Re- MIDIcar – independent, easy to use MIDI player-recorder

Hello Pancio,

Sorry for the late response,

Today I finally had some time to work on the midicar... Unfortunately, I encountered problems right at the beginning. The programme always tells me "Can't detect midicar :(" "179 Memory conflict"

I entered: MCP.EXE /D:MIDICAR.DRV and later also: MCP156B.EXE /D:MIDICAR.DRV Unfortunately, the error is always the same.

As a first test environment I use a SIDE2 with SDX and a stock 130XE with 128k RAM, without tuning or other extensions. I also cut the trace on the Midicar PCB. (before the SIDE2 did not run with MidiCar).

I also swapped the ATARIs (treid it with 3 different machines) to prevent a faulty one for test

I'm sure I'm making some stupid mistake, do you have any idea what I could be doing wrong?

Thanks in advance , andY

midicar_error.JPEG

https://abbuc.de/forum/viewtopic.php?p=12754#p12754

pancio schrieb: Hi,

Just for fun... my son transcribed Jet Set Willy music into MIDI... have fun!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYdKUeJ__wo

(I attached MIDI as ZIP file because it's not possible to add .mid attachment.)

Hi,

Discovering process is specifically... general works but not with each configuration.. so, try to use MIDIcar without detection like this:

from SpartaDosX:

X MCP1556B.COM /AD580

where: /A

Hi pancio,

thanks a lot for your lighstspeed answer !

I have to hurry to the supermarket to buy something, otherwise I'll get into trouble with my wife :roll: :lol: .

But right after that I'll test it!

Cheers, andY

So, back again ;) !

I have now tried as you said, but still without success :(.

Then I took the Midicar out of the housing and looked at it.

The address jumper is set to D560.

So I tested it with the address: D4: MCP1556B.COM /AD560

But again without success.

Afterwards I took off the X2GS module (which sits above the MC6850) and discovered that PIN 5 of M6850 is bent away (see photo).

Not sure, but is this correct?

midicar adress.JPEG

Midicar_pin.JPEG

Ahh!! I forgot to type in the "X" :roll:

Now it boots up!

Hi,

Pin 5 shall be left/floating - it's RTS (Ready To Send) instead RST (Reset). It's not necessary in such case. Did you cut connection between RD4 and RD5 on the board? Please do it if you are using any other device like AVG or SIDE/IDE+. Try to use D580 - most usable addresses window.

If you are willing to have online meting I may provide private link for that:

https://jitsi.reksio.net/midicar

Best Regards, pancio

Thanks a lot, mate !

It works now!

Sorry, mea culpa :roll: .

I don't work with SDX that often, so I'm not sooo familiar with it.

BR, andY

It's work very good under DOS II+ but under Sparta you have access to many folders very comfortable...

I attached very good prepared MIDI files :-)

Enjoy!

Thanks again mate :) !

I´ve also lots a bunch of Midi-Files, just tested with one of my favourite series "X-Files" 8-)

Sounds amazing!

BR, andy

Hi Pancio,

I just wanted to thank you & PeBe again for the great piece of hardware and software 8-) ! Feel free to pass on the praise to PeBE as well :)!

But now I have a few questions about it ;):

1. If I use the X2GS module with the MIDICar, can I also use the onboard line out (instead of the L/R chinch) and the USB midi interface (instead of the DIN5 MIDI jacks) on the X2GS alternatively? Update: Okay, the Line-Out question I´ve just answered myself ;), I´ve tested it and it works. 2. The MCP is great, but so far you can unfortunately "only" play MIDI files. However, as far as I have read it from your description, MIDICar can do much more, such as record midi data, edit, etc.... Are there any other programs besides the MCP in the works at the moment or will the MCP be extended with a recording function?

2. If not, what about the already available programs that Mytek also shows for the SIO2MIDI on its site? PeBE has written three drivers, PBI, ECI and SIO, is there perhaps the possibility to modify these programs so that they no longer communicate with the SIO interface, but the PBI/ECI port? So one would have already a larger choice of programs for the MIDICar.

4. What are your future plans for the MIDICar project? Is it still your primary focus or are you working on other projects that you dedicate more time to? And what will happen with the hardware? Will you build more devices yourself or have them built (e.g. via Lotharek or others)? Are there any plans to offer the MIDICar in the ABBUC store?

Sorry for all the questions :roll: , but I am really interested in this project and that it will be continued in the future 8-).

Beste regards, André

1. If I use the X2GS module with the MIDICar, can I also use the onboard line out (instead of the L/R chinch) and the USB midi interface (instead of the DIN5 MIDI jacks) on the X2GS alternatively? Update: Okay, the Line-Out question I´ve just answered myself ;), I´ve tested it and it works.

:-)

2. The MCP is great, but so far you can unfortunately "only" play MIDI files. However, as far as I have read it from your description, MIDICar can do much more, such as record midi data, edit, etc.... Are there any other programs besides the MCP in the works at the moment or will the MCP be extended with a recording function?

