Hello,
I have a few questions regarding MIDI out...
Can I replace the 220 ohm resistor in that circuit with a 240 ohm resistor? What is this resistor for?
In this other tutorial, the 5V and ground connections on the MIDI socket are switched. Does this circuit work the same?
http://itp.nyu.edu/physcomp/Labs/MIDIOutput
These questions must sound stupid so please enlighten me! Thanks!
You might be able to get away with a 240 ohm, but MIDI usually uses 220.
The reason for this is that MIDI is designed to drive Opto Isolators, which are basically an LED and LDR in a chip.
So when that output socket is plugged into some other MIDI equipment, and a signal is sent, the current flows through the circuit, is limited by the resistor and lights the LED inside the Opto Isolator. Using a different value MAY either cause damage to the Opto or it just won't light and your signal won't pass.
HTH?
P
Can I replace the 220 ohm resistor in that circuit with a 240 ohm resistor?
Yes no problem.
In this other tutorial, the 5V and ground connections on the MIDI socket are switched
No they are not it is just that the resistor is in the other side, this does not matter.
yan_g:
Can I replace the 220 ohm resistor in that circuit with a 240 ohm resistor? What is this resistor for?
Say you buy 5% resistors. The highest a 220 ohm resistor might actually be is 220 * 1.05 = 231 ohms.
The lowest a 240 ohms resistor might be is 240 * 0.95 = 228 ohms.
Therefore it can't be too critical which one you use.