MIDI-RLY8 

MIDI Relay/Dimmer Output Module

Introduction
The MIDI-RLY8 provides 8 relay outputs that respond to midi note or control change messages, these can be either mechanical or solid state relays. This small module is powered by a single 9V AC or 12V DC supply. (Using dimmers requires a 9VAC supply). 

Features
MIDI IN and MIDI THRU
Each relay can respond to 2 separate notes and velocities.
Each relay can respond to a single MIDI control change message, turning on over a threshold value and off under it.
Each relay can be set to its own MIDI channel.
Easy to use configuration via a USB port. PC application supplied, no dip switches to worry about.
Uses a single isolated 9V AC or 12V DC supply for power.
Mechanical Relays up to 250VAC 8Amp.
Solid State Relays for phase controlled Dimming, 48VAC - 250VAC @ 5Amp (100mA min load).

Connections
Power can be connected to the module either from an isolated 9v AC transformer to the two pin screw terminals, or from a 9v AC adapter. If you are not using the dimmer relays then you can use 12v DC instead, the module cannot be powered from the USB port. Do not use the same supply for more than one module.

LED's
There are 3 LED's on the board. 
The red LED indicates power to the board.
The green LED indicates when the board is receiving MIDI data.
The blue LED indicates when a USB connection is present.

Getting Started
All relays on the MIDI-RLY8 by default will respond to MIDI channel 1, each to a different note in the range of C4 to G4 (Relay 1 to C4, Relay 2 to C#4 ... Relay 8 to G4). The relays will turn on when they a note on message is received and turn off when a note off is received.
If this is what you need then just connect the 9V AC or 12V DC supply, plug in the MIDI cable and your away. It is more likely that will want the relays to respond to different notes on different midi channels or to change one or more solid state relays to dimmer mode.  

On Windows
To do this on PC running Windows XP/Vista/Win7/8. You will need these two files (in the installation file below):
The MIDI-RLY8 Configuration program.
The USB driver for windows.

Unzip the midi-rly8 setup into a temporary folder and click "setup" to install it.

Next install the USB driver. Temporarily disconnect your computer from the internet by unplugging the network cable or switching off the wireless connection. This is because Windows will go off and look for a suitable driver and not offer you the chance to direct it to the correct driver. It will probably install the wrong driver. Disconnecting the internet first will force it to ask you where to look. Connect the 9vac supply to the module, then plug in the USB cable. Windows should detect the new module and ask for the driver. Direct windows to the "inf" file and windows will install the driver. Once installed you will have a new serial communication port listed in Device Manager.

Run the MIDI_RLY8 Configuration program, and you will see the following dialog. Select the new comm. port and it will find the module and display its software revision number. Here you can set the individual option for each relay.

On Mac
Download the midi-rly8-setup-mac and unzip the app to your desired location.

Run the MIDI-RLY8 Setup app and you will see the following window. Select your MIDI-RLY8's serial port from the drop down then press the connect button, it will find the module and display the firmware revision number.

Channel and Relay settings
To select what midi channel the relay will work on simply select the appropriate midi channel from the drop down box. To select between dimmer and relay modes check the box labeled "Check for dimmer", when checked the relay will be in dimmer mode and when unchecked it will be in standard relay mode. 
Once you have changed the options set them by pressing the "Update" button.

MIDI CC Settings
Here you can select what midi control change message that the relay will respond to. If the check box labeled "CC enable" is checked then this relay will respond to MIDI control change messages, if it is unchecked it will not. 
The text box labeled "CC Number" is the control change number that this relay will respond to, MIDI control change numbers can be between 1 and 127. 
The box labeled "Over Value" is the  is the MIDI control change value at which the relay will turn on, values over this will turn the relay on and values under it will turn it off. If the relay is in dimmer mode this box will be grayed out as it is ignored, instead the brightness of the dimmer will be set in relation to the value sent. 
Once you have changed the options set them by pressing the "Update" button.

Note one and note two settings
These allow you to select 2 different notes for the relay to respond to, relays will come on with a note on message and turn off when a note off message is received.
To enable or disable each note check the check box labeled either "Note one enable" or "Note two enable" if this box is checked then the relay will respond to the selected note, if it is unchecked the note will be ignored.
The 2 drop down boxed labeled "Note" and "Octave" are used to select which note the relay will respond to.
The box labeled "Over Velocity" sets a note velocity threshold over which the relay will turn on, notes played under this velocity will not turn the relay on. If the relay is in dimmer mode this box will be grayed out as its value will be ignored, instead the brightness of the dimmer will be set in relation to the velocity sent. 
Once you have changed the options set them by pressing the "Update" button.

PCB Dimensions