jimb@teklds.UUCP (James Binkley) (07/13/85)
If this appears twice, sorry about that...
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This is to announce the availability of some sw for
MIDI experimentation.
This could be construed as a musical C hacker's
starter kit or some such...
what it is:
0. a language. This is a simple ASCII based language that
supports MIDI to some extent (not continuous controller sorts
of things ). Music files could be transmitted over the net.
1. a music translator that translates files in the above language
into object and performs syntax checking.
2. an execution program. The current version is setup to play
pieces on a Sequential Circuits six-trak via a Roland mpu-401.
This is a MIDI instrument. The mpu-401 support is not fancy,
just simple "dumb" uart mode.
There is some keyboard support. The execution program is shell like
and loads translated object files. It may also be driven by
command files. It should be possible to add new instruments via
device drivers.
3. documentation on above
4. some music, mostly classical. There is not a lot of it. I wish
there was more.
. all code in C, no assembler.
. ibm/pc based but I have ported the translator and the executor
(but not the device drivers) to various UNIX systems simply
to test compilability to some extent.
. no graphics
. a few system dependencies in the "os", (execution program).
distribution:
Two possible methods:
Best:
Send me two dsdd ibm/pc floppies and a self-addressed stamped mailer.
The floppies will be formatted for 360k 9 sector dsdd.
PC Executables will be put on the floppies
as well as source code and documentation.
Second best:
If you REALLY want me to, I will consider uploading src, docs, etc.
and sending them to you via the net. Probably in 4-5 shar files.
(Naturally you won't be getting any pc executables this way, but
maybe you will be wanting to port this to a Cray or a Kaypro or
that standalone Vax that is going to waste out back???)
Note that I said "consider uploading". This doesn't mean that I will do it
or I will send it to you. I really don't know what I will do here
as I want to encourage the floppy distribution method above. Let me
know if you are interested and I will see what I can do.
caveats/requirements/whatever:
I will be available for questions via a net letter or U.S. mail,
but I am not maintaining the code. It is yours to do with as you
will. I ask however that you not use it for any commercial purposes.
Also I would appreciate hearing what you do with it, exchanging
drivers, and sw in general, thoughts on program architecture,
possible directions, terrible outrageous bugs, music exchange. That is
what I am hoping for and why I am releasing this stuff.
Jim Binkley
{decvax,ucbvax}!tektronix!dadla!jrb (USENET)
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(US P.O. NET)
J. Binkley
1945 SW 139th
Beaverton Oregon
97005