Connecting MIDI Hardware

Using a serial connection from your Palm to your MIDI hardware.

On the base of every Palm handheld computer is a serial connector (even the USB port on the Handspring Visor has an extra pin allowing for regular serial connections). Many MIDI keyboards, sound modules, samplers, and synthesisers also allow for serial connections (this is different than the usual large round 5-pin MIDI in and out ports). This type of serial port is a smaller round 8-pin port usually labelled "host" or "to host". This additional port is intended for a direct connection to your computer (as opposed to another MIDI device) and will often have a Mac/PC switch next to it.

To connect the bottom of your Palm computer to the "to host" serial port on a MIDI device you will need either the HotSync Cradle that came with your handheld, or the optional HotSync Cable (sold as the "travel kit" for the Palm V, there is a special Serial Cradle available seperately for the Handspring Visor). These HotSync options end with a somewhat rectangular 9-pin connector. To make this fit in the round "to host" port you will need the "Macintosh Serial Adapter" that is included in the "MacPac" from Palm, or just the adapter can be purchased for about $5 US.

The "To Host" port will usualy have a switch associated with it. This switch should be set to "Mac" (as opposed to "PC-1" or some other option). Consult the manual for the MIDI hardware for any special settings that it may require to receive serial data from a computer.

Almost any MIDI hardware made in the past three years or so will have this "to host" port (except a few high end devices), and a number of older devices can also be found with the port. If you want portability check out the Yamaha MU-5, Yamaha MU-15, Yamaha QY-70, or the Roland PMA-5. These all have the "to host" serial port, and they all run on batteries and have headphone jacks.

Using a MIDI interface with your Palm.

We now offer a Palm-to-MIDI interface that is included in our miniMusic Mobile Software Pack. There are also a limited supply of interfaces available from us individually.

With the HotSync cradle/cable as described above, you can plug into a number of older (pre-USB) MIDI adapters made for the Macintosh. We have succesfully plugged Palm handhelds into interfaces from Opcode (like the "Professional Plus" 1-in/3-out MIDI adapter) to drive MIDI hardware. Such an adapter has the small round serial port and full size round 5-pin MIDI ports to run to other hardware.

There are also some small third party MIDI solutions designed specifically for the Palm platform. Several web sites will either sell you handmade interfaces or show you how to build your own. Check out Geoff Smith's Page, Tom Zerucha & Pete Moss, and Sound Ventures.

MIDI hardware for the Palm

Coming soon is the first General MIDI tone module for the Palm (like a sound card). The SG20 from Swivel Systems will clip over a hundred instruments onto the base of your handheld. Just plug in your headphones and get the full functionality and power of our software anywhere you go! Check our site or theirs for news about the release and availability of this exciting new product.

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