I'm working on a simple guitar pedal midi controller, using only Midi 1.0. The prototype is working well. I'm now developing a configuration utility based on Web Midi, which is looking promising but not yet complete. I plan to release the project as open-source, both hardware and software.

To send configuration data to/from the pedal, I'll be using using SysEx messages. The problem is that these require a manufacturer ID which I don't have. While the registration fee is reasonable enough for a commercial developer, it's far too much for a project that will net me nothing.

Is there a less expensive option for open source developers?

Short of that, is there a recommended practice for avoiding collisions?
(If not, I have some thoughts.)

-Matt