The recent thread about printing templates from MIDI files
in order to punch books and rolls prompts me to ask the question:
Why templates?  Why not punch directly from the MIDI file itself?
It surely must beat clicking away with a hand punch for hours on
end.

My MIDster Punch system has been used successfully worldwide for
about two years.  The software reads the MIDI file and converts the
information into stepper-motor positioning signals and punch commands.
It can be set up for any format, any number of notes, etc., etc.

It is, of course, necessary to build a punch machine to do the job,
but this is relatively uncomplicated and within the scope of most
people able to wield a few tools.   Even the electronics interface
part is now completely simplified down to what is essentially some
transistors to drive the motors and some devices to monitor
performance.  All the complicated stepping sequences are now done
by the software.  An easy-to-follow setup program configures the
software to any tracker bar layout.

I feel sure that this is not the only MIDI controlled punch system,
(although I do not know of another) but it certainly has proved popular
and works well with very few limitations.  Counter-melody is just
possible, but Duo-Art expression punching is not!  I even have a new
development with two punch heads (better than one!) which more than
doubles the punching speed!

Of course the punch head could be replaced with a marking pen if
you really _must_ have a template, but why do things the hard way?
Just push the button, take the dog for a walk, and come home to a
freshly punched roll!

More details can be found on http://members.aol.com/midpunch/
Contact me at <bobessex@aol.com> if you have questions.

Bob Essex
Warwickshire, England.