Simplest way to get Gameport -> MIDI out \ VOGONS

Simplest way to get Gameport -> MIDI out

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First post, by Vresiberba

Posted on 2022-11-10, 19:55

Vresiberba Offline

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Joined: 2022-10-13, 05:19

Looking for the simplest way to connect a Sound Blaster to a Raspberry pi with a MT-32 hat . What I understand is there are basically two ways, 1) use a buffer and two resistors and 2) just use resistors and skip the buffer entirely. So just to confirm everything is okay, this schematic is correct, yes?

Also, does anyone know which side +5 is on the MIDI IN on the pi hat, A or B? The DB15 is idiot-proof as it's symmetrical, but the DIN 5 in the schematic can either be seen from the soldering side or looking into the male connector side, for which it would be mirrored. Should be the same on all MIDI IN devices. Googling this was surprisingly inconclusive. I don't want to fry anything.

Reply 1 of 2, by Jo22

Posted on 2022-11-10, 22:34

Jo22 Offline

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"I don't want to fry anything."

Your worries are wise. Use an opto-coupler/opto-insulator on the reception side (Pi+MT-32 hat).

I know, it really can be annoying finding a coupler/schematic that's fast enough.
However, it's worth it. Broken hardware is much worse.
Also, the coupler will filter out noise, sheet waves and potential issues.
Stuff that can be annoying or causing other weird behavior.

I'm speaking from experience here. I've built a few MIDI boards for a MT-32 Pi project..
Using a cheap opto-insulator in diode-mode only fixes some speed issues sometimes, also.

"Time, it seems, doesn't flow. For some it's fast, for some it's slow.
In what to one race is no time at all, another race can rise and fall..." - The Minstrel

//My video channel//

Reply 2 of 2, by Vresiberba

Posted on 2022-11-10, 22:39

Vresiberba Offline

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Posts: 16
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Jo22 wrote on 2022-11-10, 22:34:
Your worries are wise. Use an opto-coupler/opto-insulator on the reception side (Pi+MT-32 hat).

There already is one on the pi hat and as I understand it, you don't put those on the outputs, only inputs. I also checked the schematic of my JV-1080 and it too has an opto-coupler on the MIDI IN as I plan to use that one as well.

The only thing I need to know is if the schematic is okay and the polarity of the MIDI IN. I'm leaning towards +5 being B and that the connector in the schematic is looking into the connecting pins on the male side. Schematic like these should really have this written into it, it would be so much easier to understand.

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