I'm using pd-extended on a ubuntu studio linux. I'm programming my own synthesizer (compareable with a microkorg). I'm heading for usage on stage so I'm trying to get everything running when you turn it on. I've managed to turn everything on when the patch starts except using ALSA-Midi instead of "default midi". Is there any way to load this with a loadbang and a message?

Send a message to pd like:

[; pd midi-dialog 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1(

to select the relevant midi device.

You can check the exact message required by receiving pd messages like so:

[r pd]
|
[print]

and then change the midi-settings in the menu.

Start pd with somthing like: <pd -alsamidi -mididev 1>.

That would be when starting pd from the terminal, right?
How would I do this when starting it from the desktop or even from the autostart panel?

you can add the startupflag -alsamidi in the preferencies panel in pd. It will always start with alsa midi that way.

Cool! Thanks dudes!
This has worked quite well!