Message
Re: [disklavier] Windows 98se driver for "To Host" IBM computer
2003-11-14 by PianoBench@aol.com
In a message dated 11/14/03 10:44:01 AM, Mike writes:
Anyway, I have been reading that I need a cbx driver when using the
"To Host" connection. I have an IBM 500Mhz computer with operating
system windows98SE which is the upgraded version of windows98. The
Yamaha site lists the cbx driver as available for windows 95/98/ME and
doesn't mention 98SE. Does anyone here know for sure if the cbx driver
will work with 98SE? I will call Yamaha when they are open but for now
I'm trying to get this thing up and going this morning. Thanks, Mike
The latest version of the CBX driver works just fine with 98SE. I have used it without incident.
Also does anyone know if it's possbile to connect a cable to the "To
Host" port with a usb hub instead of to a serial port. My serial ports
are already taken and I'd rather not have to disconnect something.
On the Mac, there are some serial-to-USB options that work under certain conditions with certain devices (MIDI and non-MIDI). I don't know about Windows.
However, I can tell you that you can use any of the many available USB MIDI interfaces with Windows computers. In most cases, this means that the interface will connect to the computer via USB and will provide at least 1 MIDI In and 1 MIDI Out port to which you attach MIDI cables that go to the Disklavier.
Some USB MIDI interfaces have the MIDI cables hardwired to the interface. This is true of the Yamaha UX16. Assuming that your computer is close enough to the Disklavier control unit, the UX16 provides a simple solution.
The Yamaha UX96 (a more expensive interface) actually does what you were asking. It connects to the computer via USB and provides both MIDI In and Out ports AND a To Host serial port. So, you can connect this interface to your Disklavier with either two MIDI cables OR a single serial cable.
When I perform my multimedia concerts on Disklavier, I often use two computers that have USB ports but no serial ports. I am glad to have a UX96 because it enables me to connect one computer to the Disklavier with a serial cable. I use a UX16 to connect the other computer via MIDI cables.
Regards,
PianoBench