What's the MiniCommand and the MidiDuino software environment?

All the software included in the MidiDuino library was originally written for the Ruin & Wesen MIDI controllers, the first one available being the MiniCommand. These controllers offer a complete hardware MIDI Controller development environment, and use a custom version of the Arduino environment for programming. The MIDI code written for these devices was then ported over to the standard Arduino.

The development environment used to program the MiniCommand is also called MidiDuino, in contrast to the MidiDuino library, which is what you have just downloaded. Check out the MiniCommand on our digital page .

Can I send MIDI directly over the USB serial cable?

Yes, but you have to use a program to convert the serial data to MIDI data. On linux, you have MidiBang (http://code.google.com/p/midibang/). Under MacOSX, you can use the ardrumo software (http://code.google.com/p/ardrumo/) or Serial MIDI Converter (http://www.spikenzielabs.com/SpikenzieLabs/Serial_MIDI.html). Under Windows, you can use s2midi (http://www.memeteam.net/2007/s2midi/). Be sure to disconnect these programs before uploading a new sketch to the Arduino, as they will interfere.

Why does my Arduino time out when programming?

Check if the RX wire is connected to the input MIDI circuit. Disconnect it before programming.

Why is setTempo() not doing the right thing?

We are aware of that and will fix the correct tempo settings in a future version.

Why does my sketch not seem to work when I use the MD library?

That's because MD uses too much RAM for the 1kB of the Arduino Atmega328. Wait for a future release to be able to use the MD functionality.

Why can't I send MIDI in the setup() function?

You have to enable interrupts before sending data on the serial interface, as it uses a buffered output. If you want to send MIDI from the setup(), call sei() before sending the MIDI data. Be sure to do this at the end of the setup() routine.