michael1@ihuxi.UUCP (Strider) (09/06/84)
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BACKGROUND:
In keeping with the MIDI craze, I recently purchased the ROLAND
MPU-401 and IBM computer interface card. (For those of you who
are unfamiliar with the MPU-401, it is an intelligent interface
using a CPU and an LSI hand-shake controller for the MIDI bus
system. The usual has taken place. Roland has put out what
looks like a real killer interface box, but with a miniscual (sp?)
amount of documentation. Although they have some software out there,
I thought I would try my hand at programming the box, seeing as I
couldn't afford another $200 for their software.
PROBLEM:
At present, I only have BASICA on my IBM-PC. The trouble is that
all of the examples are written in assembler, and while I have no
problem reading the language, there are just some things you can't
do in basic! My questions are:
1). Does it matter which way the computer <-> MPU-401 cable is
attached? That is, can either end (both males) plug into
either side?
2). Do you have to have two DIN connecters connected to both
IN & OUT of the MPU-401? That is, do you have to have a
communications loop?
3). Will the DIN connectors from RADIO SHACK etc. work?
4). Can I do something simple from BASICA, like simply control
the metronome? If so, what is the command sequence? (note:
I tried $83.)
5). If there is anyone who has any experience or no experience
with this interface, I like to hear from you!
Thanx,
mike
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