In reference to Bill Clark's question in 110606 MMDigest about what
is in use for playing MIDI files on an organ, etc., I have an Octet
UM1 MIDI decoder and solenoid driver mounted inside my Style 105
band organ.  To get the MIDI data to that device I use one of four
methods:

1. A direct-connect MIDI cable from a PC to the Octet decoder, using
Cakewalk as a MIDI file player and sequencer;

2. A Viscount RD70 Midifiler.  It has a DD/HD R/W Drive with MIDI In
and MIDI Out ports.  The RD70 plays MIDI files stored on floppy
diskettes and connects to the Octet decoder via a MIDI cable;

3. A pair of CME WIDI-X8 duplex wireless MIDI devices.  One unit
connects to a PC USB port and the other to the Octet decoder via a
short MIDI cable.  Requires MIDI file player software (Cakewalk, etc.);

4. The most recent device is the "SD Midi Controller".  It uses SD
memory for storage and has a MIDI Out port that can connect to the
Octet decoder.  Uses a folder/file structure for storing MIDI files
(songs).

All four methods work fine.  The floppy disk method is quick and easy,
but it has limited storage and no list of songs for making a choice.
The "WIDI" requires a PC to make a playlist and PC software to play them.

The SD controller has all the storage you will need (2 Gb) and you can
scroll through folders and songs.  It can also change tempo in real time.
It does not require a PC for playback; only for recording MIDI songs
onto the SD memory card.  The one component that is common to all is
the Octet decoder/driver.

Max Huff
Houston, Texas

 [ See http://www.cme-pro.com/en/product-detail.php?product_id=8 
 [ The CME WIDI ("wireless MIDI") system operates on the 2.4 GHz ISM
 [ license-free band which is shared with other devices including
 [ Bluetooth, WiFi LAN, cordless telephones and microwave ovens.
 [ -- Editor (Robbie)