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RS422 between Emax and PC

RS422 between Emax and PC

2009-12-19 by esynthesist

Today I finally succeeded in setting up a reliable connection between my Emax-I and my Windows XP laptop using the RS422 port.

I could download soundbanks from the Emax to my laptop in about 39 seconds. And they are perfect - no transmission errors !
The upload towards the Emax is still to be tested, I have to write the test program for that first.

The device I used is a custom built USB<-->RS422 adapter which supports synchronous serial communication.
The prototype of that device was designed and built by fellow member MrJulian, I just had to adapt it a little bit to make it work :-)

EMXP will be upgraded as soon as possible to support up and download of soundbanks with the Emax-I.
Later Emulator II communication support will be added too, and also Emax-II of course.

With respect to the device itself, we'll have to see how this thing can be made available to Emax users. To be discussed with Julian... 

///E-Synthesist

Re: [emax] RS422 between Emax and PC

2009-12-19 by michael.a.padilla

OK, I for one am really excited to hear this news.  This is monumental.  It sounds like a serious option to avoid having to chop up a non-Plus Emax I to install SCSI if one wanted to save banks to an external computer hard drive. 

I can't wait to hear how this may develop.
Show quoted textHide quoted text
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: esynthesist 
  To: emax@yahoogroups.com 
  Sent: Saturday, December 19, 2009 7:38 AM
  Subject: [emax] RS422 between Emax and PC


    
  Today I finally succeeded in setting up a reliable connection between my Emax-I and my Windows XP laptop using the RS422 port.

  I could download soundbanks from the Emax to my laptop in about 39 seconds. And they are perfect - no transmission errors !
  The upload towards the Emax is still to be tested, I have to write the test program for that first.

  The device I used is a custom built USB<-->RS422 adapter which supports synchronous serial communication.
  The prototype of that device was designed and built by fellow member MrJulian, I just had to adapt it a little bit to make it work :-)

  EMXP will be upgraded as soon as possible to support up and download of soundbanks with the Emax-I.
  Later Emulator II communication support will be added too, and also Emax-II of course.

  With respect to the device itself, we'll have to see how this thing can be made available to Emax users. To be discussed with Julian... 

  ///E-Synthesist



  

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Re: [emax] RS422 between Emax and PC

2009-12-19 by Ted Summers

This sounds great, and I wonder if it could also be used on new Macs by
running old MacOs in classic or sheepshaver or something similar? (so I
could get rid of the old mac I have- I am intrigued)

On a side note, I don't get the "chop up" comment.
That makes the modification sound like an unsupported "hack" or some such.

Those not comfortable retrofitting an Emax for the* *SCSI update that *Emu
created -the vendor created this, not a hacker or modder....* can send the
logic board to me (I sell the chip update kits, and have 16 yrs experience
with electronics repair - worked in the industry), perhaps Jammie (here on
the group), or a local electronics shop / synth repair shop.

I charge a reasonable $50 install fee (on top of the kit price).
Probably cheaper labor than your local repair shop,as they usually charge by
the hour, where mine's a flat fee.

The only contention I could see would be shipping.
In the US that is typically about $15 each way (insured), from my
experience.
The benefit is, I can test the board in my Emax and verify there is no SCSI
kit installation related issue.
I have 2 Emax, 1 that is solely a repair testbed.
A zip drive, flash drive, and hard drive to test with....

Besides which the final benefit of SCSI- have REMOVABLE media in the unit,
and the bank load time will still be faster.

The advantage I see of having the RS422 adapter isn't in avoiding a SCSI
update to the machine.
I see it as perhaps an easier way to edit / tweak the sound and move it back
and forth in the workflow. That is how I would use it.

Spending 39 seconds every time you change a bank is a far cry from the
couple of seconds to switch banks on a SCSI device.

Once you have your samples /banks all figured out using Alchemy or Sound
designer and on the Emax, you take that flash media over to the PC running
EMXP and save the bank.
Now the banks are all backed up on the PC and you have a image of the "HD" /
flash / Zip... whatever you are using.

But that is just my opinion.

Regards,
Ted
On Sat, Dec 19, 2009 at 10:37 AM, michael.a.padilla <
michael.a.padilla@...> wrote:

>
>
> OK, I for one am really excited to hear this news. This is monumental. It
> sounds like a serious option to avoid having to chop up a non-Plus Emax I to
> install SCSI if one wanted to save banks to an external computer hard drive.
>
>
> I can't wait to hear how this may develop.
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: esynthesist
> To: emax@yahoogroups.com <emax%40yahoogroups.com>
> Sent: Saturday, December 19, 2009 7:38 AM
> Subject: [emax] RS422 between Emax and PC
>
> Today I finally succeeded in setting up a reliable connection between my
> Emax-I and my Windows XP laptop using the RS422 port.
>
> I could download soundbanks from the Emax to my laptop in about 39 seconds.
> And they are perfect - no transmission errors !
> The upload towards the Emax is still to be tested, I have to write the test
> program for that first.
>
> The device I used is a custom built USB<-->RS422 adapter which supports
> synchronous serial communication.
> The prototype of that device was designed and built by fellow member
> MrJulian, I just had to adapt it a little bit to make it work :-)
>
> EMXP will be upgraded as soon as possible to support up and download of
> soundbanks with the Emax-I.
> Later Emulator II communication support will be added too, and also Emax-II
> of course.
>
> With respect to the device itself, we'll have to see how this thing can be
> made available to Emax users. To be discussed with Julian...
>
> ///E-Synthesist
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>  
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Re: RS422 between Emax and PC

2009-12-19 by esynthesist

Exactly. I think the combined use of SCSI and RS422 features as you describe it would be the optimal one...
...which makes me think that I'd better also include sample (WAV) transfer in EMXP besides full bank transfer.
A sample transfer via RS422 will probably take only a few seconds for a single sample, and this would definitely be a fast way for sample editing on a PC (with some sound editor tool) and checking the result immediately on the Emax without having to plug and unplug a memory card or ZIP disk. 