Yes.. but the sequencer is still on the desk... :-)

3. If not, what about the already available programs that Mytek also shows for the SIO2MIDI on its site? PeBE has written three drivers, PBI, ECI and SIO, is there perhaps the possibility to modify these programs so that they no longer communicate with the SIO interface, but the PBI/ECI port? So one would have already a larger choice of programs for the MIDICar.

MIDIcar is only one which are using CART/ECI... I don't know how much work is required and... I didn't see any source code for that...

4. What are your future plans for the MIDICar project? Is it still your primary focus or are you working on other projects that you dedicate more time to? And what will happen with the hardware? Will you build more devices yourself or have them built (e.g. via Lotharek or others)? Are there any plans to offer the MIDICar in the ABBUC store?

*My goals is to make cheaper version of MIDIcar based on CART only - I suppose it might popularize project more. We are still thinking on version with data pool on MC - to be more flexible and independent from POKEY (we are still fighting in mind.. "is it still Atari?"). MIDIcar is assembled by my hand and KKRYS colleague. We're finishing 20 interfaces for community. MC will be sell by PTODT on http://atarifan.pl marked.

Now I'm involved with two projects: - with @mono we are working on new implementation of POKEY. - with GBXL and Erhard I'm working on new version of 'msc'*

Sorry for all the questions :roll: , but I am really interested in this project and that it will be continued in the future 8-).

Of course - you are welcome!

Best Regards, Blazej

Hi Blazej,

Thank you very much for your answers.

Very briefly just some more small things ;):

On the X2GS, sometimes the last voice continues as a continuous tone when you stop the song. I think you had described this problem in some other thread but I can't find this information anymore. Is there a solution for this problem?

@Sequencer is on the table: Great! I will be patient!

@Future Plans: A cheaper version for more popularity sounds good! I think a lot of people are interested in the project, but not everyone always has so much pocket money free for the hobby.

@other projects: New implementation of the POKEY? Do you mean as FPGA replacement or as part of MIDIcar?

And you work with GBXL and Erhard on msc? Do you mean the mscIDE interface? I thought Walter (GBXL) left the ATARI hobby (because of other priorities, family and so on) that's what he wrote me anyway.... Anyway. It sounds exciting what you are planning :)!

One last question: Which is the best place where I can get the latest information about your projects? Github ? SystemEmbedded.eu ?

Thanks a lot & have a relaxing sunday!

BR, André

Hi,

Yes, X2GS has probably other reset sequence than S2 module... PeBe working on that (not really hard because he has only S2 - so he is rather not so interested :-)). The problem is in MIDI files... when composer doesn't use reset sequence for all channels.. well - I hope it's not so problematic but I suggest to gently pushing PeBe on forum :-)

Just a few words regarding sequencer, I checked possibilities (works fine!) but I'm not programmed and can't make front-end for it. MC is open for contributors... maybe you know someone which is capable to do it :-)

Regarding xOKEY - we are ready to start development with RISC-V processor architecture instead FCPGA (which is very expensive now). This is very early bird, so we are not announcing about it yet... and yes.. there is plan to add xOKEY to MIDIcar as alternative (and independent interrupts for clocks).

mscIDE is very interesting project.. wasn't popular but i suppose because of high cost. Now it';s easier to do it cheaper and that's my goal - make new modern and cheap mscIDE which will be capable to work with mSATA drive. Unfortunately, piece which was sent by GBXL to me for analyses was lost on it's way by DHL - it's very pity and now I need to use some kind of reverse engineering to do my own piece :-) But don't worry - GBXL and Erhard are very active and we are cooperating and developing new-msc together :-)

I usually post information about my projects on my website/blog. There you will also find most of the "how it's work" descriptions. But I don't do it very regularly. For example - there is no MIDIcar description in the PBI version yet... but if someone is interested and participates in the discussion, it's motivating for me :-) So I invite you to the discussion!

Have a nice Sunday and good week!

P.s. If you have nice MIDI file - share it! :-)

pancio schrieb: Hi,

Yes, X2GS has probably other reset sequence than S2 module... PeBe working on that (not really hard because he has only S2 - so he is rather not so interested :-)). The problem is in MIDI files... when composer doesn't use reset sequence for all channels.. well - I hope it's not so problematic but I suggest to gently pushing PeBe on forum :-)

Well it's not that extremely important, but would be nice if it get fixed sometime :) Should I nudge PeBe in your webforum for that ;)?

pancio schrieb: Just a few words regarding sequencer, I checked possibilities (works fine!) but I'm not programmed and can't make front-end for it. MC is open for contributors... maybe you know someone which is capable to do it :-)

Sounds good and indeed, I really know someone, a friend, who might be able to help with the implementation :). I will contact him these days and ask if he has interest, time and free capacity to join the project...

pancio schrieb: Regarding xOKEY - we are ready to start development with RISC-V processor architecture instead FCPGA (which is very expensive now). This is very early bird, so we are not announcing about it yet... and yes.. there is plan to add xOKEY to MIDIcar as alternative (and independent interrupts for clocks).

