Kurzweil PCX1INST User Manual

Kurzweil PCX-1

Polyphony Expansion Kit Installation Guide

Second Edition, December 1, 2000

©2000 All rights reserved. Kurzweil is a product line of Young Chang Co.; Kurzweil, PC2, PC2X, PC2R, and PCX-1 are trademarks of Young Chang Co. All other products and brand names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Product features and speciﬁcations are subject to change without notice.

Part Number: 910353 Rev. B

Young Chang Distributors

Contact the nearest Young Chang ofﬁce listed below to locate your local Young Chang/ Kurzweil representative.

Young Chang America, Inc.

P.O. Box 99995 Lakewood, WA 98499-0995 Tel: (253) 589-3200 Fax: (253) 984-0245

Young Chang Co., Ltd.

178-55 Gajwa-Dong Seo-Ku, Inchon, Korea 404-714 Tel: 011-82-32-570-1380 Fax: 011-82-32-570-1218

Young Chang Akki Europe GmbH

Industriering 45 D-41751 Viersen Germany Tel: 011-49-2162-4491 Fax: 011-49-2162-41744

Young Chang America, Inc. (Canadian Division)

3650 Victoria Park Ave. Suite 105 Toronto, Ontario Canada M2H 3P7 Tel: (416) 492-9899 Fax: (416) 492-9299

The Polyphony Expansion Kit

Thanks for purchasing the PCX-1 Polyphony Expansion Kit! This kit (part number 140071) doubles the polyphony of Kurzweil PC2s—from 64 voices to 128. This document contains instructions for installing the PCX-1 in all PC2 models: the 76-key PC2, the 88-key PC2X, and the rack-mount PC2R.

Please read the all of the introductory information (through Tools and Materials Required for

Installation ) before proceeding with the installation. Then go to Installing in Keyboard Models on

page 6 if you’re installing the PCX-1 in a keyboard, or Installing in Rack-Mount Models on page 13 if you’re installing it in a rack unit.

Contents of the Kit

In addition to this document, your PCX-1 kit should contain the following items:

• Polyphony Expansion board (PCX-1 board)

• Two screws (not needed for keyboard models)

• Floppy disk containing PC2 operating system and boot block software upgrades

• Floppy disk containing PC2 soundware upgrades

Safety Precautions

To prevent risk of electrocution, make sure that the PC2 or PC2R is disconnected from its power supply before you begin disassembling the instrument.

Static electricity, even in small amounts, can cause damage to electronic components (especially memory). Before disassembling the instrument, touch a conductive metal surface to discharge any static electricity that you may have built up.

Saving Y our Data

You may need to update one or more PC2 software components as part of your PCX-1 installation (see Checking Software Versions on page 4). If you do need to update any software, you’ll need to do a hard reset after the update. This deletes all user-deﬁned data (programs, setups, and effects) from the PC2’s memory. If you want to keep your user data, you should do a SysEx dump of all objects before you update your software.

The Polyphony Expansion Kit

System Requirements

All PC2 series instruments contain three main software components.

Operating system software Deﬁnes the performance and editing characteristics of the PC2.

Soundware Deﬁnes the characteristics of programs and setups. Must be

Boot block software Contains diagnostic software and other functions (like software

If you have a PC2R (the rack-mount model), you’ll need to check the version of the operating

system software , as described below (you don’t need to check the versions of the soundware or

boot block software, since all PC2Rs have at least Version 2.0 of these software components). If you have any of the keyboard models, you’ll need to check the versions of all three software components.

Must be Version 2.1 or later to work correctly with the PCX-1.

Version 2.0 or later to work correctly with the PCX-1.

updates) not related to performance or editing. Must be Version

2.0 or later to work correctly with the PCX-1.

Checking Software Versions

PC2 and PC2X (Keyboard)

You need to check the versions of all three software components. As you check each software component, make a note of whether you need to update it. If you need to update one or more components, turn to Updating Software on page 6. If you don’t need to update any components, proceed to Removing the Access Panel on page 10.

PC2R (Rack-Mount)

Remember, you already have Version 2.0 or later of the soundware and boot block software, so all you need to check is the version of your operating system software (see Checking the Operating

System Software Version on page 5). If the operating system software needs updating, turn to Updating Software on page 13. If it doesn’t need updating, turn to Removing the Top Panel on

page 15.

Checking the Boot Block Software Version (Keyboards only)

The boot block isn’t accessible during normal PC2 operations, since the only time you’ll need to use it is when you want to run diagnostics, install a ROM sound option, or update software.

