VG-99 & FC-300 Documentation and Knowledge Base

Started by Elantric, January 23, 2008, 06:13:22 PM

Previous topic - Next topic

0 Members and 6 Guests are viewing this topic.

Elantric


VG-99 Support Documents
http://www.rolandus.com/support/by_product/vg-99/support_documents/

VG-99 Q&A
http://cdn.roland.com/assets/media/pdf/VG_99_Q_A.pdf

VG-99 Owners Manual E4 (English Fourth Edition)  - Adds info on Firmware 1.04 Piezo GK positions
http://lib.roland.co.jp/manual/en/dl_07-19743/VG-99_e4.pdf

VG-99 Turbo Start
http://www.rolandus.com/uploads/CMS/Downloads/2150/VG99ts.pdf

VG-99 Preset Patch List
http://lib.roland.co.jp/manual/en/dl_07-19865/VG-99_l_patch-list_je2.pdf

VG-99 Connecting the GK Cable
http://lib.roland.co.jp/manual/en/dl_07-19921/VG-99_l_FerriteCore_je1.pdf

INFOCUS 02: ROLAND'S LIBRARIAN SOFTWARE
http://www.rolandus.com/support/by_product/vg-99/support_documents/4398

Roland COSM in depth:
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=88.0

Roland Japan Front Scene Article on VG-99 & FC-300
http://www.roland.co.jp/FrontScene/0708_VG-99/index.html

VG-99 Workshop 1 - Introduction to the VG-99
http://cdn.roland.com/assets/media/pdf/VG99WS01.pdf

VG-99 Workshop 2 - Pickup Settings
http://cdn.roland.com/assets/media/pdf/VG99WS02.pdf

VG-99 Workshop 3 - On-the-Gig Sound Settings
http://cdn.roland.com/assets/media/pdf/VG99WS03.pdf

VG-99 Workshop 4 - Using the Built-in Tuner
http://cdn.roland.com/assets/media/pdf/VG99WS04.pdf


VG-99 Workshop 5 - Working with Patches
http://cdn.roland.com/assets/media/pdf/VG99WS05.pdf



FC300 Support Documents
http://www.rolandus.com/support/by_product/fc-300/owners_manuals/

Roland FC-300 Owners Manual E2 (English Second Edition)
http://cdn.roland.com/assets/media/pdf/FC-300_OM.pdf

FC-300 Turbo Start
http://cms.rolandus.com/assets/media/pdf/fc_300_turbo_start.pdf

FC-300 Applications Guide - FC300 and GT-PRO
http://cdn.roland.com/assets/media/pdf/GT-PRO_l_FC-300_AP.pdf

VG-99 FULL MIDI Implementation  - complete (Japanese )
http://tinyurl.com/62y5ey

english translated
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=2968.0




Programming Roland/Boss COSM FX
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=88.0


Elantric

VG-99 Knowledge Base (Jan. 7, 2008)

From Roland US Knowledge Base
http://backstage.rolandus.com/knowledge_base/index.php

==============================

Weight and Dimensions
Knowledge Base ID: 104715
Product: VG-99

VG-99 V-GUITAR SYSTEM

Width: 384 mm 15-1/8 inches
Depth: 218 mm 8-5/8 inches
Height: 94 mm 3-11/16 inches
Weight: 2.1 kg 4 lbs. 11 oz.

==

Setting Sensitivity
Knowledge Base ID: 104726
Product: VG-99

Setting the sensitivity for the divided pickup is crucial for optimum playing results. Use the following steps to adjust the pickup sensitivity in the VG-99:

1. Press the SYSTEM button.

2. Press the PAGE left or right buttons to select page one.

3. Press the F3 button (GK).

4. Press PAGE left or right to select page 2.

5. Press F1 repeatedly to select the type of pickup that you have - GK-3, GK-2A, PIEZO.

6. Press PAGE right twice to select page 4.

7. Play the high E string repeatedly with moderate force.

8. Turn the F1 knob while playing the string to adjust the sensitivity value so the box appears at the right side of the display.

