3
MIDI Out
This output gives a copy of the MIDI data which was sent to the transmitter. Connect a MIDI lead from
here to the MIDI In of your sound module, computer or other MIDI equipment
Antennas A & B
The
MidiStream
receiver is what is known as a diversity system. This means that it has two complete
receivers, each with their own antenna, plus a system which arbitrates between the two incoming data
streams, so that if one antenna is not receiving the signal from the transmitter, the chances are that the
other one will be.
The antenna connections are via BNC type connectors. To attach the supplied antennas, push them
onto the BNC plugs attached to the
MidiStream
receiver and then turn the knurled outer ring clockwise
until a click is felt. Ensure that when operating the
MidiStream
receiver, the antennas have as much
free space around them as possible, preferably keeping them away from metal objects. It is suggested
that, rather than mounting the
MidiStream
receiver inside a rack system, the receiver is placed on top
of the rack during operation. If the
MidiStream
receiver must be mounted in a rack, then external
antennas
must
be used and placed on top of the rack, or other suitable place away from interference
sources, during operation. Under
no
circumstances should the antennas be inside the rack, even with
the receiver turned back to front, as reception will still be severely impaired due to reflections from
other metalwork and the general high background noise level typical of a rack.
Status LEDs
MidiStream
has four status LEDs which have the following functions:
ON
(Blue)
Indicates that power is on. Flashing means
transmitter
battery is low.
MIDI
(Orange)
Indicates that MIDI data is being received.
RF-A
(Green)
Indicates that valid data is being received by Antenna A
RF-B
(Green)
Indicates that valid data is being received by Antenna B
Ideally both RF-A and RF-B should be constantly lit while the transmitter unit is on. Try to position the
receiver where you get RF-A and B lit constantly in normal operation. Don’t worry too much about the
occasional flicker of one or other, but if both go out at the same time, you have lost your link.
If the transmitter is turned off (or power save is active) then the RF-A and B LEDs will go out.
Getting the best out of the MidiStream system
Optimal placing of the receiver and transmitter
Ideally aim for line-of-sight communication between transmitter and receiver. Try and get the receiver
as high as reasonably possible (put it on top of your rack, not in it) and away from other objects,
particularly metal ones. If you can keep the transmitter away from your body, so much the better,
ideally mount the transmitter on your instrument or carry strap.
Range
The
MidiStream
system has a range of up to 100 metres in open space or about 30 metres indoors,
although this can be reduced by solid objects in the way. As the receiver uses BNC connectors for the
antennas, you can use external / remote antennas if circumstances require. Speak to Kenton if you
want to do this as we can advise.
Using in a rack system
Don’t mount the
MidiStream
receiver inside a rack unless you use antennas placed outside the rack.
Kenton can advise on suitable antennas for use with a rack mounted receiver. Kenton intend to
produce a rackmount kit for the receiver in the future, which will include suitable external antennas.