But I do understand the concern about having to do the SCSI mods on the Emax-I. That's also why I didn't apply this upgrade myself so far.
(of course it was not urgent for me because I also own a Plus with factory SCSI).
But as you confirm: other people, including yourself, are perfectly willing to perform this upgrade as a (inexpensive) service offering. Perhaps I should send my rev2 board once to you too :-)

I think the RS422 capabilities on the PC will definitely be a huge advantage for people owning an "un-upgradable" Emax-I rev1, and even more for people owning an Emulator-II (which lacks the SCSI upgrade possibility).

///E-Synthesist


--- In emax@yahoogroups.com, Ted Summers <djtbs1@...> wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
> This sounds great, and I wonder if it could also be used on new Macs by
> running old MacOs in classic or sheepshaver or something similar? (so I
> could get rid of the old mac I have- I am intrigued)
> 
> On a side note, I don't get the "chop up" comment.
> That makes the modification sound like an unsupported "hack" or some such.
> 
> Those not comfortable retrofitting an Emax for the* *SCSI update that *Emu
> created -the vendor created this, not a hacker or modder....* can send the
> logic board to me (I sell the chip update kits, and have 16 yrs experience
> with electronics repair - worked in the industry), perhaps Jammie (here on
> the group), or a local electronics shop / synth repair shop.
> 
> I charge a reasonable $50 install fee (on top of the kit price).
> Probably cheaper labor than your local repair shop,as they usually charge by
> the hour, where mine's a flat fee.
> 
> The only contention I could see would be shipping.
> In the US that is typically about $15 each way (insured), from my
> experience.
> The benefit is, I can test the board in my Emax and verify there is no SCSI
> kit installation related issue.
> I have 2 Emax, 1 that is solely a repair testbed.
> A zip drive, flash drive, and hard drive to test with....
> 
> Besides which the final benefit of SCSI- have REMOVABLE media in the unit,
> and the bank load time will still be faster.
> 
> The advantage I see of having the RS422 adapter isn't in avoiding a SCSI
> update to the machine.
> I see it as perhaps an easier way to edit / tweak the sound and move it back
> and forth in the workflow. That is how I would use it.
> 
> Spending 39 seconds every time you change a bank is a far cry from the
> couple of seconds to switch banks on a SCSI device.
> 
> Once you have your samples /banks all figured out using Alchemy or Sound
> designer and on the Emax, you take that flash media over to the PC running
> EMXP and save the bank.
> Now the banks are all backed up on the PC and you have a image of the "HD" /
> flash / Zip... whatever you are using.
> 
> But that is just my opinion.
> 
> Regards,
> Ted
> On Sat, Dec 19, 2009 at 10:37 AM, michael.a.padilla <
> michael.a.padilla@...> wrote:
> 
> >
> >
> > OK, I for one am really excited to hear this news. This is monumental. It
> > sounds like a serious option to avoid having to chop up a non-Plus Emax I to
> > install SCSI if one wanted to save banks to an external computer hard drive.
> >
> >
> > I can't wait to hear how this may develop.
> >
> >
> >
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: esynthesist
> > To: emax@yahoogroups.com <emax%40yahoogroups.com>
> > Sent: Saturday, December 19, 2009 7:38 AM
> > Subject: [emax] RS422 between Emax and PC
> >
> > Today I finally succeeded in setting up a reliable connection between my
> > Emax-I and my Windows XP laptop using the RS422 port.
> >
> > I could download soundbanks from the Emax to my laptop in about 39 seconds.
> > And they are perfect - no transmission errors !
> > The upload towards the Emax is still to be tested, I have to write the test
> > program for that first.
> >
> > The device I used is a custom built USB<-->RS422 adapter which supports
> > synchronous serial communication.
> > The prototype of that device was designed and built by fellow member
> > MrJulian, I just had to adapt it a little bit to make it work :-)
> >
> > EMXP will be upgraded as soon as possible to support up and download of
> > soundbanks with the Emax-I.
> > Later Emulator II communication support will be added too, and also Emax-II
> > of course.
> >
> > With respect to the device itself, we'll have to see how this thing can be
> > made available to Emax users. To be discussed with Julian...
> >
> > ///E-Synthesist
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
> >  
> >
> 
> 
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

Re: [emax] Re: RS422 between Emax and PC

2009-12-19 by Ted Summers

One thing I have always wondered is how many of Emax 1 are:
Rev 1 and therefore not upgradeable
Rev 2 so upgradeable
Rev 3 so anyone can plug in the chips (no mods necessary, just plug chips
in).

Installations done while you wait (jk- *but I did do that for one person
locally*).
Installed a HD as I didn't have the Media drives or zips at the time.
Wouldn't ship the HD as I don't trust that, but for transport by the owner
it worked out fine- no 6 foot drops on conveyor belts or anything like
packages that get shipped.....

