KENTON / GPIM-16

The KENTON Electronics GPIM-16 is a GPI to MIDI converter with 16 GPI (General Purpose Interface) input ports arranged on two 9-pin D-Sub connectors.

KENTON Electronics GPIM-16 (GPIM16) is a GPI to MIDI converter with 16 GPI (General Purpose Interface) input ports arranged on two 9-pin D-Sub connectors. The signals from the GPI input ports are converted to MIDI notes, Control Change_CC and Program Change_PC accordingly, and output from the MIDI OUT jacks. The following description refers to the MIDI note number setting, but the control change number and program change number will be applied according to the selected output mode.

Example of use
Provide colorful, large pushbutton switches for games to play MIDI sound sources and change tones.
Simple control of MIDI (DMX) compatible lighting in small facilities or theaters.
Create sound installations using sensors and switches.
The highly reliable and robust housing and versatile GPI and MIDI standards make it possible to integrate the system into a variety of facilities and equipment.

Example of GPI input port usage (default setting)
Connect 8 buttons (switches) to the GPI 1-8 IN and GPI 9-16 IN sockets, respectively. In the default configuration, MIDI note numbers 36-43 and 44-51 are assigned to these buttons on MIDI channel 1. When any button is pressed, the corresponding MIDI note information is sent from the GPIM-16 to play an external MIDI sound source. MIDI information can be selected from Note / Controller / Program Change.

Additional GPI input port via daisy-chain connection
Up to 32 switches can be connected to the GPI input ports by daisy-chaining two GPIM-16s. In the same way, three units of 48 switches can be easily added, or four units of 64 switches can be added, and there is no limit to the number of switches that can be connected, making the GPI input ports suitable for large-scale systems.

Other Features
Each block with 8 GPI input ports can be assigned a reference MIDI note number as the first; consecutive note numbers are automatically assigned to the second through the eighth. (By default, the first block is set to 36~43 and the second to 44~51).
For each block, you can set whether or not MIDI note-off messages are sent when the input status becomes open (default: ON).
MIDI note-off messages do not apply to program change settings.
The MIDI transmit channel can be set (range: ch1-16, default: ch1).
A debounce value can be set (range: 1 to 100 mS, default: 10 mS) to eliminate chattering generated by switches connected to the GPI input port.
The input is pulled up internally and the appropriate MIDI note-on message is sent when the input port is connected to ground. Releasing the connection to ground will send a note-off message unless the setting is disabled.
The input pins of the 9-pin D-Sub connector are arranged so that pins 1-8 are input ports 1-8 (or 9-16) and pin 9 is the common ground.
The GPIM-16 has two MIDI out pins, both of which send the same MIDI information; the MIDI information received at the MIDI in pins is merged with the MIDI information generated by the switch status of the GPI input port and sent to the MIDI out pins.
By daisy-chaining multiple GPIM-16 units, 16 input ports can be added per unit. Since there is no limit to the number of units connected, a large system can be constructed.
A universal switching power supply is included with this unit. Note: For convenience of distribution in Japan, a DC jack with lock is included as a component. Use at your own discretion.
Editing parameters is done by a combination of LED display and push buttons.
To prevent accidental changes to the settings, editing is performed using the recessed push-buttons in edit mode only.
MIDI Analyzer Mode
The GPIM-16 also offers a MIDI Analyzer mode. In this mode, you can check the MIDI information output from the master keyboard or sequencer, making the GPIM-16 a very useful MIDI diagnostic Tool Contents.
It can display a variety of information such as MIDI note numbers, velocity, control changes, program changes, MIDI channels and their values, etc.

Product Specifications
Display: 3 x 7-segment display
Power supply : 9 VDC (max. 200 mA), 2.1 mm locking connector
Dimensions : Approx. 190 × 110 × 38 mm
Weight : 800 g (including power supply)
MIDI : IN, OUT 1, OUT 2 (OUT 1 and OUT 2 output the same data)
Input terminals ： GPI 16 channels (8 channels each on 9-pin D-Sub sockets, 9-pin is common ground)
Power adapter : Universal switching power adapter


External dimensions
Width : 190mm
Depth : 110mm
Height : 38mm
Weight 800g
(including power supply)
Accessories Japanese manual, AC adapter