To activate the boot block, turn the instrument on, and watch the display (if it’s already on, turn it off then on again). When you see starts the boot block. After a few seconds, you’ll see another message indicating that you’re running the boot block. The bottom line of the display shows the version of the boot block software. This message doesn’t remain visible for long, so check it quickly. If the version number is lower than 2.0, you need to update your boot block (see page 7).

Please|wait...

, press and release the Panic button. This

To return to normal operation, press the Right cursor button until you see bottom line of the display, then press Yes .

Run|engine

in the

The Polyphony Expansion Kit

Tools and Materials Required for Installation

Checking the Operating System Software Version

There are two ways to check the version of the operating system software. The ﬁrst is to watch the display as the instrument powers up. During powerup, the display shows several messages. One of these messages is operating system software on the bottom line of the display.

The second way to check the version of the operating system software is to check the value of one of the parameters in the Global menu. Press the Global button, then press the Right cursor button until you see a parameter called OS Version.

Whichever method you use, if the operating system version is lower than 2.1 , you need to update your operating system software. See Updating Operating System Software on page 8 (for keyboards) or page 14 (rack-mount).

Welcome|to|the|PC2

; this message also indicates the version of the

Checking the Soundware Version (Keyboards only)

To check the version of your soundware, select Program 127 in the User bank (Bank 1). This is a sine wave that the PC2 uses in its internal diagnostics. The program name should be Sine v2.0 (or a higher number). If the number is lower than 2.0 , you need to update your soundware (see page 8).

Tools and Materials Required for Installation

• #1 (small) Phillips screwdriver

• Two thick foam pads (keyboard models only)

You’ll need a ﬂat work area large enough to accommodate the disassembled instrument. Most tabletops will work for the PC2R, but keyboard models require more space—up to 60-by-30 inches, depending on the length of the keyboard. The foam pads listed in the required materials will protect the Alpha Wheel and sliders on keyboard units.

Tools and Materials Required for Software Updates

If you own a keyboard model and you need to update your operating system software, soundware, or boot block, you’ll also need the following:

• Stand-alone sequencer or MIDI ﬁle player that has a ﬂoppy drive and can send System Exclusive (SysEx) data—or a personal computer (either Windows-compatible or a Macintosh or other computer capable of reading DOS disks and ﬁles) equipped with MIDI interface, floppy disk drive, and sequencing software capable of sending SysEx data.

• MIDI cable

Sequencer Software for Windows-Compatible Computers

For Windows-compatible computers, we recommend using Windows Media Player, which you can download from the following site:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/en/Download/default.asp

The Polyphony Expansion Kit

Installing in Keyboard Models

We’ve also tested Cakewalk and Logic, although some versions of Cakewalk send the SysEx data too quickly for the PC2 to process. If you use Cakewalk and you’re unable to update, please see Cakewalk’s on-line help, which describes how to modify an INI ﬁle to reduce the SysEx transmission speed.

Sequencer Software for Macintosh

We’ve tested MIDIGraphy 1.4.3, which you can download from the following site (note that there’s no “ www ” in this URL):

http://member.nifty.ne.jp/mmaeda/e/works.html

Older versions of MIDIGraphy tend to crash with Mac OS 8 and 9. Additionally, Windows Media Player for the Macintosh does not work at all.

We’ve also tested Performer 5.0.1 (at tempos up to 215 BPM), and Logic.

Installing in Keyboard Models

If you haven’t checked the versions of your boot block software, operating system software, and soundware, do so before beginning installation. To function properly, the PCX-1 requires Version 2.0 or later of the soundware and boot block software, and Version 2.1 or later of the operating system software.

See Checking Software Versions on page 4 to learn how to check software versions. If you need to update one or more software components, see Updating Software below. Otherwise, turn to

Removing the Access Panel on page 10.

Updating Software

You’ll need to update any software components that aren’t current with the system requirements listed on page 4. Updating the software is extremely convenient; all you have to do is load one or more MIDI ﬁles into the PC2’s ﬂash ROM using a sequencer application. Here’s how to set it up.

Saving Objects

Updating software components requires you to do a hard reset before resuming normal operations. This deletes all user-deﬁned information from the PC2’s memory. You should dump all user-deﬁned programs, setups, and effects to an external memory source (like a computer sequencer) before updating your software. Otherwise, they’ll be lost.

See the programming chapter in your PC2 Musician’s Guide for information about dumping programs and other objects.

