Kenton LNDR MIDI Line Driver

Product Overview

The Kenton LNDR MIDI Line Driver is a system designed to extend the range of MIDI signals significantly beyond the limitations of standard MIDI cables. It consists of a main unit and a secondary unit, allowing MIDI devices to be connected over much greater distances.

Introduction

The LNDR MIDI Line Driver is supplied as a pair of units, each with a MIDI Input and a MIDI Output. This setup enables the connection of MIDI devices to each other over distances far greater than typically possible with standard MIDI cables. A MIDI signal sent to the MIDI IN of the main unit will be present at the MIDI OUT of the secondary unit, and vice versa. Signals can be transmitted in both directions simultaneously.

The main and secondary units are similar in design. The main unit is responsible for supplying power to both units, as the secondary unit does not have its own power input socket. The LNDR system is powered by an included mains adaptor, eliminating the need for periodic battery changes, offering a "fit and forget" solution.

Connecting the LNDR System

To connect the system:

1. Ensure the power adaptor is plugged into the main unit.
2. Verify that the ACTIVE LEDs on both the LNDR main and secondary units are illuminated.
3. Connect the main unit to the secondary unit using a CAT5 cable.
4. Connect the MIDI OUT port of your keyboard or computer to the MIDI IN port of the LNDR main unit. Then, connect the MIDI OUT port of the LNDR secondary unit to the MIDI input of the device you wish to control.
5. Alternatively, you can connect your keyboard or computer's MIDI OUT to the LNDR secondary unit's MIDI IN, and then connect the LNDR main unit's MIDI OUT to the target device's MIDI input.

For MIDI IN connections to the LNDR, it is recommended to use MIDI cables no longer than 5 metres. Ideally, MIDI IN ports should receive signals directly from the source, not from the end of a daisy-chained THRU output. If necessary, a THRU box like the THRU-5 can be used.

Important Note: The LNDR is not an Ethernet device. CAT5 or CAT5e cables from an LNDR main unit must only be connected to an LNDX or LNDR secondary unit, never to another main unit. Furthermore, neither the main nor secondary units should be connected to any other device (except LNDR or LNDX), even if they share a similar connector type (e.g., Ethernet router, switch, or hub).

LED Indicators

Each unit (main and secondary) features a green LED. This LED will be lit when the unit has power. When MIDI data is received by a unit, its corresponding LED will flash.

CAT5 Cable Information

Use good quality CAT5 cable for connections. For distances exceeding 100 metres, CAT5e cable is recommended. Ready-made CAT5 cables are available in various lengths. If creating your own cable, ensure correct pin pairing: pin 1 must connect to pin 1, pin 2 to pin 2, etc. Crucially, pin 1 must be paired with pin 2, pin 3 with pin 6, pin 4 with pin 5, and pin 7 with pin 8. Twisted pairs typically have complementary colours (e.g., white/orange with orange/white). Cables should be wired to the EIA-568B standard at both ends. Do not use crossover cables. Further information on CAT5 wiring can be found online by searching for "straight through RJ45".

For distances up to 100 metres, either stranded or solid copper core cables can be used. For distances over 100 metres, 24 AWG solid copper core CAT5e cable is recommended.

Copper Clad Aluminium (CCA) cable may be used for distances up to 100 metres, but it is not recommended.

While the EIA-568B standard is recommended, CAT5 cables can alternatively be wired to the EIA-568A standard. Ensure both ends of the cable are wired to the same standard, regardless of the chosen method.

Troubleshooting

• Verify that you are using a properly wired CAT5 cable (refer to the "CAT5 Cable Information" section above).
• Ensure you are using a "straight through" cable, not a "crossover" cable.
• Check that the "active" LEDs on both units are illuminated.

If experiencing issues at very long distances, a potential cause is voltage drop within the CAT5 cable. In such cases, substituting the power supply with a 12V regulated unit may resolve the problem. Kenton Electronics has successfully tested the LNDR system to over 1100 metres using the supplied 9V PSU without issues.

Specifications

Warranty

The LNDR MIDI Line Driver includes a 12-month back-to-base warranty from the date of purchase. This means the customer is responsible for arranging and covering the cost of carriage to and from Kenton Electronics Ltd. In the unlikely event of a problem, customers can contact Kenton Electronics Ltd. via email through their website or by telephone.

Regulatory Compliance

FCC Statement for LNDX MIDI Line Driver

NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

WEEE Directive

(Applies to the European Union & other European countries with separate collection systems)

The crossed-out wheelie bin symbol ? affixed to this product indicates that it should not be disposed of with other household wastes at the end of its working life. To prevent possible harm to the environment or to human health from uncontrolled waste disposal, please separate this from other types of wastes and recycle it responsibly to promote the sustainable re-use of material resources.

Household users should contact either the retailer where they purchased the product, or their local government office for details of where and how they can take this item for environmentally safe recycling. Business users should contact their supplier and check the terms and conditions of the purchase contract. This product should not be mixed with other commercial wastes for disposal.

For disposal in countries outside of the European Union: This symbol is only valid in the European Union (EU). If you wish to discard this product, please contact your local authorities or dealer and ask for the correct method of disposal.