Katana - Roland GA-FC Foot controller communication

Started by CodeSmart, January 18, 2017, 08:42:11 PM

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CodeSmart

Does anyone know how the communication works?
The foot controller is great (have one), and I feel it could be used in many other ways than just controlling the Cube and the Katana.
But then...the communication protocol needs to be known.
But I got more gear than I need...and I like it!

Elantric

Quote
Is there a circuit with lot of components or simply a bunch of switches?
























CodeSmart

No micro controller :o
I thought it was a serial link.
But I got more gear than I need...and I like it!

vtgearhead


Elantric



i still think there is a small microcontroller on the opposite side of the GA-FC PCB
GA-FC Footcontroller CPU - NEC UPD78F0513AGA embedded microcontroller IC
its a simple TRS connection via stereo phone plug to the Katana Amp.  -

I suspect its

Tip  = Data
Ring = DC Voltage
Sleeve  = Ground

Just Like on old 1980's IVL Pitchrider foot pedal

Apparently the TRS Tip Data connection is a bi-directional serial protocol and it employs opto coupler ICs ( like MIDI ) on the host processor ( Katana, GA-212, Blues Cube Artist, etc)

vtgearhead

Is the chip a Cypress CY8C24423A (or same family)?  That's what Fender uses in their "smart" Mustang foot switches.  It is technically a microcontroller, but with an emphasis on one-wire communication (I2C). 

meo_udon

I'use Katana 100 112. I saw pcb behind GA-FC jack. Tip is bi-direction with 2 opto coupler. Ring is 5V supply. If any body can capture signal on tip for baudrate or some commands. I think I can know protocol.

vtgearhead

Still waiting for someone with a GA-FC to post the part number for the controller chip.  My bet is on I2C.

meo_udon

#8
If you think I2C. Where is power supply for GA-FC. And I2C not use for long range. The ring pin can drive more than 200ma. Not posible to CLK pin.

meo_udon

Good news. System firmware between Katana100 and KatanaHead are same. And I saw midi pin on Kanata100/112 pcb. I plan to test midi transfer on my amp.

vtgearhead

All just speculation at this point.  Could well be some home-grown serial communication scheme, although opto-isolators do not preclude I2c, e.g.:

http://www.analog.com/media/en/technical-documentation/application-notes/AN_913.pdf

I have a logic analyzer with software that can decode serial protocols.  If I ever pickup a GA-FC I'll be glad to look at what's on the wire. 

Currently, I am concentrating on external control over sysex.  My work on reverse engineering the protocol and an early implementation of software to bridge MIDI ---> USB is here:

https://github.com/snhirsch/katana-midi-bridge

Codesmart is poking at this also with an eye towards building CC --> sysex mapping into the MIDX-20 product.  Robert and I are coordinating efforts such that my bridge will use the same mapping.  Folks who are technically proficient can download my code and install on an embedded computer.  Those who want to plug in and go can buy one of his excellent (and reasonably-priced!) MIDX-20 boxes.

vtgearhead

Quote from: meo_udon on February 04, 2017, 07:13:20 AM
Good news. System firmware between Katana100 and KatanaHead are same. And I saw midi pin on Kanata100/112 pcb. I plan to test midi transfer on my amp.

Elantric has always believed the PCB layout for 5-pin MIDI was present on the combo amps but not populated.  Can you post some photos of the board and let us know what's required to add serial MIDI?  I have meant to do this but never found time. 

Please keep us posted on your work.


meo_udon

I'm not take a photo but only opto-coupler and some resistor miss. If I open it again I will take a photo for you.
Next plan. I plan to use my mcu in my amp and use GA-FC jack to communication to it. Direct push switch by pc817.

meo_udon

Midi port on KTN-100/112
Some part opto and R under pcb.

vtgearhead

Looks like Roland is using a custom DIN connector pair.  Not enough PCB holes for any production part I'm aware of.

meo_udon

My GA-FC come to Thailand now. If I got it. I will capture signal for you.

vtgearhead

Would someone who owns a Katana head please take close-up photos of the MIDI connector region - both front and rear of board if possible?

meo_udon

Miss 1 opto and 3 R same components as GA-FC port.

admin

#18
QuoteWould someone who owns a Katana head please take close-up photos of the MIDI connector region - both front and rear of board if possible?






The missing "JK4" 5 pin DIN MIDI IN connector used on Katana Head  / Katana 100-112  / 212 PCB is a special type from here

T-Tatsumi / JALCO YKF51-5067V (YKF51-5067)
http://t-tatsumi.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/c53310b95cfb71233ead925bf8cc92f2.pdf


http://t-tatsumi.com/


T-Tatsumi / JALCO YKF51-5067V(YKF51-5067) is a special MIDI connector that brings only three pins (#1,#2,#3) down to the PCB 

vtgearhead

#19
English web site for Jalco:

http://www.jalco.co.jp/eng/products/connector/

But, they don't show that series of connector.  Roland may be the only source in the US unless someone knows of a stocking distributer.

It should be possible to find a standard PC mount 5-pin jack that can be modified by snipping off two of the pins.

admin

#20
Roland / Boss use a special DIN MIDI connector that brings only three pins (#1,#2,#3) down to the PCB on several products for years.
https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=Roland+%23+13429825

https://www.google.com/search?q=13429825&biw=1920&bih=1061&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwihpsm9uY7SAhVDxrwKHe2yDWQQ_AUICCgD#tbm=isch&q=Roland+13429825


Roland P/N# 13429825 = T-Tatsumi / JALCO YKF51-5067 (YKF51-5054)

http://martin78.com/files/rolandmc505/MC-505_groovebox_SM.pdf


Roland Corporation U.S.
5100 S. Eastern Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90040-2938
Customer Service Tel: (323) 890-3700


vtgearhead

The only Roland part number I see is for the dual-jack assembly as used in GR-55.  (YKF51-5054)

meo_udon


meo_udon

Good news! Protocol is a MIDI*2.

sixeight

Quote from: meo_udon on February 14, 2017, 09:25:04 PM
Good news! Protocol is a MIDI*2.

That looks like a serious protocol analyzer you have there. Nice.
will it be possible to construct a MIDI in or MIDI in and out board  that can be connected to the footpedal jack?