hello all!
please be gentle as this is both my first post and my first project... apologies if my queries are stupid/obvious/irrelevant...
i would like to build a 1-input, 4-output passive midi switcher, to send midi from my soundcard to my various outboard gear. the idea is to do something passive (so i don't need to worry myself with power issues) and non-audio-carrying (so it won't be too criticial in terms of grounding).
at the moment i have an ABS plastic case, 5 x 5-pin DIN terminals, and a 3-pole, 4-throw rotary (Lorlin) switch. however i still have a few questions, and i'd really really appreciate your collective input!
1) is it ok to simply connect all the DIN pin 3 (the 'ground' pin for MIDI) to one common ground, as indicated in the schematic? or do i need to send the pin 3 through the switch as well?
2) would that be a star chassis ground, i.e. one washer to which all grounds are connected?
3) is it really that simple, or am i missing something? is that all there is to MIDI switching?
4) the MIDI hardware specification notes that inputs and outputs should be opto-isolated. is this necessary for my switcher, or will this have been done at my soundcard output and synth input points?
5) i managed to grab some sticky-backed metallic tape which my work were throwing away, which i'm going to line the case with - does that sound ok for shielding purposes?
i would be super grateful for any help or advice thanks!
please be gentle as this is both my first post and my first project... apologies if my queries are stupid/obvious/irrelevant...
i would like to build a 1-input, 4-output passive midi switcher, to send midi from my soundcard to my various outboard gear. the idea is to do something passive (so i don't need to worry myself with power issues) and non-audio-carrying (so it won't be too criticial in terms of grounding).
at the moment i have an ABS plastic case, 5 x 5-pin DIN terminals, and a 3-pole, 4-throw rotary (Lorlin) switch. however i still have a few questions, and i'd really really appreciate your collective input!
1) is it ok to simply connect all the DIN pin 3 (the 'ground' pin for MIDI) to one common ground, as indicated in the schematic? or do i need to send the pin 3 through the switch as well?
2) would that be a star chassis ground, i.e. one washer to which all grounds are connected?
3) is it really that simple, or am i missing something? is that all there is to MIDI switching?
4) the MIDI hardware specification notes that inputs and outputs should be opto-isolated. is this necessary for my switcher, or will this have been done at my soundcard output and synth input points?
5) i managed to grab some sticky-backed metallic tape which my work were throwing away, which i'm going to line the case with - does that sound ok for shielding purposes?
i would be super grateful for any help or advice thanks!