Help with original MIDI Timepiece

[tridev]

New to MOTU.
New to Mac.
New to MIDI interfaces.
In case you haven't gotten it yet, I am a newbie the real deal.

Have the following questions and am looking for help or pointers in the right direction!

1) Can I use this interface with a keyboard as a MIDI controller and sound modules? Do I even need to power on the unit for this? I remember reading a number of interfaces do not need power if they are simply connecting modules acting as MIDI patch bays?

2) Where can I get a manual or documentation on setting this up the right way i.e. so it can sync devices, transfer to a Mac? Is any software needed? I bought this used and MOTU suprised me for not having their manuals for access online, even to owners so is there someone with a copy who can bail me out? I am in the Twin Cities area so am willing to do a scan if someone can lend me theirs.

3) I had a couple of phone adapters lying around (9V DC, 200-300mA) but the jack on the timepiece is too small to fit the plug? Yeah, I didn't get the power supply with the unit, either. Any idea where/what I should be looking for?

Sorry for all the questions but I figured that some of you have used this in the past and might be able to help.

Thanks in advance!
Shiva

[azusa749a]

It's been a long time since FreeMIDI days.
There isn't much in the manual. You plug it in and it works.
May be you could contact MOTU for it.

You can't use it with any Mac that were made in last 4 or 5 years.
You can't use it with OS X, there's no driver for it.

The adapter's output is rated at 12 VDC 500 mA with negative sleeve.

Well, welcome to the Mac World.

[tridev]

Thanks for the response. For the benefit of other people in my situation and heck just for closure, I will update this thread depending on how my story continues (or ends). Here are a couple of pictures in case they stir ideas...

[azusa749a]

From the picture yours is newer than mine.
Mine use 12 VDC.

[moozakmike]

Mine is also 9vdc + center

[tridev]

Power-on test: Got one of those universal adapters from Walmart. The first adapter tip was the right one. Connected it per the positive tip-polarity. Lo and behold, I had blinking red lights.
Results: Pass.

MIDI test: Hooked up a MIDI cable from my MOTIF classic's MIDI out to MIDI in#1/9 on the back of the MTP. Also another cable from the MIDI out#1 on the MTP to the MIDI in on my access virus B. Have the MTP selector switch on 1-8.
Results: Lights blink on all 8 out channels and only on MIDI in ch#1. But there is no sound. The virus works if I drive it directly through the MOTIF (minus the MTP in the picture). Therefore, I'm guessing that means the MTP works, but probably not as a stand-alone interface/patch bay. Or who knows....

At this point, I decide that this needs to go back on eBay. Have been setting up my studio for the past week or so, been researching what to buy and buying stuff for a few weeks before that, during which time I have hardly been able to create any music at all. So will research a stand-alone MIDI interface at a future point in time if I still need one. Feel free to recommend one's to buy and even one's to avoid. Till then, will try the 'ol faithful daisy chain approach.

[magicd]

The only way to program the routing within an original MTP is from an old Mac computer. The original MTP didn't use a battery for internal backup and will lose custom routing setups if left turned off for a day or two. This original MTP is not a good bet for a live MIDI patch bay.

The current MTP AV/USB is the top of the line solution. The MTP AV can be fully programmed from the front panel.

Dave

[Snakej]

Its real simple fellas. Radio shack