In the MIDI Mechanical Music world there has been a reoccurring thread
about wireless MIDI.  Although the ittyMIDI software on a Palm Pilot
is great for portable applications, it does not solve the problem that
many people would like to control their MIDI instruments wirelessly
from an armchair or even -- Heaven forbid! -- a treadmill.  Some MMD
readers may be interested in my approach

I control a number of MIDI instruments from a permanently attached PC.
The issue is thus simply that of wireless control of a MIDI player
and files that reside on the computer.  Although what I have done is
apparently quite simple for a computer expert, it took me long enough
and made me think that others may benefit from my experience/learning
curve/ineptitude.  I am running Windows XP; I am not sure about the
compatibility with earlier versions of Windows.

First of all, you need to install a wireless router.  Many people will
already have this as part of a home network.  In any case, they are not
now costly.

Second is the expensive part.  You need a wireless PDA based on the
"Pocket PC" system.  On eBay I bought a refurbished HP iPAQ 3115 Pocket
PC with one year warranty.

Third is the software.  You have to install software on the PDA to
allow you to wirelessly control the MIDI player on the PC and you have
to install on the PC a compatible MIDI player.

After trying a number of different programs and combinations, these
are the ones I found most user friendly to operate.  Both are available
as trials but neither is very costly:

1. MIDI player on the PC: Media Center 10 from J River
Lots of categories and sorting options.
http://www.jrmediacenter.com/

2. Remote control on the PDA: Net Remote Music
http://www.promixis.com/

Once the system is installed and working you will have remote control
of your whole collection of MIDI files from anywhere in your house.
As an aside, one bonus of the iPAQ 3115 is that it also has built-in
IR remote control mode with thousand of stored codes.  It can
control TV, VCR & stereo.

If anyone wants more info you can contact me privately.

Phil Dayson