9. Adjust the sensitivity for each of the remaining strings using the F2-F6 knobs.

Tip: For additional details about further adjustment of the GK settings, refer to pages 21and 22 in the VG-99 manual.

10. Press EXIT twice when you re finished.

==

Making Connections
Knowledge Base ID: 104727
Product: VG-99

Making Connections

1. Confirm that the power is off on the VG-99.

2. Connect one end of the 13 pin cable to the GK pickup.
3. Connect the other end of the 13 pin cable to the GK IN on the VG-99.

4. With a standard guitar or instrument cable, connect the L(MONO) MAIN OUTPUT on the VG-99 to the INPUT on your amp, mixer, or PA. If you prefer, connect your headphones to the PHONES output.

Note: No modeling sound is produced at the GUITAR OUT on the VG-99. Use the GUITAR OUT to send your dry guitar signal to a different amp if desired.

5. Now turn on the VG-99 and your amp.

==

Using the Tuner
Knowledge Base ID: 104728
Product: VG-99

The VG-99 features an on-board Tuner that lets you quickly and easily tune your guitar. Here's how to use the Tuner:

1. Press TUNER.

2. Play the 1st (high E) string unfretted repeatedly.

3. Tune the guitar until "E" shows in the center between the two pointing arrows ( >E< ). If a different letter shows in the display, continue to tune the string until the "E" shows up.

4. Repeat the tuning process for the remaining strings.

5. Press EXIT when you're finished

==

The Output Select
Knowledge Base ID: 104729
Product: VG-99

It's a good idea to tell the VG-99 what you're connected to for amplification; i.e. a guitar amp or PA system etc. This setting referred to Output Select allows the VG-99 to internally optimize its sound for the type of playback system you're using.

1. Press GLOBAL.

2. Press PAGE left to select page 1.

3. Turn the F4 knob to select the output that best suits the amplifier or mixer you are connected to.

4. Press EXIT when you're finished

==

Selecting Patches
Knowledge Base ID: 104730
Product: VG-99

There are 200 Preset and 200 User Patches in the VG-99. Here's how to select them:

1. Turn the PATCH/VALUE dial to select a patch.

To select patches by category, you can;
1. Press CATEGORY.

2. Press F1 or F2 to select the category.

3. Turn the PATCH/VALUE dial, or press F3 or F4 to select a desired patch.


==

Selecting Guitar Models
Knowledge Base ID: 104731
Product: VG-99

The VG-99 offers a stunning collection of different
guitar models to choose from. Two models can be
used simultaneously if desired. Use the following
steps to audition a few of them. Let's use patch 204
"Acoustic" for our example:

1. Turn the VALUE dial to select preset patch "204 ACOUSTIC."

2. Press the "A" button.

3. Turn the F2 knob to select the desired modeling group.

4. Turn the F3 knob to select and audition the different models within the group.

Tip: You can also press the F2 or F3 buttons to select the various models.

5. Press EXIT when you're finished.


==

Alternate Tunings
Knowledge Base ID: 104732
Product: VG-99

The Alternate Tuning capabilities are amazing in the VG-99. Each string can have its own desired tuning and can be instantly accessed from each patch. Here's how to choose different tunings for each string. For this example, we'll use patch 213 "Jazz combo."

1. Turn the VALUE dial to select 213 Jazz combo.

2. Press the ALTERNATE TUNING button.

3. Press F1 until A/B LINK is set to ON.

4. Turn the F3 knob clockwise to select ON.

5. Turn the F4 knob clockwise to choose USER.

6. Press F3 (USER).

7. Turn the F1 knob to adjust the tuning for the 1st (High E) string.

8. Now turn F2 to tune the 2nd (B) string.

9. Turn each of the remaining F knobs as desired.

10. Press EXIT twice when you're finished.


==

The Effect Chain
Knowledge Base ID: 104733
Product: VG-99

Changing the order of the effects is done within the Chain section of the VG-99. Positioning an effect before or after another can significantly change the sound character of a patch. Use the following steps to move an effect within the Chain:

1. Select a desired patch to edit.

2. Press CHAIN.

3. Press the F2 or F3 button to select the effect you want to move.

4. Press F4 or F5 to move the selected effect to a new location.

5. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 for any other effects.