Preparing Y our Computer

1. Connect a MIDI cable from the MIDI Out port on your personal computer or MIDI interface to the PC2’s MIDI In port.

2. Launch the sequencer application on the personal computer.

The Polyphony Expansion Kit

Installing in Keyboard Models

Launching the PC2’s Boot Block

You’ll need to run the boot block for any software updates you make (including updating the boot block itself).

1. If the PC2 is on, turn it off.

2. Turn the PC2 on, and watch the display.

3. When you see you’ll see

Please|wait...

Main|Menu

in the top line of the display, and

line. This is the boot block.

4. Follow the instructions in one or more of the following subsections, depending on which software components need updating.

Updating Boot Block Software

1. When the boot block has ﬁnished launching, press the Right cursor button until you see

Update|boot|block

2. Press Yes . The display changes to

3. Press Yes . The display changes to

4. Insert the PC2 operating system/boot block disk into the ﬂoppy drive of your computer.

5. Using the sequencer application on your computer, open the MIDI ﬁle whose name starts

with PC2BK... . The BK stands for “ b oot block, k eyboard.” The three digits after the BK

indicate the version number (for example, 210 indicates Version 2.1).

6. Play the MIDI ﬁle. The top line of the display shows bottom line shows beats per minute. When the ﬁle ﬁnishes loading, the PC2 will restart and return to a performance mode.

7. Turn off the PC2, then turn it back on and press Panic when you see the display. This launches the new boot block. You should see the new version number as the boot block launches.

in the bottom line of the display.

segment|1|of|1

, press and release the Panic button. After a few seconds,

Install|engine

Update|boot|block|via|MIDI

Waiting|for|MIDI

SYS3-0|file|1|of|1

in the bottom

, and the

. This ﬁle takes just under a minute to load at 215

Please|Wait...

8. Follow the instructions in one or both of the following subsections, depending on which software components need updating. If you need to update the boot block software, chances are that you’ll need to update both the operating system software and the soundware as well. However, if you don’t need to update any more software components, proceed to Doing a Hard Reset (page 9).

The Polyphony Expansion Kit

Installing in Keyboard Models

Updating Operating System Software

The operating system software, together with the soundware data, are part of the PC2 sound engine. You’ll use the system software and the soundware.

1. When the boot block has ﬁnished launching, press Yes (this selects the Install|engine option, which is the ﬁrst option in the boot block menu). The display changes to

Install|engine|via|MIDI.

2. Press Yes . The display changes to Waiting|for|MIDI.

3. If necessary, insert the PC2 operating system/boot block disk into the computer’s ﬂoppy drive.

4. Using the sequencer application on your computer, open the MIDI ﬁle whose name starts

with PC2K.... The K stands for “keyboard operating system.” The three digits after the K

indicate the version number.

Install|engine (sound engine) option to install both the operating

5. Play the MIDI ﬁle. The top line of the display shows

SYS3-0|file|1|of|1, and the

bottom line shows segment|1|of|8. This ﬁle takes about four minutes to load at 215 beats per minute. When the display shows Done, stop the sequencer (some sequencers will stop automatically at the end of the SysEx data).

6. Press Cancel. The display shows Install|engine|via|MIDI.

7. Follow the instructions in the next subsection if you need to update soundware data. If you don’t need to update soundware, proceed to Doing a Hard Reset (page 9).

Updating Soundware

The soundware data, together with the operating system software, are part of the PC2 sound engine. You’ll use the Install|engine (sound engine) option to install both the operating system software and the soundware.

This procedure assumes that you’ve just ﬁnished launching the boot block, and the bottom line of the display shows Install|engine. If instead you’ve just ﬁnished updating the operating system software (and the display shows Install|engine|via|MIDI), go to Step 3.

1. Press the Left or Right cursor button until you see Install|engine in the bottom line of the display.

2. Press Yes . The display changes to Install|engine|via|MIDI.

3. Press Yes . The display changes to Waiting|for|MIDI.

4. Insert the PC2 soundware disk into the ﬂoppy drive of your computer.

5. Using the sequencer application on your computer, open the MIDI ﬁle whose name starts

with PC2S.... The S stands for “soundware” (for keyboard and rack-mount). The three

digits after the S indicate the version number.

6. Play the MIDI ﬁle. The top line of the display shows SYS3-0|file|1|of|1, and the bottom line shows segment|1|of|13. This ﬁle takes a little over six minutes to load at 215 beats per minute. When the display shows Done, stop the sequencer (some sequencers will stop automatically at the end of the SysEx data).