My typical turnaround is the day I receive it, the board is on the bench
being updated, and shipping back the next day.

Most repair shops do not give you that kind of service. Typically (from my
experience, both working and as a person turning in an item for warranty
service) it is a 1 to 2 week turnaround.

Regards,
Ted

On Sat, Dec 19, 2009 at 1:21 PM, esynthesist <esynthesist@...> wrote:

>
>
> Exactly. I think the combined use of SCSI and RS422 features as you
> describe it would be the optimal one...
> ...which makes me think that I'd better also include sample (WAV) transfer
> in EMXP besides full bank transfer.
> A sample transfer via RS422 will probably take only a few seconds for a
> single sample, and this would definitely be a fast way for sample editing on
> a PC (with some sound editor tool) and checking the result immediately on
> the Emax without having to plug and unplug a memory card or ZIP disk.
>
> But I do understand the concern about having to do the SCSI mods on the
> Emax-I. That's also why I didn't apply this upgrade myself so far.
> (of course it was not urgent for me because I also own a Plus with factory
> SCSI).
> But as you confirm: other people, including yourself, are perfectly willing
> to perform this upgrade as a (inexpensive) service offering. Perhaps I
> should send my rev2 board once to you too :-)
>
> I think the RS422 capabilities on the PC will definitely be a huge
> advantage for people owning an "un-upgradable" Emax-I rev1, and even more
> for people owning an Emulator-II (which lacks the SCSI upgrade possibility).
>
> ///E-Synthesist
>
>
> --- In emax@yahoogroups.com <emax%40yahoogroups.com>, Ted Summers <djtbs1@...>
> wrote:
> >
> > This sounds great, and I wonder if it could also be used on new Macs by
> > running old MacOs in classic or sheepshaver or something similar? (so I
> > could get rid of the old mac I have- I am intrigued)
> >
> > On a side note, I don't get the "chop up" comment.
> > That makes the modification sound like an unsupported "hack" or some
> such.
> >
> > Those not comfortable retrofitting an Emax for the* *SCSI update that
> *Emu
> > created -the vendor created this, not a hacker or modder....* can send
> the
> > logic board to me (I sell the chip update kits, and have 16 yrs
> experience
> > with electronics repair - worked in the industry), perhaps Jammie (here
> on
> > the group), or a local electronics shop / synth repair shop.
> >
> > I charge a reasonable $50 install fee (on top of the kit price).
> > Probably cheaper labor than your local repair shop,as they usually charge
> by
> > the hour, where mine's a flat fee.
> >
> > The only contention I could see would be shipping.
> > In the US that is typically about $15 each way (insured), from my
> > experience.
> > The benefit is, I can test the board in my Emax and verify there is no
> SCSI
> > kit installation related issue.
> > I have 2 Emax, 1 that is solely a repair testbed.
> > A zip drive, flash drive, and hard drive to test with....
> >
> > Besides which the final benefit of SCSI- have REMOVABLE media in the
> unit,
> > and the bank load time will still be faster.
> >
> > The advantage I see of having the RS422 adapter isn't in avoiding a SCSI
> > update to the machine.
> > I see it as perhaps an easier way to edit / tweak the sound and move it
> back
> > and forth in the workflow. That is how I would use it.
> >
> > Spending 39 seconds every time you change a bank is a far cry from the
> > couple of seconds to switch banks on a SCSI device.
> >
> > Once you have your samples /banks all figured out using Alchemy or Sound
> > designer and on the Emax, you take that flash media over to the PC
> running
> > EMXP and save the bank.
> > Now the banks are all backed up on the PC and you have a image of the
> "HD" /
> > flash / Zip... whatever you are using.
> >
> > But that is just my opinion.
> >
> > Regards,
> > Ted
> > On Sat, Dec 19, 2009 at 10:37 AM, michael.a.padilla <
> > michael.a.padilla@...> wrote:
> >
> > >
> > >
> > > OK, I for one am really excited to hear this news. This is monumental.
> It
> > > sounds like a serious option to avoid having to chop up a non-Plus Emax
> I to
> > > install SCSI if one wanted to save banks to an external computer hard
> drive.
> > >
> > >
> > > I can't wait to hear how this may develop.
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > ----- Original Message -----
> > > From: esynthesist
>  > > To: emax@yahoogroups.com <emax%40yahoogroups.com> <emax%
> 40yahoogroups.com>
> > > Sent: Saturday, December 19, 2009 7:38 AM
> > > Subject: [emax] RS422 between Emax and PC
> > >
> > > Today I finally succeeded in setting up a reliable connection between
> my
> > > Emax-I and my Windows XP laptop using the RS422 port.
> > >
> > > I could download soundbanks from the Emax to my laptop in about 39
> seconds.
> > > And they are perfect - no transmission errors !
> > > The upload towards the Emax is still to be tested, I have to write the
> test
> > > program for that first.
> > >
> > > The device I used is a custom built USB<-->RS422 adapter which supports
> > > synchronous serial communication.
> > > The prototype of that device was designed and built by fellow member
> > > MrJulian, I just had to adapt it a little bit to make it work :-)
> > >
> > > EMXP will be upgraded as soon as possible to support up and download of
> > > soundbanks with the Emax-I.
> > > Later Emulator II communication support will be added too, and also
> Emax-II
> > > of course.
> > >
> > > With respect to the device itself, we'll have to see how this thing can
> be
> > > made available to Emax users. To be discussed with Julian...
> > >
> > > ///E-Synthesist
> > >
> > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
>
>  
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Re: [emax] RS422 between Emax and PC

