MOTM

> I thought it could be updated over MIDI?  Then all you'd need would be
> a target tool chain and a MIDI interface.

Yes, updates that *customers* will get are in fact downloaded
over MIDI using the Updater program I posted about.

But this is a special, formatted file. It has checksums and other stuff embedded 
in it.
Sort of like the old Xmodem protocol.

And, in order for the Updater to "do its thing", the Atmel uP needs a code 
pre-loaded
called the Boot Loader. This is loaded in with my Xeltek device programmer:

http://www.xeltek.com/product.php?productid=16220

Using a DIP-to-PLCC adapter socket. After I install the Boot loader, *then* it 
can
talk to the Updater.

> It's just a pity that something as inherently malleable as software
> needs to be locked down.

Well, there will be sufficient info in the manual so that anyone can insert 
their own uP
programmed with different code to run the '650. The hardware is not that 
"sophisticated",
it's just quite accurate, DC-wise. Writing to the display is on the 'net already 
(uses industry
standard Hitachi 44100 instructions), the 4 keys are I/O pins, and the DACs are 
just SPI
peripherals. The MIDI in and out  use the internal UART. Piece of cake :)

Paul S.