ittyMIDI Player has to meet certain software and hardware
requirements in order to run.
1. Software Requirements
ittyMIDI Player requires Palm OS version 3.0 or higher.
To find out what OS version you are running, go to the handheld's home
screen by pressing the home icon and then the menu icon on your handheld.
Under the App menu, select Info. Then click on the version button. At the
top of the screen you will see a version number.
If your handheld doesn't have menus, doesn't have an Info menu, or appears
to be made out of stone, then your version is too old to run ittyMIDI Player.
However, most older Palms, even the original Pilot 1000, can be upgraded to
a compatible OS version.
Palm OS 5 is supported, but some specific OS 5 models may not be supported.
To be sure your handheld works with our software, please check the exhaustive
compatibility chart.
2. Hardware Support
A MIDI Player cannot generate sound by itself. It needs a synthesizer to
turn the MIDI data into music. ittyMIDI Player supports both external and
onboard sound generation methods. Once again, look at the
compatibility chart to see exactly what
your model supports.
- Internal Synthesizer: Some Sony models have an internal
synthesizer with 16-note polyphony that supports MIDI. ittyMIDI Player
fully supports this, turning these handhelds into completely standalone MIDI
players.
- Monophonic Internal Speaker: Every Palm has a built-in internal
speaker that can only play one note at a time. ittyMIDI Player supports this,
but it is only suitable for a quick preview of a song.
- Add-on Synthesizers: There are several peripherals that add MIDI
synthesizers to certain handheld models. ittyMIDI player supports the following
devices:
- BeatPlus Springboard Module: The BeatPlus is an FM synthesizer
with 16-note polyphony that fits in the Springboard expansion slot of Handspring
Visor handhelds.
- Tsunamidi: This synthesizer clips on to the back of Palm V series
handhelds. It uses sampled sounds, is General MIDI compliant, and has in and
out capabilities with the included cable.
- Swivel SG20: Swivel Systems sells this General MIDI synthesizer
for the Palm III and VII series. It also uses sampled sounds and includes
MIDI in and out.
- External Synthesizer: Connecting your Palm OS handheld to an external
synthesizer requires two things: a serial cradle or cable and a serial to MIDI
adapter.
Most manufacturers sell serial cradles or cables as accessories for
their handheld models. The notable exception is Sony. Serial cables and cradles
for Sony handhelds (as well as nearly every other brand) are available through
Expansys.
There are several options available for serial to MIDI adapters:
- Serial to MIDI Cable: The
ittyMIDI Serial to MIDI Out Cable
is an inexpensive cable that provides MIDI out only for many handhelds.
It is not compatible with Handspring and most newer Sony handhelds.
- Serial to MIDI Converter Box:
The ittyMIDI Serial to MIDI Converter Box
handles both in and out, is fully MIDI compliant, and works with nearly all Palm
OS handhelds.
- Mac Adapter: If the synthesizer you wish to use has a Mac serial
port, you can use a DB9 to Mac adapter to connect it to your Palm OS device.
-
Handiclip:
Handi Systems
makes MIDI adapters that attach directly to Palm III series devices, eliminating
the need for a serial cable or cradle. Handi systems also makes a combined MIDI
in and out cable for the Palm III.
-
Other Interfaces: ittyMIDI Player is also compatible with other serial
to MIDI interfaces made by miniMusic,
Widget Australia, and Rubicon Systems.
In addition, there are plans for do-it-yourself interfaces available on the
web, such as those designed by Pete Moss and Geoff Smith.