vPipes Uilleann User manual

User Manual
Document version 1.00
20/03/2011
The vPipes Project, S.C.

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Contents
1. About this Manual .........................................................................................................................1
1.1. Software versions covered by this manual .......................................................................................1
2. Safeguards.....................................................................................................................................2
3. System Components ......................................................................................................................3
3.1. Box content .......................................................................................................................................3
3.2. Choosing an external audio amplifier ...............................................................................................3
3.3. Connecting the system......................................................................................................................3
3.4. Diagram .............................................................................................................................................5
4. Battery .........................................................................................................................................6
4.1. Battery indicators..............................................................................................................................6
4.2. Charging Time and Duration .............................................................................................................6
4.3. Tips to saving battery power.............................................................................................................6
4.4. Increasing the life of your Li-Ion battery...........................................................................................6
5. Navigation .....................................................................................................................................7
5.1. Basic navigation concepts .................................................................................................................7
5.2. Play Mode vs. Setup Mode................................................................................................................7
Entering PLAY MODE from SETUP MODE ............................................................................................7
Entering SETUP MODE from PLAY MODE ............................................................................................7
5.3. Use of Play Mode Quick Menu..........................................................................................................7
6. Tone-Hole Sensors Calibration.......................................................................................................9
6.1. When should I calibrate? ..................................................................................................................9
6.2. How to calibrate ................................................................................................................................9
6.3. Tightness and Proximity adjustments ...............................................................................................9
Tightness..............................................................................................................................................9
Proximity............................................................................................................................................10
6.4. Popping strap? ................................................................................................................................10
6.5. Monitoring the sensor response on the LDC screen .......................................................................10
7. Pressure Adjustment of the Bag Simulator ..................................................................................11
7.1. Setting the low end pressure ..........................................................................................................11
7.2. Setting the upper end pressure ......................................................................................................11
7.3. Playing without the bag simulator ..................................................................................................12
8. vPipes –Uilleann Basic Tips .........................................................................................................13

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8.1. Placement of the bag simulator ......................................................................................................13
8.2. Octave change.................................................................................................................................13
8.3. Information on how to finger a vibrato ..........................................................................................14
8.4. Sharp or flats ...................................................................................................................................14
8.5. Switching the drones on and off .....................................................................................................14
9. Metronome .................................................................................................................................15
9.1. Switching the metronome on and off .............................................................................................15
9.2. Metronome relative volume adjustment........................................................................................15
9.3. How to choose the time signature ..................................................................................................15
9.4. Metronome tempo .........................................................................................................................15
10. Other Adjustments ......................................................................................................................16
10.1. Adjusting the LCD light time .........................................................................................................16
10.2. Reseting the vPipes to factory settings ........................................................................................16
11. Sound Settings.............................................................................................................................17
11.1. Presets..........................................................................................................................................17
Sound Settings vs. Rest of Settings ....................................................................................................17
Loading a preset ................................................................................................................................17
Preset Titles .......................................................................................................................................17
Loading a preset ................................................................................................................................18
Factory Presets ..................................................................................................................................18
11.2. Master Volume.............................................................................................................................18
11.3. Transpose .....................................................................................................................................19
11.4. Sound Number .............................................................................................................................19
11.5. Temperament...............................................................................................................................20
11.6. Fine Tuning ...................................................................................................................................20
11.7. Piping Mode .................................................................................................................................20
Uilleann Emu......................................................................................................................................20
General Midi ......................................................................................................................................20
General Midi Out ...............................................................................................................................21
11.8. Emu Options .................................................................................................................................21
Drones Config ....................................................................................................................................21
Drone 1 Key ...................................................................................................................................21
Drone 2 Key ...................................................................................................................................21
Drone 3 Key ...................................................................................................................................21
Drone 1 Volume ............................................................................................................................21
Drone 1 Volume ............................................................................................................................21
Drone 1 Volume ............................................................................................................................22
Drift ...............................................................................................................................................22
11.9. GM Options ..................................................................................................................................22