7. Press Cancel twice to return to the boot block menu.

8. Do a hard reset, as described in the following subsection.

The Polyphony Expansion Kit

Installing in Keyboard Models

Doing a Hard Reset

This procedure assumes that you’re in the boot block menu. If you aren’t, relaunch the boot block (see page 7 if you need a reminder), then proceed.

1. Press the Left or Right cursor button until you see HARD|RESET in the bottom line of the display.

2. Press Yes . The display prompts you with a question: Erase|RAM|objects?

3. Press Yes . This performs the hard reset and returns you to the boot block menu.

4. Follow the instructions in Returning to Normal Operations below.

Returning to Normal Operations

1. Press the Left or Right cursor button until you see Run|engine in the bottom line of the display.

2. Press Yes. After a few seconds, you’ll be back in a performance mode. You’re now ready to begin the installation of the PCX-1 board. Turn to page 10.

Troubleshooting for Software Updates

You’re not likely to have problems updating your software. In fact, there are very few things that can go wrong:

Display is Stuck at “Waiting for MIDI”

The MIDI signal isn’t getting to the PC2. Make sure that the computer’s MIDI Out is connected to the PC2’s MIDI In. Make sure the cable isn’t defective. Try another cable if necessary.

Display Never Shows “Done”

The PC2 isn’t receiving all of the MIDI ﬁle data. Try playing the MIDI ﬁle at a lower tempo.

If you’re still having problems, consult a Kurzweil dealer or service center.

The Polyphony Expansion Kit

Installing in Keyboard Models

Removing the Access Panel

The PCX-1 board fits into the access opening at the bottom of the keyboard, so the ﬁrst step is to remove the panel.

1. Make sure that the PC2 is disconnected from its power supply, and that you’ve discharged any residual static electricity by touching a conductive object (like the metal casing of the PC2 itself).

2. Position the foam pads on your work surface so that they’ll support the ends of the keyboard.

3. Place the PC2 face-down on the foam pads, with the keyboard facing away from you. Make sure that the PC2 is not resting on the Alpha Wheel or sliders.

4. Using a #1 Phillips screwdriver, remove the seven screws that secure the access panel, as shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1 Removing the retaining screws

5. Remove the access panel by lifting its far edge and pulling it up and away from you.

Installing the PCX-1 Board

1. Locate the Engine board (see Figure 2), and identify the four white plastic standoffs (vertical pins) that will hold the PCX-1 board in place. Also notice the 24-pin male connector on the Engine board. This will plug into the connector on the PCX-1 board.

The Polyphony Expansion Kit

Installing in Keyboard Models

24-pin male connector on Engine board

Figure 2 PC2 Engine board

2. Identify the 24-pin female connector (J805) on the PCX-1 board. It’s on the bottom of the board—all of the other components are on the top of the board. Also notice the four holes that will align with the standoffs on the Engine board.

3. Grasp the board as shown in Figure 3 (page 12). The connector (J805) should be at the left side of the board, and facing away from you. Holding the board vertically, insert it through the access opening, then rotate it until it’s horizontal.

4. Align the holes in the PCX-1 board with the standoffs on the Engine board. This will align the connectors. All four standoffs should protrude through the PCX-1 board.

5. Snap the PCX-1 board onto each of the four standoffs, one at a time, by pressing on the board near the location where each standoff protrudes through the board. You should both feel and hear the board snap into each standoff.

The Polyphony Expansion Kit

Installing in Keyboard Models

Hold board here

24-pin female connector on PCX-1 board

Figure 3 Inserting the PCX-1 board

Reassembly and Veriﬁcation

1. Replace the access panel, and replace the retaining screws.

2. Turn the PC2 on, and watch the display. It should show Welcome|to|the|PC2p (for 76-key models) or Welcome|to|the|PC2xp (for 88-key models), then should go to a performance mode. If you don’t see the p in the instrument name, the PCX-1 board is not installed properly, and you should repeat the installation procedure or consult a Kurzweil dealer or service center.

Installing in Rack-Mount Models

If you haven’t checked the version of your operating system software, do so before beginning installation. To function properly, the PCX-1 requires Version 2.1 or later of the operating system software. (The soundware and boot block software don’t need to be updated, since all PC2Rs have at least Version 2.0 of these software components.)

See Checking Software Versions on page 4 to learn how to check software versions. If you need to update the operating system software, see Updating Software below. Otherwise, turn to Removing the Top Panel on page 15.