Fairlight-CMI

On Sun, 21 Mar 2004 00:23:31 -0000, "Eight to Infinity (Arron)"
<arron@8inf.com> wrote:

>Hi Harald !

Hey Arron :) 

You're up late too :)

>I guess I will need to power the MFX myself via the exposed cables : There is no additional
>mains cable ! The unit shipped from Sweden, but im unaware of its original origins.

Okay,

I recall I read something about the MFX controller the other day and
if memory serves me well it said that initially the MFX was
controlling the CMI over MIDI. Now, I could be totally wrong, but if
that's the case, it could explain why the interface box you have has a
midi cable to connect to the CMI. Possibly the power cable for the MKB
electronics can also power the MFX controller through the wires that
come out of your MFX controller. The MFX 'scsi' cable then goes to the
box, which converts the signal into midi for the CMI. The MKB then
connects to the box as well so everything has its power. Please note,
I am thinking out-loud. I have no clue how the CMI would interpret the
midi info.

>Where does the blue center MFX port on the connect to the CMI ? 

It doesn't. The box probably converts it to midi. I am looking that
article up for you,

>Is their a special able to
>go from this centronics port to the 9 pin D port where the old alpha keyboard went ?

I have, as you correctly assumed in your follow-up, a separate port on
the back of my MFX-CMI.

>I did find some information on the KMI site about connecting the MFX keyboards, but I
>would have to say, there is no mention of the interface box !

If it mentions the MIDI control then you are pretty much on track I'd
say.

>I am kind of wondering that as the unit was only the 4th one made (according to the serial
>number) Fairlights' initial plan was to use the interface to connect it to the CMI, and maybe
>your CMI has extra cards or something on the rear pannel, and some of the electronics of
>the interface unit buit into your CMI mainframe ?

Very well possible ! I won't open it (yet) though :)

>I dont have anything corresponding to "MFX in" or similar on my Mainframe.
>Im guessing you do ?

Yes, you're correct.

>Thanks,
>
>Arron

If you need a cable, I am willing to figure out which pin goes where
on the cable for you. You might then be able to construct a cable
yourself.

Best regards,
Harald.