MIDI dummy – can't install the firmware.

[JuffajoParticipant]

Hi there

I’m having problems installing the ZAQuencer demo. I’ve searched the forums and the manual and can’t find any clues.

I’m using MIDI-OX and an AKAI MPK25 to send the sysex. I don’t really understand sysex and this is my first time trying to do anything with it, and I’m sure my problem lies here somewhere.

I’ve set the buffer size and delay in MIDI-OX as specified in the manual. When I send the Sysex message, the BCR appears to be receiving it: the green LED flashes during the transfer. I turn the BCR off and on again – and it starts as normal. T The screen displays P-1. The LEDs are lit up just as they were, the PLAY button does nothing, I don’t see the three LEDs lit up on each rotary controller. Connecting it to my Volca Keys has no effect.

Any ideas?

Do I need to put my AKAI MIDI controller into a special mode to send the file?

Thanks in advance for your time.

[alien_brainParticipant]

try elektron c6 and make sure your akai handles sysex

[ChristianKeymaster]

Hi luffajo,
sorry to hear that the install is not a smooth process for you.

You didn´t mention that you see numbers counting up during install, so I think that there is something wrong with the transmission. It sounds like it´s either the interface or certain settings.

Please have a look at this thread for possible solutions:
https://zaqaudio.com/forums/topic/firmware-installation-help

[JuffajoParticipant]

Thanks for your response guys.

Yes you’re right, there were no numbers on the BCR screen.

Alien Brain – thanks, I will try using elektron6 a bit later.

I think the problem might be that my Akai can’t transmit Sysex. It says in the manual it can send Sysex TX, but I think this is only Sysex info from the Akai itself.

Zaq – I’ve seen the post by Cyril in the other thread, saying that he used a USB connection straight from the computer. You say that this only works for the first upload. Does this mean I should do it with the full (paid for) version, rather than the demo? If I upload the demo via USB, does this mean I won’t then be able to upload the full version aftwerwards?

Thanks again for your time.

[ChristianKeymaster]

Hi again,
yes the USB method only works for one single upload coming from the original Behringer firmware.

USB functionality is disabled in the Zaquencer, both the Demo and the full version.
To answer your question specifically, if you´d use the USB method to upload the Demo and do not have a working Midi interface, you wouldn´t be able to upload the full version afterwards.

If the fault lies with your Midi interface, I highly recommend getting a SysEx capable Midi Interface (like the inexpensive M-Audio Midisport Uno) to retain flexibility in uploading firmwares.

Cheers!

[JuffajoParticipant]

Just an update for anyone with similar issues…

The AKAI MPK series does not transmit Sysex. I used the USB method and it worked great. If I ever need to install an update I supposed I’ll have to find someone with a Sysex-transmitting MIDI device – for now I’m a happy customer.

Thanks so much to Zaquencer for it’s behind-the-scenes trouble-shooting assistance: the customer service really is great!

[Author]

Posts