DIY MIDI Controllers, Decoders, & Retrofits—Worldwide Delivery
MIDISpeak: Keypad Mode Installation Instructions
Important Information
- Batteries must be used to power the toy. The MIDISpeak will not function if a wall adapter is used.
- The MIDISpeak draws a small current (around 2 mA), so remove the batteries from the toy during periods of disuse.
- These instructions are compatible with Speak & Spell, Speak & Read, Speak & Math, La Dictée Magique, Grillo Parlante, and Buddy.
Step 1: Disconnect power.
Disconnect any external power cords and remove the batteries from the toy.
Step 2: Mount the MIDI jack.
The MIDI jack requires one 5/8" hole and two 3/32" holes as shown. See photos for recommended placement. Use the included mounting screws to secure the jack.
Step 4: Set the MIDISpeak mode and host device type.
Set DIP switch 6 to "off" for Keypad Mode. Switch 5 should be set according to the type of host device: "off" for Speak & Spell and Speak & Read; "on" for Speak & Math.
Step 5: Attach the hook-up wires.
Attach a 12" length of wire to each of the following pads on the MIDISpeak circuit board:- MIDI "4" and "5"
- PWR "+", "G", and "-"
- "KEYPAD" pads 1-7 and 9-13 (leave pad 8 unconnected)
- Optional: "BUS/GLITCH" pads 4-6 (these wires not shown)
Step 6: Mount the MIDISpeak circuit board.
Peel the backing from one side of the included adhesive mounting foam. Press the sticky side of the foam against the underside of the MIDISpeak circuit board.Peel the backing from the other side of the foam, and press the MIDISpeak circuit board firmly against the inside of the toy.
Step 7: Connect the MIDISpeak power lines to the toy.
Connect the "PWR G" (ground) pad on the MIDISpeak circuit board to the toy's negative battery terminal (negative terminal is connected to the toy's main circuit board with a black wire).Connect the "PWR +" (positive supply) pad on the MIDISpeak circuit board to the toy's positive battery terminal (positive terminal is connected to the toy's main circuit board with a red wire). See "Important Note" below.
View the connection detail for the toy's circuit board. Connect the "PWR -" (negative supply) pad on the MIDISpeak circuit board to the toy's negative supply as shown. If the circuit board layout on your toy differs from the photo, use a voltmeter to find the negative supply (roughly -15V to -18V from the negative battery terminal).
Important Note
It is recommended that a diode be placed in-line with the positive supply connection between the positive battery terminal and the "PWR +" pad on the MIDISpeak. Use the extra 1N4004 diode included in the kit. The anode should be connected to the battery terminal. The cathode (marked with a band) should be connected to the MIDISpeak supply line.
Step 8: Connect the MIDISpeak control lines to the toy.
Connect the MIDISpeak to the host keypad as shown in the connection detail.
Optional: Connect the MIDISpeak "BUS/GLITCH" outputs 4-6 to the suggested glitch points.
Step 9: Connect the MIDI jack to the MIDISpeak.
Note the numbering of pins on the MIDI jack.Connect pin 4 on the MIDI jack to the pad marked "MIDI 4" on the MIDISpeak circuit board. Connect pin 5 on the MIDI jack to the pad marked "MIDI 5" on the MIDISpeak circuit board.