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Base Note...........................................................................................................................................22
Sound Bank ........................................................................................................................................22
Drones Note #....................................................................................................................................23
Drones Volume ..................................................................................................................................23
Popping Volume ................................................................................................................................23
11.10. Effects ........................................................................................................................................23
Reverb................................................................................................................................................23
Level ..............................................................................................................................................23
Type...............................................................................................................................................24
Chorus................................................................................................................................................24
Level ..............................................................................................................................................24
Type...............................................................................................................................................24
Spatial ................................................................................................................................................24
Master Level ..................................................................................................................................24
Delay..............................................................................................................................................24
11.11. Equalizer ....................................................................................................................................25
On / Off ..............................................................................................................................................25
Low Band (Bass).................................................................................................................................25
Med-Low Band...................................................................................................................................25
Med-High Band ..................................................................................................................................25
High (Treble) ......................................................................................................................................25
11.12. Stereo Settings...........................................................................................................................25
Mono / Stereo ...................................................................................................................................26
Chanter Pan .......................................................................................................................................26
Drones Pan.........................................................................................................................................26
Metronome Pan.................................................................................................................................26
12. Troubleshooting ..........................................................................................................................27
The instrument does not turn on ......................................................................................................27
Some sensors appear to be closed or partially closed on the screen even though no fingers are
covering them....................................................................................................................................27
I can not close holes ..........................................................................................................................27
No sound is heard ..............................................................................................................................27
I can hear a lot of noise when I connect the vPipes-Uilleann to an external amplifier .....................27
13. Service information .....................................................................................................................28
APPENDIX A Fingering Chart ...............................................................................................................29
APPENDIX B Menu map......................................................................................................................30
APPENDIX C List of instruments in the preloaded GM and MT-32 sound banks..................................32
APPENDIX D Midi Note Numbers........................................................................................................36
APPENDIX E Factory Sound Presets ....................................................................................................37
1. D fx ............................................................................................................................................37
2. C fx ............................................................................................................................................37

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3. A fx ............................................................................................................................................37
4. D plain .......................................................................................................................................37
5. C plain .......................................................................................................................................37
6. Live 2 ch. ...................................................................................................................................37
7. GM accord.................................................................................................................................37
8. GM harpsi..................................................................................................................................37

vPipes-Uilleann User Manual Page 1
1. About this Manual
This manual is intended for owners of the vPipes-Uilleann.
To fully understand all the chapters in this manual, it is important that the reader understands
how Uilleann pipes work and at least understands the basic characteristics and ornamentation
of the traditional acoustic instrument. This manual is not, in any case, a tutorial for learning to
play the Uilleann Pipes.
You can download the latest version of this manual at:
http://www.vpipes.com/downloads/vpipes_uilleann_user_manual_en.pdf
There is also a Quick Start Guide with instructions to allow you to Plug&Play right from the
box. The Quick Start Guide is included in the original package and can also be downloaded at:
http://www.vpipes.com/downloads/vpipes_uilleann_quick_start_guide_en.pdf
1.1. Software versions covered by this manual
vPipes –Uilleann software versions 01.XX

Page 2 vPipes-Uilleann User Manual
2. Safeguards
Although the vPipes-Uilleann is robust please treat with care and observe the following
guidelines to avoid damage:
a) Handle this precision instrument with care
b) Do not attempt to open any of the casings and voiding the guarantee
c) Keep dry and avoid excessive moisture at all times
d) Do not expose to extremes of temperature, dust or humidity
e) Do not expose the Li-Ion battery to direct sunlight
f) Do not drop or knock or submit the vPipes to heavy vibrations
g) Do not use any cleaning/abrasive products or solvents
h) Do not twist, pull or strain the cable
i) Keep away from strong magnetic or electrical fields
j) Only to be used for its intended purpose

vPipes-Uilleann User Manual Page 3
3. System Components
3.1. Box content
The box in which the vPipes-Uilleann is sent contains 4 elements:
a) Main unit (large rectangular box with the connection panel underneath)
b) Chanter Unit
c) Power adaptor (personalised according to country being sent to)
d) Quick Start Guide
Ensure that these four elements are in the box when it is received.
3.2. Choosing an external audio amplifier
The vPipes-Uilleann does not contain any sound amplification system and you will need one
to be able to listen to the vPipes.
You can use any external amplifier connecting it to the AUDIO OUT jack of the main unit. You
can use straightforward earbuds, headphones or the equipment used in a concert scenario
by a 'supergroup'. The signal is provided by the 6.35mm jack and 3.5mm mini-jack. Both jacks
can be used simultaneously.
The vPipes default audio signal is stereo. This is useful when wanting to balance the chanter
and drone sound, or to use independent channels for either one or send to a mixing table
separately. Some of the sound effects included, such as Reverb and Spatial, make use of the
stereo capability of the instrument.
!If you wish to connect a MONO amplifier, such as a guitar or similar amplifier, you
will need to activate the left/mono mode under Settings, to avoid having distortion
noise on the signal (see chapter 11.12).
3.3. Connecting the system
To put the vPipes together you need only connect the round female connector at the end of
the cable of the main unit to the round male connector on the rear of the chanter unit. The
connector has only 1 position for insertion. Carefully align the notch before inserting. Please
ensure that the chanter cable is not twisted or put under undue strain when playing.
!The screw-ring of the female connector on the main unit cable should tighten
smoothly onto the male chanter connector. If the tightening is not smooth, disconnect
and reconnect the sockets ensuring a tight and snug fit. The connectors only require
approximately 3 whole turns without applying too much force to be correctly
connected.
The vPipes-Uilleann battery is pre-charged. If you wish to charge it further it can be
connected to the mains (DC IN socket) found on the main unit.

