no rush. I will be working a bit again tomorrow and have less time available.
Greetings from Frank
Hi Frank,
MIDIcar Player is a program that can work with different versions of MIDI devices. It is possible that you used the version for SIO (MidiMate, MIDI2SIO). I am attaching the program that I use - it has a built-in driver for MIDIcar. I use SpartaDosX and then the player loads like this:
X MCP158 /AD580
where D580 is address set on MC (jumpers)
I know that it's possible to use MCP under XDOS but I've never test it - I may try it for you. SDX is most usable (have 16MB partitions for MIDI files etc). Do you have AVG / SIDE2 Cart?
BR, pancio
Hello Pancio, I have read all the Abbuc and Atariage pages related to the MidiCar. You have written a lot of interesting things there too. Unfortunately, I lack knowledge of how to use DOS/SDX. (But I am learning!) I don't know at the moment which storage device I should load the .atr file with the midi files onto so that I can access them after loading the player!? It doesn't work with my S-Drive max!
I have a SIDE 3 card and an AVG card. But neither are partitioned! Thanks! Best regards Frank
Hi,
I'll prepare special ATR for you. Do you have U1M or other memory extension?
BR, pancio
Hello pancio! Yes, I have U1MB+ Sophia2,Stereo, Covox.. Thank You! Bye.
Hi Frank,
You may find short instruction and ATR with proper MCP. Please let me knon if any trouble appears!
BR, pancio
Hello Pancio!
Thank you very much for the files and the well-made instruction video from you! I will try to test MidiCar today or tomorrow.
Thank you very much until then!
Franky
Hello Pancio! I have worked with the AVG card and the SIO2PC and RESPEQT. I get to the Midicar player. Unfortunately, it crashes when I select a song. In the photo, the player freezes and no longer responds. I have already set the Respeqt baud rate to 19200. Unfortunately, that didn't help. Kind regards Frank Midicar.rar
Hi,
Have you enabled EXT mem i AVG? - should be disabled because you are using U1M. Did you used default address: /AD580 when you load player?
BR, pancio
Hello Pancio!I'm not at home at the moment.I'll check at the weekend and get back to you. Thanks and best wishes Frank
Hello pancio! You're putting so much effort into my problem, I'm sorry!!! Unfortunately, I still haven't been able to solve it. I did everything exactly as in your great instructions. But it doesn't work. 1.) I can load the player with XDOS. When I switch to the drive with the Midi-.atr (loaded with Respeqt, in this example drive 8), cryptic characters appear. See photo 2.) With "your" file and the SubCart, the MidiCar Player loads briefly and then crashes. No more response. What did I do?:
-Installed firmware 0012 on the SubCart -Turned off 1MB of the SubCart's memory -Used a different midi.atr -Tested the address with a jumper and set it to AD 560 when starting. Unfortunately, this didn't work either. I took another photo of RESPECT. Is the message (first line) OK when starting? I'm really sorry. You're trying so hard and it's still not working. Do you have any other idea what the problem could be? Best regards. FrankPXL_20250202_095721185.MP.jpgPXL_20250201_120142710.MP.jpg
Okay,
It's very strange and make me nervous :-) Let's try one more method with SparatDosX:
Just copy file SDX450_side2.car to SD card of AVGCART (SUBCART). Run SDX, mount XDOS243.atr into Respeqt (maybe you need get a new copy from my cloud if Respect shown taht your XDOS is corrupted). Next run MCP:
go to proper drive typing e.g 8: (depend on Respeqt mount number) type: X MCP158 /AD580
or if you have set D560: X MCP158 /AD560
Did you ever try to set jumpers?
Maybe you have set D1 instead D5?
try to use with /AD180 and /AD160
MIDICAR PLAYER shall run
I can imagine that MC is broken but it's unbelievable :-) I'll try to find someone can help you in Berlin - if it will be not possible I'll send you other piece.
BR, pancio
Hello Pancio. Thank you for the tips! I will try them out in the next few days. Greetings Frank
Hello Pancio! I haven't had time for a few days, sorry. A stupid question from me: Where can I find the "xdos243.atr" file? I only know your website. Unfortunately I didn't see it there. One more thing: I wrote to andymanone. He lives near Berlin. He has a running MidiCar. If I don't manage to get my Midicar working, I'll send it to him and he'll test it. So please don't worry!!! Best regards Frank
Hi Franky,
Good to hear! Andy is right person to help. Remember, if any issue I'll prepare new piece for you if wanted. :-)
BR, pancio
Hello Pancio! Thank you for your concern regarding my Midicar. At the moment I am sick and cannot test anything. André sent me the information on how he got his MidiCar to work. When I am well again, I will take care of my MidiCar. I will then also get in touch. Best Regards Frank
Hello Franky,
I wish you good health!
Let me know when you know what and how. I have a copy ready for you if necessary. It is possible that I will also send other things to Germany so that we can avoid double costs :-)
Best regards, Błażej
Hello Błażej! Thanks for your message. Unfortunately, my condition has worsened since my last PM to you. (Influenza). And unfortunately I have also infected my wife. I lie in bed all day and have no desire or energy for the Atari. Please be patient. If I feel better next week, I will start testing the MidiCar and the Atari. Please don't worry about the shipping costs to Germany. If the MidiCar has to be replaced, I will pay for the return shipping!!! Thanks for having a spare MidiCar in case it is necessary. Best wishes Frank
Hello Pancio! Good news! André tested the MidiCar today. It works well, as it should!! At the address 560. So don't worry. It depends on the boot process of the software. I will take a closer look at everything and check it. So the hardware is OK!!! I'll get back to you when everything is working. Thank you for your patience and your help!!! Best regards Frank
Hi Franky,
No problem! It's my pleasure! If you want, I may share some best MIDI files with you! :-)
BR, pancio