In a message dated 95-08-21 15:38:34 EDT, you write:

>    Its probably time for me to do some "research" into
> MIDI -to- contact-closure devices.  The WIMP appears to
> be one of 3 such devices out there.  I think you
> have the largest current drive capability.  I'd like to
> get the whole scoop...

          [ some of my text deleted ]

Bob Baker, at Electric Orchestras ( 708 367-7996 ) makes the WIMP from my
design.  You can call him for any literature he may have.  I believe he sells
the processor for $330 and each 8 "thing" driver for $30. You only buy as
many drivers as you need.

The processor board is 4 1/2" x 6" and has a 5V regulator, 3032 micro, MIDI
in, and 8 74HC259 latches.  It is powered by a wall wart and draws about
100-200 ma.  The outputs from the latches go to eight 10 position ribbon
connector headers.  +5V and GND are also on the connectors.  Depending on the
connectors selected, driver boards ( 1 1/2" x 4 1/2" ) can plug on the
processor or be connected by a 10 wire ribbon cable.

The drivers normally have 8 mosfets good for 3A @ 24V.  However any TO-220
mosfet could be used.  The only limitation is that their placement doesn't
really allow for heat sinks.

Two options:  If you only need +5V logic output or want to sink 150ma @ 18V,
only the processor is needed.  There is a pin for pin equivalent for the
74HC259 (NE590) that can directly sink the 150ma.

The MIDI program just decodes ON/OFF messages.  There are 16 midi channel
tables in the EPROM.  For custom stuff any note on any midi channel can be
mapped to control any "solenoid".  This is done just by editing the Eprom
tables.

Will Dahlgren