mscIDE is very interesting project.. wasn't popular but i suppose because of high cost. Now it';s easier to do it cheaper and that's my goal - make new modern and cheap mscIDE which will be capable to work with mSATA drive. Unfortunately, piece which was sent by GBXL to me for analyses was lost on it's way by DHL - it's very pity and now I need to use some kind of reverse engineering to do my own piece :-) But don't worry - GBXL and Erhard are very active and we are cooperating and developing new-msc together :-)

These things also sound very exciting!

pancio schrieb: I usually post information about my projects on my website/blog. There you will also find most of the "how it's work" descriptions. But I don't do it very regularly. For example - there is no MIDIcar description in the PBI version yet... but if someone is interested and participates in the discussion, it's motivating for me :-) So I invite you to the discussion! Have a nice Sunday and good week!

Okay, I´ll ty to motivate you ;), first step was done: I joined your Website today :mrgreen:

pancio schrieb: P.s. If you have nice MIDI file - share it! :-)

Yes, of course! I will gladly collect all MIDI files I have and send them to you asap! But I have a request, because not all of them are "freeware", please don't distribute these files in the world but you and Pebe and the team can use them anytime (if there is something interesting for you at all ;) )

Best regards, André

Hi,

Should I nudge PeBe in your webforum for that ;)?

Yes.. you should push PeBe on any channel :-) He has topic on AA and on Abbuc too. :-)

...I will contact him these days and ask if he has interest, time and free capacity to join the project...

Please do it, I may send piece for development process :-)

Regarding mscIDE - on the table now - I'm during PCB preparation. It will be long and fascinating story I suppose! I've permissions to public details (without collaborators names) but I decided to do it when I'll have working prototype...

xOKEY still on paper (waiting for samples from China).

You are welcome to contribute as well - please leave comments, doubts whatever :-)

Regarding MIDI files - I've the same point of view :-)

Best Regards pancio

Hi Blazej,

here you will find all my midi files, I have direct access to... (There are several CD's and floppy disks for my synthesizers, but they are packed in another box, I can't get to them right now.)

The MIDI files are packed with the tool 7zip (*.7z). If you don't use it, it's freeware and you can find it here:

https://www.7-zip.org/download.html

I was lazy :mrgreen: and just copied all the midi files into one folder ;) . I'm sure there's some garbage in there but I think there's some good stuff too.

BR, andY

panciomidi.7z

Hi,

Thank you so much! Now you broken my life - so many files :-)

Best Regards, pancio

Haha :lol:

No need to thank, have fun with it 8-) !

BR, André

pancio schrieb: Hi,

Thank you so much! Now you broken my life - so many files :-)

Best Regards, pancio

Dear Blazej,

me again ;) !

So ! I had now received an answer from my buddy.

He says, if you have time, if you can contact him times and describe him briefly, where he might be able to support.

His name is Frederik Holst and he is a cool guy, he is also the head behind the project "MIDIJoy (2.0) for the ATARI 8-) .

I got him together with Mark Watson (FOFT) (also a buddy of mine) at that time, so that Frederik with his MIIDIjoy 2.0 also supports the extended QuadPokey's and SID-Cores features of the PokeyMAX.

The best is to write him a friendly email and contact him. Whether he and how much time he has I can not say, but possibly he can do something for the MIDICar project!

His email address is: midijoy@phobotron.de

Best regards and keep me up to date!

André

Hey Blazej,

long time no more heard from you! I hope you are well and everything is okay? Surely you have a lot of stress right now?

I just wanted to ask if you received my email with the email address of Frederik and if you already contacted him?

And what else is new with you :)? Is there any progress on the MIDICar "light"?

Well, feel free to contact me again, if you have time, it would be great...

Best regards, André

Hi,

I was on a business trip abroad whole week and didn't have time for Atari :-(. Sometimes I just take a look at the forum but lately I've been too busy. I talked to Frederik and it seems that he might be very useful :-) Temporarily stuck with mscIDE+ - actually, I'm waiting for the PCB for testing - MIDIcar has to wait a while ... I'll get the job done and we'll get back to cool topics - I promise :-)

Best Regards, pancio

Hi Blazej, thanks for your feedback! No problem, no hurry! I'm stuck in (too) many projects myself at the moment, and had yesterday and today also an emergency in the company where I have to give all my attention. You see, I know the problem too :). So all is good! I'm happy about every new info from you. Get in touch when you have time....

@Frederik: Ahh great! Glad to hear!

All the best and see you later, André

pancio schrieb: Hi,

I was on a business trip abroad whole week and didn't have time for Atari :-(. Sometimes I just take a look at the forum but lately I've been too busy. I talked to Frederik and it seems that he might be very useful :-) Temporarily stuck with mscIDE+ - actually, I'm waiting for the PCB for testing - MIDIcar has to wait a while ... I'll get the job done and we'll get back to cool topics - I promise :-)

Best Regards, pancio