2009-12-19 by mr julian

*high five*
awesome work as always, esynthesist!
:-)





esynthesist wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
> Today I finally succeeded in setting up a reliable connection between my Emax-I and my Windows XP laptop using the RS422 port.
> 
> I could download soundbanks from the Emax to my laptop in about 39 seconds. And they are perfect - no transmission errors !
> The upload towards the Emax is still to be tested, I have to write the test program for that first.
> 
> The device I used is a custom built USB<-->RS422 adapter which supports synchronous serial communication.
> The prototype of that device was designed and built by fellow member MrJulian, I just had to adapt it a little bit to make it work :-)
> 
> EMXP will be upgraded as soon as possible to support up and download of soundbanks with the Emax-I.
> Later Emulator II communication support will be added too, and also Emax-II of course.
> 
> With respect to the device itself, we'll have to see how this thing can be made available to Emax users. To be discussed with Julian... 
> 
> ///E-Synthesist
> 
>

Re: [emax] RS422 between Emax and PC

2009-12-19 by mr julian

Ted Summers wrote:
 > This sounds great, and I wonder if it could also be used on new Macs
 > by running old MacOs in classic or sheepshaver or something similar?
 > (so I could get rid of the old mac I have- I am intrigued)

I suspect this is going to be usable on a mac. But will need to look 
into the driver side details. only tested on PCs so far....

How are macs generally with USB-serial adapters? can you use any 
usb-serial device that you can use on a PC?? A yes answer to that 
question would make things look very good for mac users.

> The advantage I see of having the RS422 adapter isn't in avoiding a SCSI
> update to the machine.
> I see it as perhaps an easier way to edit / tweak the sound and move it back
> and forth in the workflow. That is how I would use it.
> 

exactly!

the ability to load and save almost instantaneously on the machine, 
coupled with the ability to also send data back and forth between the 
emax and a computer for editing is a killer combination that takes the 
emax bang up to date. (well... OK... maybe a VST plugin that automates 
emax parameters in realtime via USB from your DAW would do that... :-) 
at least USB transfers take it up to date with the last samplers that 
were made!

Re: [emax] RS422 between Emax and PC

2009-12-20 by tu@...

Great work E-Synthesist and Julian! I will be interested to hear how this goes with the Emax II.

/Tristan
Show quoted textHide quoted text
On Sun, Dec 20th, 2009 at 2:38 AM, esynthesist <esynthesist@...> wrote:

> Today I finally succeeded in setting up a reliable connection between
> my Emax-I and my Windows XP laptop using the RS422 port.
> 
> I could download soundbanks from the Emax to my laptop in about 39
> seconds. And they are perfect - no transmission errors !
> The upload towards the Emax is still to be tested, I have to write
> the test program for that first.
> 
> The device I used is a custom built USB<-->RS422 adapter which
> supports synchronous serial communication.
> The prototype of that device was designed and built by fellow member
> MrJulian, I just had to adapt it a little bit to make it work :-)
> 
> EMXP will be upgraded as soon as possible to support up and download
> of soundbanks with the Emax-I.
> Later Emulator II communication support will be added too, and also
> Emax-II of course.
> 
> With respect to the device itself, we'll have to see how this thing
> can be made available to Emax users. To be discussed with Julian... 
> 
> ///E-Synthesist
> 
>

Re: RS422 between Emax and PC

2009-12-20 by emax_dx5

Another point for the SCSI upgrade is for playing live with the emax.

It is far better to load samples from hard disk instead hooking up a laptop, then windows screwing up, then the computer freezes, then rebooting, then the crowd throwing tomatos :)



--- In emax@yahoogroups.com, Ted Summers <djtbs1@...> wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
> This sounds great, and I wonder if it could also be used on new Macs by
> running old MacOs in classic or sheepshaver or something similar? (so I
> could get rid of the old mac I have- I am intrigued)
> 
> On a side note, I don't get the "chop up" comment.
> That makes the modification sound like an unsupported "hack" or some such.
> 
> Those not comfortable retrofitting an Emax for the* *SCSI update that *Emu
> created -the vendor created this, not a hacker or modder....* can send the
> logic board to me (I sell the chip update kits, and have 16 yrs experience
> with electronics repair - worked in the industry), perhaps Jammie (here on
> the group), or a local electronics shop / synth repair shop.
> 
> I charge a reasonable $50 install fee (on top of the kit price).
> Probably cheaper labor than your local repair shop,as they usually charge by
> the hour, where mine's a flat fee.
> 
> The only contention I could see would be shipping.
> In the US that is typically about $15 each way (insured), from my
> experience.
> The benefit is, I can test the board in my Emax and verify there is no SCSI
> kit installation related issue.
> I have 2 Emax, 1 that is solely a repair testbed.
> A zip drive, flash drive, and hard drive to test with....
> 
> Besides which the final benefit of SCSI- have REMOVABLE media in the unit,
> and the bank load time will still be faster.
> 
> The advantage I see of having the RS422 adapter isn't in avoiding a SCSI
> update to the machine.
> I see it as perhaps an easier way to edit / tweak the sound and move it back
> and forth in the workflow. That is how I would use it.
> 
> Spending 39 seconds every time you change a bank is a far cry from the
> couple of seconds to switch banks on a SCSI device.
> 
> Once you have your samples /banks all figured out using Alchemy or Sound
> designer and on the Emax, you take that flash media over to the PC running
> EMXP and save the bank.
> Now the banks are all backed up on the PC and you have a image of the "HD" /
> flash / Zip... whatever you are using.
> 
> But that is just my opinion.
> 
> Regards,
> Ted
>

