New PDA software ("ittyMIDI") to control the DKV
2003-08-13 by drrltaylor
I thought that most users of this group would like to know that there is a new version of PDA software, called "ittyMIDI," published by a small but tech-savvy group (the music division of MicroTools Inc.) that allows any Palm OS device to fully control the DKV. I think I may have mentioned my initial experiences with the first implementation of this neat software a year or two ago on this group's site, but they now have version 2.1 out that has some great enhancements and also works with the latest Palm devices and large capacity memory cards. This program is not specific to DKVs; basically, "ittyMIDI" is a Palm OS program that allows the PDA to store and play back ANY MIDI file and also drive ANY MIDI-capable device or synthesizer (via standard MIDI OUT and/or MIDI THRU), including our beloved DKVs. One just has to load up the PDA (or its memory card) with standard MIDI files, dock the PDA in a standard serial hot sync cradle connected to the MIDI port on the DKV control unit (using a simple adaptor cable available from the vendor), and click the "PLAY" button on the PDA program screen. Voila, the DKV plays all 16 channels of MIDI controlled solely by that little PDA device. You can also do things such as edit the MIDI data like tempo, volume, and even remap channels and voices right from the PDA, and the DKV faithfully and flawlessly reproduces everything. The program also does include a "jukebox-like" song manager (which is sorely lacking on the DKV itself) that makes it convenient to select which pieces to play and in which order, etc. (with song lists, and so on). Trust me, this is a truly neat way to impress your friends (or justify to your spouse why you really bought your DKV or even your PDA!), not to mention that it makes the use of the DKV much more flexible. And now here's the best news.... I recently spoke with one of the principals of the firm and learned that they are also soon to release their next version of this little jewel that will work WIRELESSLY (via Bluetooth) using a very small adaptor box which would be plugged into the MIDI port of the DKV control unit. (That small adaptor box could easily be mounted out of site underneath the piano next to the control unit.) Now THAT will really be slick! Imagine walking around your house controlling and "playing" your DKV WIRELESSLY from your PDA!! (Bluetooth SD cards for PDAs are now readily available and cheap.) The best part is that the software is very cheap (less than $30), and you probably already have most of the hardware you'll need to make it work. Check this out (at www.ittymidi.com) -- you'll be glad you did! DISCLAIMER: I have absolutely NO financial interest or connection whatever with ittyMIDI or MicroTools Inc.; I'm just excited about how this works with my DKV and wanted to share this with you. I think we "sophisticated" DKV users ought to support vendors that provide us with fantastic, cheap tools that do enhance our DKV experiences!