MIDIO128 power requirements

[Astazou]

Hi,

I'm about to start midifying an old analog organ console. I'm already comitted to MIDIbox, even if the hardware (from SmashTV) has been sitting unopened on my desk for the last 5 months :o(

The console is 3 61-key keyboards , 32 keys pedalboard, and room for 96 switches & buttons.

I plan to use MIDIO128, just to avoid too much programming. My first goal is to have at home a practice instrument.

My setup will use 3 PIC COREs, 10 DINs and when finished 3 DOUTs to drive feedback LEDS for the stops and the presets.

I might add an LCD display for troubleshooting purposes.

I know it is a big project, and I hope to have 2keyboards plus pedalboard operational by year's end.

I still have to purchase some components like flat cable, DIL connectors, and power supply.

My question is : is a 9 VDC / 1A unregulated power supply enough to sustain 3 MIDIO128 and 1 LCD?

[jimhenry]

AFAIK a 9 VDC / 1A unregulated power supply should be enough to sustain 3 MIDIO128 and 1 LCD. I won't do any damage if it is not. In general, I strongly recommend adding the LCD display to the first Core you build. If the power supply is not adequate, you'll see the display getting flaky. A quick check of the voltage on the 5V regulated side will tell you if you have run out of power. If you do, just add a second supply for one of the three MidiBoxes.

[sparx]

9V 1 Amp should be adequate at least to get you going. 3 LCD's might be a bit much for it but 1 should be fine.

Good luck.

[Astazou]

Thank you for your answers. I'll purchase 9W /1A.

I don't intend to use more than 1 LCD.

I hope I'll have time enough to post my progress when I'm really started

[Astazou]

I went to the store last week. They wanted to sell a switching PSU. Is it useable for MIDIO128 only, or should I purchase a more "classic" one ?

I'll go back there next wednesday to collect my order.

[jimhenry]

I went to the store last week. They wanted to sell a switching PSU. Is it useable for MIDIO128 only, or should I purchase a more "classic" one ?

I'll go back there next wednesday to collect my order.

I'm certainly no expert on power supplies. I think I've heard that switchers are fussy about the load on the output. Too little load and they can't maintain the correct voltage. A switcher will be more energy efficient but if it were me, I'd just stick with the tried and true unregulated wall wart of adequate capacity (usually a cast off from some old piece of gear that conked out).