Re: RS422 between Emax and PC

2009-12-20 by esynthesist

True :-)

But I have to say that this custom RS422 device I have been using can probably also be changed into a standalone device with flash memory.
This thing could then be hooked up to the Emax via the RS422 and act as a small 'filehost' device towards the Emax. 
A little bit like the old CDS3 cdrom drives but much smaller...

Still: SCSI is much better and much faster !

By the way: I also tested the bank upload from PC to Emax today and it worked perfectly too. 
Bank transfer from PC to Emax via RS422 takes about 33 seconds.
Bank transfer from Emax to PC via RS422 takes aboyt 38 seconds.    

///E-Synthesist

--- In emax@yahoogroups.com, "emax_dx5" <cadena100rb@...> wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
> Another point for the SCSI upgrade is for playing live with the emax.
> 
> It is far better to load samples from hard disk instead hooking up a laptop, then windows screwing up, then the computer freezes, then rebooting, then the crowd throwing tomatos :)
> 
> 
> 
> --- In emax@yahoogroups.com, Ted Summers <djtbs1@> wrote:
> >
> > This sounds great, and I wonder if it could also be used on new Macs by
> > running old MacOs in classic or sheepshaver or something similar? (so I
> > could get rid of the old mac I have- I am intrigued)
> > 
> > On a side note, I don't get the "chop up" comment.
> > That makes the modification sound like an unsupported "hack" or some such.
> > 
> > Those not comfortable retrofitting an Emax for the* *SCSI update that *Emu
> > created -the vendor created this, not a hacker or modder....* can send the
> > logic board to me (I sell the chip update kits, and have 16 yrs experience
> > with electronics repair - worked in the industry), perhaps Jammie (here on
> > the group), or a local electronics shop / synth repair shop.
> > 
> > I charge a reasonable $50 install fee (on top of the kit price).
> > Probably cheaper labor than your local repair shop,as they usually charge by
> > the hour, where mine's a flat fee.
> > 
> > The only contention I could see would be shipping.
> > In the US that is typically about $15 each way (insured), from my
> > experience.
> > The benefit is, I can test the board in my Emax and verify there is no SCSI
> > kit installation related issue.
> > I have 2 Emax, 1 that is solely a repair testbed.
> > A zip drive, flash drive, and hard drive to test with....
> > 
> > Besides which the final benefit of SCSI- have REMOVABLE media in the unit,
> > and the bank load time will still be faster.
> > 
> > The advantage I see of having the RS422 adapter isn't in avoiding a SCSI
> > update to the machine.
> > I see it as perhaps an easier way to edit / tweak the sound and move it back
> > and forth in the workflow. That is how I would use it.
> > 
> > Spending 39 seconds every time you change a bank is a far cry from the
> > couple of seconds to switch banks on a SCSI device.
> > 
> > Once you have your samples /banks all figured out using Alchemy or Sound
> > designer and on the Emax, you take that flash media over to the PC running
> > EMXP and save the bank.
> > Now the banks are all backed up on the PC and you have a image of the "HD" /
> > flash / Zip... whatever you are using.
> > 
> > But that is just my opinion.
> > 
> > Regards,
> > Ted
> >
>

Re: RS422 between Emax and PC

2009-12-21 by thenewyorkcowboy

Great work!  That is the best Christmas present you could have given us all!  We'll be anxiously awaiting how to purchase one!