6. Press EXIT when you're finished.


==


Naming and Storing User Patches
Knowledge Base ID: 104734
Product: VG-99

It's possible to custom name and store your own user patches in the VG-99 and there are 200 locations available to do so. Here's how:

1. Press WRITE.

2. Press F1 (NAME).

3. Turn the PATCH/VALUE dial to select the desired first character.

4. Press PAGE right to select the next character location.

5. Turn the PATCH/VALUE dial to select a character.

6. Repeat Steps 4 and 5 until you've named the patch.

7. Press WRITE.

8. Turn the PATCH/VALUE dial to choose a User location where you'd like to save the patch.

9. Press WRITE.


==

Normal Pickup Level
Knowledge Base ID: 104738
Product: VG-99

If you want to hear your guitar's original pickups in the VG-99, you need to increase the Normal PU level within each patch. Use the following steps to adjust the normal pickup level for a patch;

1. Select a patch to edit.

2. Press the "A" button.

3. Press PAGE right until you see "MIX LEVEL." (Depending on the setup of the patch, this is on page 6 or 7).

4. Turn the F2 knob to increase the NORMAL PU level.

5. Press WRITE twice if you want to save the new setting to the patch.

6. Repeat the steps for any other patches that you want to have the original pickup volume heard in.


==

Direct Patch
Knowledge Base ID: 104740
Product: VG-99

Direct Patch is a feature that lets you easily select 5 of your favorite patches by pressing the DIRECT PATCH buttons. Here's how to store your own Direct patches:

1. Press SYSTEM.

2. Press PAGE left to select page 1.

3. Press F2 (DIRECT).

4. Turn the F1-F5 knobs to select the desired patches for each DIRECT PATCH button.

5. Press EXIT twice when you're finished. The new selections are saved automatically.

Elantric

FC-300 Q & A FAQ (Translated from Roland Japan)


Q. FC-300 cable RRC2 looks like RJ45 plug is used, but what is the highly reliable special plug?

A. Yes, RJ45 plug, high reliability Neutrik made EtherCon type plug is used at the FC-300 RRC2 Input.
EtherCon plug and XLR plug both latch when using, Ethercon provides same type connection as RJ45.


Q. Can any MIDI Program change command be assigned to pedals of the FC-300?

A. Patch mode allows a number pedal to be assigned any value of MIDI program change command.


Q. Can the FC-300 pedal transmit MIDI note on/ off output information?

A. Patch mode allows a number of FC-300 and CTL1 pedal, pedal-2 notes any information can be stored.
Also, more than one pedal notes can be stored as a single pedal to operate only in code (chord) can be printed out.


Q. RRC2 cable can be built to custom length, please tell me specs.

A. A Custom RRC2 cable must have the following specifications please.

* At least five categories (Cat5)
* Less than 15 meters in total length
* RJ45 to Ethercon - Wired Straight cable, not "crossover type".


Q. FC-300 can be connected to cable and what equipment uses RRC2 interface?
A. Guitar VG-99 and V-RRC2 cable, FC-300 becomes VG-99 foot controller.

dead_lizard

I believe the CBVG9 came with a manual too....


....let's see how much of a completist sustainiac is!  :)


EDIT: I just found it under accessories.

You frighten me, man!

Elantric

#4
VG-99 Block Diagram

VG-99 Test Modes

Elantric

German Roland expanded VG-99 Turbo start - and poor translation

vanceg

Quote from:  Vistar
LISTENING TO PATCHES IN COMPUTER

Forgive my idiocy, but can we listen to the patches while using the VG-99 editor while on the computer, or do we need our guitar, plugged into the VG-99 and "on" to do this?

