Mechanical Music Digest  Archives
You Are Not Logged In Login/Get New Account
Please Log In. Accounts are free!
Logged In users are granted additional features including a more current version of the Archives and a simplified process for submitting articles.
Home Archives Calendar Gallery Store Links Info
MMD > Archives > October 2007 > 2007.10.30 > 05Prev  Next


MIDI Connector Wiring
By Mike Knudsen

> My question regards the wiring on the input jack.  It has only two
> wires soldered to it and one is ground (center pin 2).  Can a MIDI
> system function with just the ground and the 'signal' input on pin 4
> but without a 'sink' or 'current source' connection on pin 5?

There must indeed be a return connection on pin 4.  The connector pins
are numbered, going around the semicircle, as 1 4 2 5 3.  MIDI is a
current-loop standard, meaning there must be a complete circuit.  The
center ground pin is used only for the shield, if the cable has one.

Your MIDI cable, and whatever MIDI source you are using to drive the
organ with, should be outputting the signals on pins 4 and 5.  If you
are using a non-standard source (say, supplied by the organ maker),
then be aware that "proper" MIDI cables connect the ground or shield at
one end only.  That could be why you aren't getting anything.

Mike Knudsen

 [ The MIDI cable is polarity sensitive.  Pin 4 goes to pin 4, pin 5
 [ connects to pin 5.  Pin 2 (center) may be connected to an optional
 [ cable shield at the sending end.  Pins 1 and 3 are not connected.
 [ -- Robbie


(Message sent Wed 31 Oct 2007, 02:45:04 GMT, from time zone GMT-0400.)

Key Words in Subject:  Connector, MIDI, Wiring

Home    Archives    Calendar    Gallery    Store    Links    Info   


Enter text below to search the MMD Website with Google



CONTACT FORM: Click HERE to write to the editor, or to post a message about Mechanical Musical Instruments to the MMD

Unless otherwise noted, all opinions are those of the individual authors and may not represent those of the editors. Compilation copyright 1995-2024 by Jody Kravitz.

Please read our Republication Policy before copying information from or creating links to this web site.

Click HERE to contact the webmaster regarding problems with the website.

Please support publication of the MMD by donating online

Please Support Publication of the MMD with your Generous Donation

Pay via PayPal

No PayPal account required

                                     
Translate This Page