--- In emax@yahoogroups.com, "esynthesist" <esynthesist@...> wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
> True :-)
> 
> But I have to say that this custom RS422 device I have been using can probably also be changed into a standalone device with flash memory.
> This thing could then be hooked up to the Emax via the RS422 and act as a small 'filehost' device towards the Emax. 
> A little bit like the old CDS3 cdrom drives but much smaller...
> 
> Still: SCSI is much better and much faster !
> 
> By the way: I also tested the bank upload from PC to Emax today and it worked perfectly too. 
> Bank transfer from PC to Emax via RS422 takes about 33 seconds.
> Bank transfer from Emax to PC via RS422 takes aboyt 38 seconds.    
> 
> ///E-Synthesist
> 
> --- In emax@yahoogroups.com, "emax_dx5" <cadena100rb@> wrote:
> >
> > Another point for the SCSI upgrade is for playing live with the emax.
> > 
> > It is far better to load samples from hard disk instead hooking up a laptop, then windows screwing up, then the computer freezes, then rebooting, then the crowd throwing tomatos :)
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > --- In emax@yahoogroups.com, Ted Summers <djtbs1@> wrote:
> > >
> > > This sounds great, and I wonder if it could also be used on new Macs by
> > > running old MacOs in classic or sheepshaver or something similar? (so I
> > > could get rid of the old mac I have- I am intrigued)
> > > 
> > > On a side note, I don't get the "chop up" comment.
> > > That makes the modification sound like an unsupported "hack" or some such.
> > > 
> > > Those not comfortable retrofitting an Emax for the* *SCSI update that *Emu
> > > created -the vendor created this, not a hacker or modder....* can send the
> > > logic board to me (I sell the chip update kits, and have 16 yrs experience
> > > with electronics repair - worked in the industry), perhaps Jammie (here on
> > > the group), or a local electronics shop / synth repair shop.
> > > 
> > > I charge a reasonable $50 install fee (on top of the kit price).
> > > Probably cheaper labor than your local repair shop,as they usually charge by
> > > the hour, where mine's a flat fee.
> > > 
> > > The only contention I could see would be shipping.
> > > In the US that is typically about $15 each way (insured), from my
> > > experience.
> > > The benefit is, I can test the board in my Emax and verify there is no SCSI
> > > kit installation related issue.
> > > I have 2 Emax, 1 that is solely a repair testbed.
> > > A zip drive, flash drive, and hard drive to test with....
> > > 
> > > Besides which the final benefit of SCSI- have REMOVABLE media in the unit,
> > > and the bank load time will still be faster.
> > > 
> > > The advantage I see of having the RS422 adapter isn't in avoiding a SCSI
> > > update to the machine.
> > > I see it as perhaps an easier way to edit / tweak the sound and move it back
> > > and forth in the workflow. That is how I would use it.
> > > 
> > > Spending 39 seconds every time you change a bank is a far cry from the
> > > couple of seconds to switch banks on a SCSI device.
> > > 
> > > Once you have your samples /banks all figured out using Alchemy or Sound
> > > designer and on the Emax, you take that flash media over to the PC running
> > > EMXP and save the bank.
> > > Now the banks are all backed up on the PC and you have a image of the "HD" /
> > > flash / Zip... whatever you are using.
> > > 
> > > But that is just my opinion.
> > > 
> > > Regards,
> > > Ted
> > >
> >
>

Re: [emax] Re: RS422 between Emax and PC

2009-12-22 by michael.a.padilla

Since buying my Emax I keyboard in 1987, new, I have waited 22 years for someone, somewhere to be able to make this statement (quoted below):

"this custom RS422 device I have been using can probably also be changed into a standalone device with flash memory.
This thing could then be hooked up to the Emax via the RS422 and act as a small 'filehost' device towards the Emax. 
A little bit like the old CDS3 cdrom drives but much smaller..."

It really feels like Christmas.  Not having to hassle with "disk error" readings for ancient floppy disks that have finally gone bad.  

Needless to say, if this product gets made, i.e., a device with an RS422 plug on one end of a cable with a swappable flash card reader on the other end, I will definitely buy it.  Heck, I'd be pleased to pay a premium for such an innovation.  I hope those involved in this work bring such a product to market.  

Disclaimer:  I don't know any of the people involved with this R&D work!  

I continue to excitedly await how this develops.  
Show quoted textHide quoted text
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: esynthesist 
  To: emax@yahoogroups.com 
  Sent: Sunday, December 20, 2009 11:11 AM
  Subject: [emax] Re: RS422 between Emax and PC


    
  True :-)

  But I have to say that this custom RS422 device I have been using can probably also be changed into a standalone device with flash memory.
  This thing could then be hooked up to the Emax via the RS422 and act as a small 'filehost' device towards the Emax. 
  A little bit like the old CDS3 cdrom drives but much smaller...

  Still: SCSI is much better and much faster !

  By the way: I also tested the bank upload from PC to Emax today and it worked perfectly too. 
  Bank transfer from PC to Emax via RS422 takes about 33 seconds.
  Bank transfer from Emax to PC via RS422 takes aboyt 38 seconds. 

  ///E-Synthesist

  --- In emax@yahoogroups.com, "emax_dx5" <cadena100rb@...> wrote:
  >
  > Another point for the SCSI upgrade is for playing live with the emax.
  > 
  > It is far better to load samples from hard disk instead hooking up a laptop, then windows screwing up, then the computer freezes, then rebooting, then the crowd throwing tomatos :)
  > 
  > 
  > 
  > --- In emax@yahoogroups.com, Ted Summers <djtbs1@> wrote:
  > >
  > > This sounds great, and I wonder if it could also be used on new Macs by
  > > running old MacOs in classic or sheepshaver or something similar? (so I
  > > could get rid of the old mac I have- I am intrigued)
  > > 
  > > On a side note, I don't get the "chop up" comment.
  > > That makes the modification sound like an unsupported "hack" or some such.
  > > 
  > > Those not comfortable retrofitting an Emax for the* *SCSI update that *Emu
  > > created -the vendor created this, not a hacker or modder....* can send the
  > > logic board to me (I sell the chip update kits, and have 16 yrs experience
  > > with electronics repair - worked in the industry), perhaps Jammie (here on
  > > the group), or a local electronics shop / synth repair shop.
  > > 
  > > I charge a reasonable $50 install fee (on top of the kit price).
  > > Probably cheaper labor than your local repair shop,as they usually charge by
  > > the hour, where mine's a flat fee.
  > > 
  > > The only contention I could see would be shipping.
  > > In the US that is typically about $15 each way (insured), from my
  > > experience.
  > > The benefit is, I can test the board in my Emax and verify there is no SCSI
  > > kit installation related issue.
  > > I have 2 Emax, 1 that is solely a repair testbed.
  > > A zip drive, flash drive, and hard drive to test with....
  > > 
  > > Besides which the final benefit of SCSI- have REMOVABLE media in the unit,
  > > and the bank load time will still be faster.
  > > 
  > > The advantage I see of having the RS422 adapter isn't in avoiding a SCSI
  > > update to the machine.
  > > I see it as perhaps an easier way to edit / tweak the sound and move it back
  > > and forth in the workflow. That is how I would use it.
  > > 
  > > Spending 39 seconds every time you change a bank is a far cry from the
  > > couple of seconds to switch banks on a SCSI device.
  > > 
  > > Once you have your samples /banks all figured out using Alchemy or Sound
  > > designer and on the Emax, you take that flash media over to the PC running
  > > EMXP and save the bank.
  > > Now the banks are all backed up on the PC and you have a image of the "HD" /
  > > flash / Zip... whatever you are using.
  > > 
  > > But that is just my opinion.
  > > 
  > > Regards,
  > > Ted
  > >
  >



