This instructable shows how to build a shield to connect devices that send MIDI signals (e.g. a masterkeyboard) to an Arduino.
The basic schematic is derived from: http://www.arduino.cc/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1187962258/
Step 1: The schematic
Basically the schematic is just an optocoupler with some resistors to decouple the MIDI device from the Arduino.
Note that the DIN connector on the left side is seen from the back (solder pin-side).
Step 2: Board layout, parts list, etc.
Diode: 1N4148
Optocoupler: 4N28
5 PIN DIN connector (MIDI connector)
2 pinheads 1×8
1 pinhead 1×4
1 pinhead 1×6
It will also work with other Optocouplers (e.g. a 4N35, I used a 4N29)
Attached are the necessary files for etching the board and the eagle-files if you want to make modifications.
board.pdf(595×842) 34 KBparts.pdf(595×842) 36 KB
arduino_shield_MIDI-IN.schStep 3: Production
Just a few hints for making the shield:
A very good how-to (that actually worked form me unlike many others) for etching the board can be found here: http://hackaday.com/2008/07/28/how-to-etch-a-single-sided-pcb/
If you are a noob like me and want to modify the board in eagle then try these instructables:
http://www.instructables.com/id/Draw-Electronic-Schematics-with-CadSoft-EAGLE
http://www.instructables.com/id/Turn-your-EAGLE-schematic-into-a-PCB
http://www.instructables.com/id/Make-hobbyist-PCBs-with-professional-CAD-tools-by-
Soldering the pinheads upwards down on the board so you can directly put it on the arduino is a real pain in the ass. I rasped a head of my soldering iron so that it became small enough to do that job. let me know if you have a better solution.
For this board I used a DIN connector that can be soldered directly to it. If you want to use another one be sure to connect the pins with the numbers on the board to the according pins on the connector. In the pic here the pins are seen from the back (where you solder).
Resistors
Diode: 1N4148
Optocoupler
For more detail: Arduino MIDI-in shield