Vistar

You...need...the....VG-99 to hear the VG-99.  The editor does not process audio and does not enable your computer to function as a VG-99.  Am I understanding your question correctly?


sixeight

#7
I would like to know the pin-out of the RRC2 plug, because I want to power my FCB1010 from the VG-99 through the MIDI cable. I will only use the power from the RRC2 connector, MIDI will be connected to MIDI IN. The idea is to make a small adaptor with a MIDI and RRC2 plug on one side and a reverse MIDI on the other side.

I assume if the VG-99 can power a FC-300 it can do the same with the FCB1010. I have already checked that internal voltage on the FCB1010 is indeed 9 volts. It would be nice to do it this way. The FCB1010 will power off together with the VG-99.

On the FCB1010 side there is already this guide:
http://www.naslada.net/knowhow/fcb1010/FCB1010%20Phantom%20Power%20Adaptor.pdf

Sustainiac, do you have any information on the RRC2 connector?

Meltdown

#8
A simple multi-meter will answer that ;)
Visit my website!
http://www.tachyonmusic.com

Elantric

#9
Download everything here:
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=30.0
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=30.0;attach=236


The RRC2 Ethercon pinout is
========================
1 = RCV_1
2 = RCV_2
3 = +5VDC
4 = +VREF
5 = +VREF
6 = TXD
7 = GND
8 = GND
SHELL = GND


Elantric

#10
If it were me - Id do the typical phantom power for FCB1010

Other MIDI Phantom Power ideas:


http://www.rolls.com/data/mp26man.pdf

beatpete

Quote from: sixeight on May 05, 2008, 04:44:26 AM
I would like to know the pin-out of the RRC2 plug, because I want to power my FCB1010 from the VG-99 through the MIDI cable. I will only use the power from the RRC2 connector, MIDI will be connected to MIDI IN. The idea is to make a small adaptor with a MIDI and RRC2 plug on one side and a reverse MIDI on the other side.

I assume if the VG-99 can power a FC-300 it can do the same with the FCB1010. I have already checked that internal voltage on the FCB1010 is indeed 9 volts. It would be nice to do it this way. The FCB1010 will power off together with the VG-99.

On the FCB1010 side there is already this guide:
http://www.naslada.net/knowhow/fcb1010/FCB1010%20Phantom%20Power%20Adaptor.pdf

Sustainiac, do you have any information on the RRC2 connector?


Why don't you sell your FCB1010 and get a FC-300, I think it would be a worthwhile investment, especially if you plan on using the VG-99 live.

sixeight

#12
Thanks all, I've got it working. The VG-99 now powers my FCB1010. I also extended the Control-3 footswitch through the MIDI cable, so I can connect my sustain pedal, which I use a lot. When I get to it, I will post how I did it in the DIY section.

The main reason for doing it this way, is because I want to control a MIDI module from the floorboard as well (control them separately, not from the VG-99 patch). The other is the price of the FCB1010, €75 second hand.

RRC looks an awful lot like ordinary MIDI. Particularly the optocoupler makes me think it is. MIDI also works that way. Anybody tried this already?

truth57

Quote from: sixeight on May 06, 2008, 11:44:11 AM
Thanks all, I've got it working. The VG-99 now powers my FCB1010. I also extended the Control-3 footswitch through the MIDI cable, so I can connect my sustain pedal, which I use a lot. When I get to it, I will post how I did it in the DIY section.

The main reason for doing it this way, is because I want to control a MIDI module from the floorboard as well (control them separately, not from the VG-99 patch). The other is the price of the FCB1010, €75 second hand.

RRC looks an awful lot like ordinary MIDI. Particularly the optocoupler makes me think it is. MIDI also works that way. Anybody tried this already?