  

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Re: RS422 between Emax and PC

2009-12-22 by CressiauxP

Come on E-synthesis! I feel exactly the same and would be happy to use this.

--- In emax@yahoogroups.com, "michael.a.padilla" <michael.a.padilla@...> wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
> Since buying my Emax I keyboard in 1987, new, I have waited 22 years for someone, somewhere to be able to make this statement (quoted below):
> 
> "this custom RS422 device I have been using can probably also be changed into a standalone device with flash memory.
> This thing could then be hooked up to the Emax via the RS422 and act as a small 'filehost' device towards the Emax. 
> A little bit like the old CDS3 cdrom drives but much smaller..."
> 
> It really feels like Christmas.  Not having to hassle with "disk error" readings for ancient floppy disks that have finally gone bad.  
> 
> Needless to say, if this product gets made, i.e., a device with an RS422 plug on one end of a cable with a swappable flash card reader on the other end, I will definitely buy it.  Heck, I'd be pleased to pay a premium for such an innovation.  I hope those involved in this work bring such a product to market.  
> 
> Disclaimer:  I don't know any of the people involved with this R&D work!  
> 
> I continue to excitedly await how this develops.  
> 
> 
>   ----- Original Message ----- 
>   From: esynthesist 
>   To: emax@yahoogroups.com 
>   Sent: Sunday, December 20, 2009 11:11 AM
>   Subject: [emax] Re: RS422 between Emax and PC
> 
> 
>     
>   True :-)
> 
>   But I have to say that this custom RS422 device I have been using can probably also be changed into a standalone device with flash memory.
>   This thing could then be hooked up to the Emax via the RS422 and act as a small 'filehost' device towards the Emax. 
>   A little bit like the old CDS3 cdrom drives but much smaller...
> 
>   Still: SCSI is much better and much faster !
> 
>   By the way: I also tested the bank upload from PC to Emax today and it worked perfectly too. 
>   Bank transfer from PC to Emax via RS422 takes about 33 seconds.
>   Bank transfer from Emax to PC via RS422 takes aboyt 38 seconds. 
> 
>   ///E-Synthesist
> 
>   --- In emax@yahoogroups.com, "emax_dx5" <cadena100rb@> wrote:
>   >
>   > Another point for the SCSI upgrade is for playing live with the emax.
>   > 
>   > It is far better to load samples from hard disk instead hooking up a laptop, then windows screwing up, then the computer freezes, then rebooting, then the crowd throwing tomatos :)
>   > 
>   > 
>   > 
>   > --- In emax@yahoogroups.com, Ted Summers <djtbs1@> wrote:
>   > >
>   > > This sounds great, and I wonder if it could also be used on new Macs by
>   > > running old MacOs in classic or sheepshaver or something similar? (so I
>   > > could get rid of the old mac I have- I am intrigued)
>   > > 
>   > > On a side note, I don't get the "chop up" comment.
>   > > That makes the modification sound like an unsupported "hack" or some such.
>   > > 
>   > > Those not comfortable retrofitting an Emax for the* *SCSI update that *Emu
>   > > created -the vendor created this, not a hacker or modder....* can send the
>   > > logic board to me (I sell the chip update kits, and have 16 yrs experience
>   > > with electronics repair - worked in the industry), perhaps Jammie (here on
>   > > the group), or a local electronics shop / synth repair shop.
>   > > 
>   > > I charge a reasonable $50 install fee (on top of the kit price).
>   > > Probably cheaper labor than your local repair shop,as they usually charge by
>   > > the hour, where mine's a flat fee.
>   > > 
>   > > The only contention I could see would be shipping.
>   > > In the US that is typically about $15 each way (insured), from my
>   > > experience.
>   > > The benefit is, I can test the board in my Emax and verify there is no SCSI
>   > > kit installation related issue.
>   > > I have 2 Emax, 1 that is solely a repair testbed.
>   > > A zip drive, flash drive, and hard drive to test with....
>   > > 
>   > > Besides which the final benefit of SCSI- have REMOVABLE media in the unit,
>   > > and the bank load time will still be faster.
>   > > 
>   > > The advantage I see of having the RS422 adapter isn't in avoiding a SCSI
>   > > update to the machine.
>   > > I see it as perhaps an easier way to edit / tweak the sound and move it back
>   > > and forth in the workflow. That is how I would use it.
>   > > 
>   > > Spending 39 seconds every time you change a bank is a far cry from the
>   > > couple of seconds to switch banks on a SCSI device.
>   > > 
>   > > Once you have your samples /banks all figured out using Alchemy or Sound
>   > > designer and on the Emax, you take that flash media over to the PC running
>   > > EMXP and save the bank.
>   > > Now the banks are all backed up on the PC and you have a image of the "HD" /
>   > > flash / Zip... whatever you are using.
>   > > 
>   > > But that is just my opinion.
>   > > 
>   > > Regards,
>   > > Ted
>   > >
>   >
> 
> 
> 
>   
> 
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