Page 4 vPipes-Uilleann User Manual
Connect the external amplifying system of your choice and depress the ON/OFF button to the
very bottom. It may be necessary to use the little finger to do so. If correctly depressed, a
blue coloured light-ring should light up around the ON/OFF button and the LCD screen on the
chanter unit will light up showing the model and software version.
Read the rest of this manual to understand the basics of beginning to play and the different
configuration options available.

vPipes-Uilleann User Manual Page 5
3.4. Diagram
This diagram shows a complete image of both the main unit and the chanter unit with all the
components:

Page 6 vPipes-Uilleann User Manual
4. Battery
The vPipes includes a Li-Ion battery and internal charger. To charge the battery, connect the
supplied mains charger to the main unit (DC IN).
4.1. Battery indicators
When the main unit is running on battery power, the LCD screen on the chanter unit will
show the percentage of battery (top right hand corner) whilst in the main menu (SETUP
MODE). If connected to the mains charger, the word EXT will appear instead of a percentage
number.
!Whilst plugged in to the mains, the red and green LED lights on the main unit show
the battery charging status: Red = charging; green = charging complete
4.2. Charging Time and Duration
The charging time of the battery, when completely discharged, is approximately 5 hours.
The duration of the battery charge will depend on the adjustments chosen when configuring
the vPipes, the length of time spent playing (Play Mode), the time spend carrying out
adjustment (Setup Mode) and the age and use of the battery. In general, the battery can last
between 6 and 12 hours.
4.3. Tips to saving battery power
To make the battery last longer: reduce the LCD LIGHT TIME (see chapter 10.1) to a
minimum, even switching off the light permanently (only if you know the menus very well of
have very very good eyesight!)
Another way to reduce battery power usage is to deactivate the on-screen sensor
visualisation (see chapter 6.5). Using this option, the screen will remain off during PLAY
MODE. We recommend that this option is not deactivated until you feel comfortable with
the instrument and fully understand that calibration adjustments (see chapter 6).
It is also important to switch off the vPipes when not in use.
4.4. Increasing the life of your Li-Ion battery
Although vPipes has a charge controller it is recommended not to let Li-Ion batteries do too
many deep discharges. NOTE: You can charge the battery and play at the same time.

vPipes-Uilleann User Manual Page 7
5. Navigation
5.1. Basic navigation concepts
As can be seen in the diagram in chapter 3.4, there is a small touch-pad on the rear of the
chanter unit that allows for navigation in all the menus in SETUP MODE, and also allows for
the activation/deactivation of the drones during PLAY MODE or altering notes (sharps or
flats) while playing.
The menu has been designed as a multi-level tree structure such that to navigate 'vertically'
you need to press the () to get to the different options within a particular menu level,
then pressing () to enter the selected option or () to go up a level within the menu.
Once you have reached a particular setting whose value you wish to change, for example,
Sound Settings > Transpose, you will be able to vary the values using the to increase its
value or to decrease it. Once the value has been changed, press to accept the change or
to cancel it.
To indicate the route for accessing the different menu options, we shall always take the
initial screen that appears when you first switch on the vPipes and shall call this the Home
Screen:
SETUP MODE
Sound Settings
Fig. 1 Home Screen
5.2. Play Mode vs. Setup Mode
The vPipes has two working modes: Play Mode and Setup Mode. In PLAY MODE, the vPipes
will start to sound the moment pressure is applied to the bag simulator (main unit) and you
will only have access to certain basic parameters when no pressure is applied (see chapter
5.3). In SETUP MODE you will have access to all the configuration options.
Upon switching the vPipes on, the initial HOME SCREEN will appear automatically and it will
show SETUP MODE.
Entering PLAY MODE from SETUP MODE
Simply press once you have reached the top level in SETUP MODE.
Entering SETUP MODE from PLAY MODE
Press and simultaneously.
5.3. Use of Play Mode Quick Menu
In order to easily access some basic parameters in PLAY MODE, when no pressure is applied
to the bag simulator the quick menu screen will appear. The navigation in this Quick Menu is
different to that used in SETUP MODE. To change from one option to another press (left)