Hi there Sixeight. I would like to do the same thing with my FCB1010, but I have very little electronics ability. I see that is not a problem for you. I wondered whether you might be willing to talk me through the process. Like you I cannot afford an FC300. I have also ordered a UnO EPROM so that I can expand the functionality of the FCB1010.

Is there anything else that cannot be implemented in the FCB1010 that the FC300 is able to do in terms of controlling the VG-99? In terms of the number of assignable footswitches the FCB1010 looks to me to be more versatile than the FC300. I like the idea of being able to access 10 patches at a time per bank and have each patch also send CC messages per patch.

I would also ideally like to have a bidirectional midi I/O going through the RRC2 cable so as not to have to connect separate midi cables between the VG-99 and the FCB1010.

Thanks,

David

sixeight

Hi David,

  I haven't found the time yet to document the phantom power option. I hope to get around to it this weekend, but things are a little busy now.

  I now have one MIDI cable from the FCB1010 to the VG-99. On the VG-99 there is a little adapter cable, which is a little tricky to make. You don't have to open the VG-99 or do any soldering in it.

truth57

Quote from: sixeight on May 15, 2008, 10:46:02 AM
Hi David,

  I haven't found the time yet to document the phantom power option. I hope to get around to it this weekend, but things are a little busy now.

  I now have one MIDI cable from the FCB1010 to the VG-99. On the VG-99 there is a little adapter cable, which is a little tricky to make. You don't have to open the VG-99 or do any soldering in it.

Many thanks,

David

Elantric


sixeight

The phantom power doc only gives half of the story, and its not a good way to do it either. There is a much better way. I pull the power from the RRC2 in. So the power supply of the VG-99 also powers the FCB1010. I will make the documentation of it eventually, but it's quite a job, so please be patient.

truth57

Quote from: sixeight on May 16, 2008, 10:53:32 AM
The phantom power doc only gives half of the story, and its not a good way to do it either. There is a much better way. I pull the power from the RRC2 in. So the power supply of the VG-99 also powers the FCB1010. I will make the documentation of it eventually, but it's quite a job, so please be patient.

I agree - the idea of having to use a separate power supply when one can tap into the VG-99 RRC2 seems ridiculous. But I would be worried about shorting something out and damaging the VG-99 in the process.....
Thanks for sharing this with us.

David

sixeight


aimbot1410

thank you. information is very useful for me

ddlooping

#21
Hi all :)

Quote from: Elantric on January 23, 2008, 06:14:49 PM
Q. Can the FC-300 pedal transmit MIDI note on/ off output information?

A. Patch mode allows a number of FC-300 and CTL1 pedal, pedal-2 notes any information can be stored.
Also, more than one pedal notes can be stored as a single pedal to operate only in code (chord) can be printed out.

Has anybody managed to decipher this answer and make use of it?  :-[

Edit:
If I understand correctly, in "Patch" mode the FC-300's CTL1 and CTL 2 pedals can send MIDI note on/off messages.
They can also both send more than 1 MIDI note on/off message at a time, meaning you can "play" chords.

Now to find out the pros & cons of using the "Patch" mode as opposed to the other ones...
Diaz Guitars (work in progress)

Brent Flash

Quote from: ddlooping on August 22, 2010, 09:22:56 AM
Hi all :)

Has anybody managed to decipher this answer and make use of it?  :-[

Edit:
If I understand correctly, in "Patch" mode the FC-300's CTL1 and CTL 2 pedals can send MIDI note on/off messages.
They can also both send more than 1 MIDI note on/off message at a time, meaning you can "play" chords.

Now to find out the pros & cons of using the "Patch" mode as opposed to the other ones...
The other topic where it came up was here: https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=2471.0
In this topic member fokof brought up the FC-300 PATCH MODE that does allow you to do just about anything in the MIDI world. The only thing about it is that it is very complicated to pull off. You can find out details on how to program patch mode in the FC-300 manual starting on page 32. Hope this helps and let us know how it works.