Notes on KBgate

'KBgate' is an AMPLE utility for use with the Studio 5000 Notepad module. It allows those without Music 4000 keyboard software to use the BBC micro keyboard to play a range of notes when creating or modifying an instrument definition.

‘KBgate’ is a normal AMPLE word, so to add it to an existing program, or to start a new one use *EXEC to read in the file (KBgate) on this disc. If you save your program afterwards, ‘KBgate’ will be saved as another user word.

To use the 'KBgate' utility, enter Notepad and load in an instrument definition using GET. Then, on the command line enter:

"KBgate" TRY

"KBgate" should now be displayed on the 'trying' line at the top of the screen, and entering Notepad and pressing the RETURN key whilst in 'panel' mode will now run ‘KBgate’.

When 'KBgate' is run the bottom four lines of the screen, below the Notepad area, display information about the utility.

The bottom line of the screen shows the notes which can be played and the two lines above show the corresponding keys on the keyboard. The notes/keys coloured green (darker on monochrome screens) indicate the sharps/flats.

On the top line at the left is a highlighted area which displays the current octave - if you have just pressed RETURN this will be showing '0:'. As you play notes using the keyboard they will be displayed to the right of the octave.

To the right of the highlighted area is a list of the other keys used in 'KBgate':

The '<,' key lowers the octave whilst the '>.' key raises it.

The space bar plays a rest, stopping any sound.

The RETURN key stops 'KBgate' and returns you to the Notepad screen.