Page 8 vPipes-Uilleann User Manual
or (right). To vary the value of each of the options use the up and down arrow keys (or
) and there is no need to press to confirm the change.
The adjustable parameters on the quick menu are as follows:
Preset > Volume > Transpose > Metronome Tempo (only if the metronome is activated)
!If a change is made in the Preset option, the volume and transpose values stored in
the selected preset will override the volume and transpose values of the quick menu.
Once a preset has been loaded and tested, the values of Volume and Transpose can
be modified subsequently in the quick menu.

vPipes-Uilleann User Manual Page 9
6. Tone-Hole Sensors Calibration
A substantial part of the ‘magic’ of the vPipes-Uilleann resides in the optimum working
condition and calibration of the tone-hole sensors. Please follow these instructions to achieve
the best response from the tone-hole sensors.
6.1. When should I calibrate?
It is not necessary to calibrate the vPipes each time you play. It is recommended to
recalibrate if you haven’t used the vPipes for a while or when you change location. Overall, if
you feel that any one of the sensors is behaving erratically, then recalibrate.
!When viewing tone-hole sensors on the screen (see chapter 6.5), you can tell if the
sensors are responding incorrectly if when lifting a finger the image doesn't show a U
shape or, conversely, when fully placing a finger on a tone-hole sensor the image
should be a filled in O.
6.2. How to calibrate
Follow this sequence from the Home Screen position:
: Sensitivity
: Calibration
: Confirm
You have 3 seconds to hold the chanter by the head and hold it away from any nearby
objects (including yourself). Don't forget that there is also a sensor on the end of the chanter,
the bottom hole sensor.
6.3. Tightness and Proximity adjustments
By using the Tightness and Proximity adjustments, you can modify the degree of sensitivity of
the sensors.
Tightness
The Tightness parameter determines how easy or difficult it is to completely cover the
holes.
A high Tightness value will mean that the tone-hole sensors are more difficult to cover
properly requiring very precise fingering.
A low Tightness value means that the tone-hole sensors will be easier to cover properly.
The downside is that the slides will have a shorter run and the vibratos will be less smooth.
We advise to set the Tightness parameter as high as is comfortable for you.

Page 10 vPipes-Uilleann User Manual
The default value for this parameter is 15 and you can change it by following this sequence
from the Home Screen:
x4 
Proximity
The Proximity parameter allows you to set the degree of sensitivity of the sensors to the
proximity of your fingers.
A high Proximity value will mean that the sensors will not detect your fingers until they are
in contact with them.
A low Proximity value will mean that the sensors will detect your fingers before actually
touch them.
The default value is 1. To obtain good slides and vibratos we recommend that you keep the
default value. If after calibrating you see that a sensor doesn’t open all the way when you
lift a finger completely off, increase this values to 2 or 3.
You can get to the Proximity parameter by following this sequence from the Home Screen:
x5 
6.4. Popping strap?
It is not normally necessary but if you do have a problem in completely closing off the
bottom sensor on your leg (i.e. when wearing thick corduroy or ski-ing trousers…!) you can
use any metallic object to rest the chanter on instead of directly on your clothes. A piece of
silver biscuit wrapper or silver foil works quite well.
6.5. Monitoring the sensor response on the LDC screen
The vPipes allows you to monitor the reaction of the sensors on the LCD screen, in graphic
form, when you place your fingers on them. This characteristic is activated by default. If you
prefer to deactivate this characteristic please follow the sequence below starting from the
Home Screen:
x3 

vPipes-Uilleann User Manual Page 11
7. Pressure Adjustment of the Bag
Simulator
Use the following sequence from the Home Screen to arrive at the pressure adjustment
option:

