Analogue-sequencer

Gary, 

> I realize that this is entirely pilot error here - I put the P3 into
> SysEx Firmware Upgrade mode (holding FUNC and PAGE; then F3) and then
> sent it the midi 1.006 file via a midi sequencer.  Bonk....

The problem is probably a lack of sufficient delay between blocks.
The first block will write OK, but by the time P3 is ready to accept
another, the second block will already have been missed, so you end up with
an incomplete image. This wont do any permanent harm though - the bootloader
is entirely separate.

Easiest way round this would be to try updating using the .mid file from
Yahoo.
This is the same sysex image, but in standard midi file format, with a
suitable delay built in.
If you set your default MIDI device to your MIDI interface, Windows Media
Player will be enough to perform the update with the midi file.
 
> I noticed that it is mentioned in the manual that .syx dump files are
> playable on "any midi utility that supports playback of this file type
> with a configurable delay between sysex blocks."  It would be most
> helpful to have the names of a few of these midi untilities...

MidiOX on the PC is the best one I've used.
I've used a Mac utility to upgrade a P3 too, but I can't remember the
details.

Best regards,
Colin Fraser
Sequentix Music Systems Ltd
http://www.sequentix.com