Re: [emax] Re: RS422 between Emax and PC

2010-02-07 by michael.a.padilla

Wondering where the below R&D project is at (12/21/09 email):

"this custom RS422 device I have been using can probably also be changed into a standalone device with flash memory.
This thing could then be hooked up to the Emax via the RS422 and act as a small 'filehost' device towards the Emax. 
A little bit like the old CDS3 cdrom drives but much smaller..."


Also, query whether there are still any of those SCSI conversion kits for non-HD Emax I's?  

   



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Re: RS422 between Emax and PC

2010-02-07 by esynthesist

The project to turn the device into a USB host for using it as a standalone flash device on Emax or EII has not started yet.
We first want to "release" the version which is "just" an RS422/USB adapter between Emax/EII and computer, because that implementation exists and has been tested already. Moreover it is much simpler from the firmware perspective.

I have to admit that even that first release is being delayed, both at device level and at EMXP software level.
The device itself will probably be released as schematics and parts list, including open source code for the firmware, so that anyone can make the device him/herself. I'm sure people around here will also offer their services to build the device for people not familiar with electronics. Julian (fellow member) was going to update the schematics, but I may publish an update version as well.

The EMXP software has already been updated with Emulator II upload/download support (only in the labs, not for download yet), and the Emax feature is being implemented right now. But due to major lack of time, the whole project is slowing down. Sorry for that... 

Once the first release has been done (should be 1Q2010 still) I will probably start the research for the standalone flash device.
I hope that the current hardware schematics for using the device as an RS422/USB adapter will be sufficient for using it as a USB flash host device in the future too. But I can't guarantee that. The firmware for sure will have to be replaced.

///E-Synthesist

--- In emax@yahoogroups.com, "michael.a.padilla" <michael.a.padilla@...> wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
> Wondering where the below R&D project is at (12/21/09 email):
> 
> "this custom RS422 device I have been using can probably also be changed into a standalone device with flash memory.
> This thing could then be hooked up to the Emax via the RS422 and act as a small 'filehost' device towards the Emax. 
> A little bit like the old CDS3 cdrom drives but much smaller..."
> 
> 
> Also, query whether there are still any of those SCSI conversion kits for non-HD Emax I's?  
> 
>    
> 
> 
> 
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

Re: [emax] Re: RS422 between Emax and PC

2010-02-08 by Julian

I've been playing around at home with different configurations to
determine the best clock receiver. That should be done in the next week
or 2? then I'll release schematics and BOM for anyone who wants to DIY
their own on veroboard.

In the meantime I've also found a better AVR USB board to use (smaller,
less stuff on it, and 0.1" connector pitch with USB 5V available on a
connector, plus a clock that runs at 2x the speed of the current one.
Think it might be cheaper, too.. but it is a different micro, too. so
not a no brainer swap)  So.. I'll get myself one of these new boards,
because this would be much preferred to build with for most people (the
0.05" headers on my current board I'm using are a right pain, especially
when they come pre filled with solder like the last 2 units I bought)

after this, and playing with the new AVE USB board, I'll eventully have
a PCB design to use the USB board, plus a couple of chips, and a few
resistors and caps, to make the complete RS422/usb adapter. so then we
can do PCBs to make the assembly easier for people... I'm doing this in
my spare time when I'm not hanging out with my girlfriend or working on
my own music or working on other home projects, so it may be a while.


On Sun, 07 Feb 2010 12:50 +0000, "esynthesist" <esynthesist@...>
wrote:
> The project to turn the device into a USB host for using it as a
> standalone flash device on Emax or EII has not started yet.
> We first want to "release" the version which is "just" an RS422/USB
> adapter between Emax/EII and computer, because that implementation exists
> and has been tested already. Moreover it is much simpler from the
> firmware perspective.
> 
> I have to admit that even that first release is being delayed, both at
> device level and at EMXP software level.
> The device itself will probably be released as schematics and parts list,
> including open source code for the firmware, so that anyone can make the
> device him/herself. I'm sure people around here will also offer their
> services to build the device for people not familiar with electronics.
> Julian (fellow member) was going to update the schematics, but I may
> publish an update version as well.
> 
> The EMXP software has already been updated with Emulator II
> upload/download support (only in the labs, not for download yet), and the
> Emax feature is being implemented right now. But due to major lack of
> time, the whole project is slowing down. Sorry for that... 
> 
> Once the first release has been done (should be 1Q2010 still) I will
> probably start the research for the standalone flash device.
> I hope that the current hardware schematics for using the device as an
> RS422/USB adapter will be sufficient for using it as a USB flash host
> device in the future too. But I can't guarantee that. The firmware for
> sure will have to be replaced.
> 
-- 
http://bleepin.com

-- 
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