Topic: Bus powered midi device from Genos

[chony]

 I want to purchase a USB midi controller that is a bus powered and plug it into the Genos. Would it work?

A)  would I be able to control midi on the keyboard through a device plugged into the usb (rectangle side)?
B) would the Genos power the device?

[pjd]

Hi Chony --

I plugged an M-Audio Keystation Mini 32 into the Genos USB to Device port. Then, I tried an Arturia Keystep. The result was the same in both cases.

The Genos powered both the Mini and the Keystep; both the Mini and the Keystep lit up. In both cases, the Genos displayed the error message, "An incompatible USB device has been connected." Of course, hitting the keys did nothing.

Sorry -- a negative result.

-- pj

[zionip]

Hi Chony,

The Linux kernel / firmware of the Genos is programmed to recognize USB flash drives and USB2.0 display adapters based on DisplayLink DL-165 / DL-195 chipsets only, through its 3 USB 2.0 (To Device) ports.  Other USB devices can be powered by Genos USB 2.0 ports if they use no more than 500mA at 5V, but these USB devices are not recognized by Genos, as indicated by pjd's examples.

P.111 of Yamaha Genos Owner's Manual version D mentions:
 Compatible USB devices
• USB flash drive
Other USB devices such as a USB hub, computer keyboard or mouse cannot be used.
The instrument does not necessarily support all commercially available USB devices. Yamaha cannot guarantee operation of USB devices that you purchase. Before purchasing a USB device for use with this instrument, pleasevisit the following web page:
http://download.yamaha.com/
Although USB devices 1.1 to 3.0 can be used on this instrument, the amount of time for saving to or loading from the USB device may differ depending on the type of data or the status of the instrument.

You can download Genos Owner's Manual here:
https://usa.yamaha.com/files/download/other_assets/7/1202647/genos_en_om_d0_text.zip

As for the USB "To Host" port (the rectangular one at the back of Genos), this port is used for the connection to computer such as PC or Mac, or tablet / iPad.  This is usually used in the USB Storage Mode of Genos for file copying, moving, deleting, or backups, or USB MIDI communication with applications like "V-Console for Genos", and "vArranger" (using XG mode or Cakewalk type INS file) on the PC, or iOS apps like Songbook+, and KeyStage on the iPad.  You can use any compatible apps on the computer / tablet to control Genos through USB MIDI for sure.  Simple USB MIDI keyboards or controllers lacks the intelligent software to deal with Genos directly.

If you already have any USB powered MIDI device, you will have to power it from a MIDI host device such as Kenton MIDI USB Host mk2, then connect the Kenton MIDI host and Genos with DIN-5 MIDI cables:
https://www.kentonuk.com/products/items/utilities/usb-host.shtml

midiplus USB MIDI Host is another alternative:
https://www.amazon.com/midiplus-USB-MIDI-Host-Controller/dp/B074NGTGHN/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=MIDI+USB+host&qid=1552485114&s=gateway&sr=8-3

Thanks,
Paul