When you now press the bag simulator you will see >>>> symbols appearing, which indicate
the level of force being applied. What you see on the screen represents the level of force
applied according to the current pressure adjustment setting. The force required for the first >
symbol to appear represents the pressure required for the vPipes to start sounding in Play
Mode. The arrow symbols vary in number according to the pressure applied, from one > ( the
minimum force required for any sound ) to 16 > ( the maximum requirement for maintaining
the highest notes.
Please follow the following instruction to learn how to change these levels.
7.1. Setting the low end pressure
To set the level at which you want the vPipes to start sounding, apply just enough pressure
so that you don’t drop the bag and press . Ignore the >>>> symbols displayed in the screen.
You should now see the following message on the screen which will last for 1 second: << OK.
If the following message appears: >>> ERROR <<<, it means that the pressure applied is
greater than that required at the upper end. Try setting the low end pressure again.
Now the >>>>> symbols show the level of pressure applied taking into account the new
adjustment.
7.2. Setting the upper end pressure
To set the pressure necessary to maintain the top notes in the second octave, apply the
amount of pressure that you find comfortable or that resembles the pressure required on
your acoustic set to maintain the high B in the second octave and press ( again, ignore the
>>>>>> symbols that appear on the screen before pressing ). You should now see the
following message on the screen which will last for 1 second: OK >>. If the following message
appears: >>> ERROR <<<, it means that the pressure applied is less than that required at the
low end. Try setting the high end pressure again.
Now the >>>>> symbols show the level of pressure applied taking into account the new
adjustment.

Page 12 vPipes-Uilleann User Manual
When you are happy with the new adjustments press to confirm the changes. You can also
cancel the changes made by pressing at any time.
!Using a low pressure adjustment for the upper end may cause the vPipes to respond
incorrectly during Play Mode.
7.3. Playing without the bag simulator
This is a very curious characteristic of the vPipes-Uilleann. You can play without using the bag
simulator and you will be surprised at the fact that with a bit of practice you can play many
melodies and change octave without a problem. For some melodies the octave change will
prove to be difficult as will achieve a good cranning.
The 'no-pressure' mode is especially useful for those with disabilities that don't allow for
applying the necessary pressure on the bag simulator.
To reach this mode use the following sequence from the Home Screen:
x2 

vPipes-Uilleann User Manual Page 13
8. vPipes –Uilleann Basic Tips
Although the vPipes-Uilleann is a faithful Uilleann pipes emulator, you will notice quite a big
difference when compared to your acoustic set, but that also happens when you play with a
borrowed acoustic set and one that you are not used to. Please be patient and give yourself
some time to get used to this new instrument.
8.1. Placement of the bag simulator
Although many pipers are used to placing the bag of their pipes very tightly against the arm-
pit, do not adopt the same position with the vPipes. The vPipes bag simulator is designed so
that the oval shaped block is actioned by the forearm:
Fig. 2 Correct placement of the bag simulator
8.2. Octave change
The emulation of the octave change on the vPipes-Uilleann is one of the most praised
characteristics by pipers around the world.
The octave change is very, very similar to that on an acoustic set, notwithstanding please
read the following tips which will help you:
-If you have a problem reaching the high octave, please check that the sensors are
correctly calibrated. Be especially vigilant that the bottom sensor, is fully closed when
resting on your leg (see chapter 6). Do not try and go up to the second octave by
applying more pressure on the simulated bag. It is not necessary to apply more pressure
than the upper end pressure level as defined in the pressure adjustment (see chapter
7.2)
-If you jump to the second octave by mistake repeatedly it is probable that you are
applying too much pressure when playing or conversely that you have to increase the
upper end pressure level (see chapter 7.2)

Page 14 vPipes-Uilleann User Manual
8.3. Information on how to finger a vibrato
The manner in fingering a vibrato on the vPipes-Uilleann is also very similar to that of an
acoustic set but there are some differences that are important to be aware of.
The main difference is that on a traditional acoustic set there are many ways to execute a
vibrato and cross finger on each note, all with subtle differences that depend on the pipe
maker and indeed, the reed itself.
In this first SW version of the vPipes-Uilleann we have chosen to implement a vibrato, that
although very simplified, feels very natural when playing and offers very good results.
To execute a vibrato on a specific note, starting from a closed position, just flutter one or
various fingers of your right hand (or left hand for left-handed players) that are below the
open hole on the chanter, in such a way that if you were to completely close the fingers that
you are fluttering, the position obtained would be the closed position of the played note (see
APPENDIX A for further information on open and closed positions for each note).
Although the explanation seems quite complicated, the actual execution is very
straightforward and feels very natural when playing. It is probable that you have already
achieved the vibrato effect on your vPipes before reading this part of the manual.
8.4. Sharp or flats
It is as if you had a fully keyed chanter! Simply use the & whilst playing to execute the
sharp of flat of the note that is currently being played.
8.5. Switching the drones on and off
To activate the drones press whilst playing (Play Mode and applying pressure to the bag
simulator).
To switch the drones off press whilst playing.
The drone setting remains when you release the pressure on the bag simulator to access the
quick menu and when you resume playing.