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Two years ago I built a 16-note air/steam calliope along the lines
of the one in Live Steam magazine, June 1977.  Unfortunately the time
spent in playing it at steam meets leaves little time left for other
activities and interests, as I have a steam launch and locomotive to
run as well.  As a result I am endeavouring to automate the calliope
to run off a MIDI programme.

I have a Mac iBook running OS X.2.8 and to date the progress is I can
use iPiano to write tunes which are saved in MIDI *.smf format.  With
only 16 white notes, is this the best way to build up a reasonable
repertoire of simple tunes?

The next problem is that iPiano does not output direct to MIDI
hardware.  I have been lent a Midisport 2x2 USB interface to link the
*.smf files to the output hardware.  Software in the form of OMS comes
with the Midisport, but I find it difficult or impossible to format it
to recognise the *.smf files.  Is this appropriate software?

A J Omega Electronics MTP-1 32-note (plenty of room for expansion) has
been purchased and will be used to drive solenoids to actuate the keys
and valves.  The problem here is the solenoids draw 0.7A, and as the
rated output from the MTP is only 0.5A, either amplification or relays
will be required.  Short of purchasing new solenoids, are there any
suggestions?

Would appreciate any comment or advice on the above.

John Beauchamp
Christchurch, New Zealand