VG-99 Firmware 1.04 Update

Started by Elantric, January 23, 2008, 12:36:15 PM

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Elantric

VG-99 Firmware 1.04 Update - For Firmware 1.01, 1.02 ONLY!

http://www.roland.com/products/en/_support/dld.cfm?iCncd=2179&ln=en&SearchBy=RcId&dst=P&iRcId=0000022621&dsp=1



http://www.roland.co.jp/support/downloads/index.cfm?ln=jp&SearchBy=RcId&dst=P&iRcId=0000022161&dsp=1&sPrNm=VG%2D99




The downloaded "VG99_V104.zip" includes two different folders. Please refer the "VG-99_UpdateV104.pdf" for the detail and the update procedure.

[Version 1.04]
Four new Pickup Types have been added to GK PU TYPE parameter.
(Please refer VG-99_l_ver104_e_web.pdf.)
This update also fixes the FAVORITE SETTINGS related issue and some other functions' issues.



Elantric

#2
New Features of VG-99 Firmware 1.04 - (see attachments)

Firmware 1.04 Update Instructions - (see attachments)


Tools for Update:
===================
SMF Player - for Windows
http://www.rolandus.com/support/downloads_updates/eula.php?FileName=SMFPLAYR.ZIP


QMIDI - Mac SMF Update utility
http://mac.softpedia.com/get/Multimedia/QMidi.shtml

Downoad the Detailed Instructions on how to perform the VG-99 Update  - see attached PDF files below (PC/ Mac)

Elantric

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

fredo


Elantric

#5
This is the VG-99 Firmware Upgrade procedure:

Follow it step by step to the letter with no deviations.
====
VG-99 1.04 Update Instructions - (MS WINXP/VISTA32) Jan 11, 2008.
Prior to updating, Its best to establish your VG-99 is fully functional with the VG-99 Editor on your
computing platform of choice. This involves installing the latest VG-99 USB Driver,

*VG-99 USB Driver for Win7 64
http://www.roland.com/support/article/?q=downloads&p=VG-99&id=18211162

*VG-99 USB Driver for Win7 32
http://www.roland.com/support/article/?q=downloads&p=VG-99&id=26971088

*VG-99 USB Driver for Vista 32
http://www.roland.com/support/article/?q=downloads&p=VG-99&id=26971087

*VG-99 USB Driver for Vista 64
http://www.roland.com/support/article/?q=downloads&p=VG-99&id=22238464

*VG-99 USB Driver for Win XP
http://www.roland.com/support/article/?q=downloads&p=VG-99&id=26971086




You may ONLY proceed with the Firmware Update after you have established that your VG-99
successfully connects and functions with the VG-99 Editor software and the Roland VG-99 USB Driver and a USB Cable .


VG-99 Firmware version verification step
========================
1) Disconnect all cables from the VG-99.
2) Connect power cable
3) With power off, Hold down both [CATEGORY] and [<PAGE] buttons while powering up the
VG-99.
4) Note what Firmware version you currently have, its on VG-99 LCD Display the left under Boot: 1.00
Example
BOOT: 1.00
FIRM: 1.02
If you have Firmware 1.01 THRU 1.03 – use this download link:
http://www.roland.com/products/en/_support/dld.cfm?iCncd=2179&ln=en&SearchBy=RcId&dst=P&iRcId=0000022621&dsp=1

The downloaded "VG99_V104.zip" includes two different folders. Please refer the "VG-99_UpdateV104.pdf" for the detail and the update procedure.
5) Unzip the VG-99 Update into its own Folder - observe the Path where it is located on your hard
drive!
6) Verify you have the correct corresponding target firmware for your VG-99 version, before
proceeding further!!
7) If you run Windows - you can follow my instructions as follows:
I did the update with just a WinXP Laptop and a USB cable.
I used Roland PC SMF UPDATER: (SMFPLAYR) utility.
Found here:
http://www.roland.com/products/en/_support/dld.cfm?PRODUCT=BR-1600CD_V2&iRcId=1812766&dsp=1
Download unzip and place SMF_Player on the desktop.
8 ) VG-99 UPDATE PROCEDURE
========================
1) Connect power cable
2) Verify that you have a working VG-99 USB Driver for your Operating System (see above about verifying the VG-99 Editor runs, BEFORE PROCEEDING) , and Connect USB Cable
3) With VG-99 power off, hold down both [CATEGORY] and [<PAGE] buttons and then power
"On".
9) The VG-99 LCD Display will say:
"SYSTEM UPDATER Please Wait"
Soon it reads:
"SYSTEM UPDATER Waiting SMF"
10) Launch SMF Player - then define the MIDI Output Device to be "VG-99 CONTROL"
* Note if "VG-99 Control" is not available as a MIDI Output Device in SMF Player, then you do not have the VG-99 USB Driver installed correctly - go back to the top of this post and restart the upgrade procedure !)
11) Set SMF path to browse the Firmware 1.04 path directory where you
unzipped the VG-99 Update MIDI files.
12)Click "SCAN SMF" icon. The vg99_00x.mid files will be listed in numerical order, lowest to
highest.
13)Click "Send" and observe the LCD display will read:
"SYSTEM UPDATER Now Receiving"
14) Wait 30 minutes, as each MIDI file is downloaded into your VG-99.
15) Upon completion of all file downloads - the VG-99 LCD Display will read:
"SYSTEM UPDATER Writing"
16) When the VG-99  LCD Display says "Completed" - you may power
cycle the VG-99.
17) DONE!! Restart your VG-99, and verify it works
18) If your VG-99 does not boot up properly, repeat above steps.
19) If your VG-99 still does not function, substitute a MIDI interface with 5-pin DIN connection
instead of a USB cable



Elantric

#6
VG-99 1.04 Update Instructions - (Mac OSX using QMIDI) Feb 11, 2008.
Prior to updating, Its best to establish your VG-99 is fully functional with the VG-99 Editor on your
computing platform of choice. This involves installing the latest VG-99 USB Driver, and VG-99
Editor Librarian from here:
http://www.roland.co.jp/GK/
You may proceed with the Firmware Update after you have established that your VG-99
successfully connects and functions with the VG-99 Editor software.

How to update your VG-99 With a Mac running OSX and QMIDI

VG-99 Firmware version verification step
1) Disconnect all cables from the VG-99.
2) Connect power cable
3) With power off, Hold down both [CATEGORY] and [<PAGE] buttons while
powering up the VG-99.
4) Note what Firmware version you currently have, its on the left under Boot: 1.00
Example
BOOT: 1.00
FIRM: 1.02
Download Firmware update here:
If you have Firmware 1.01 THRU 1.03 – use this download link:
http://www.roland.com/products/en/_support/dld.cfm?iCncd=2179&ln=en&SearchBy=RcId&dst=P&iRcId=0000022621&dsp=1

The downloaded "VG99_V104.zip" includes two different folders. Please refer the "VG-99_UpdateV104.pdf" for the detail and the update procedure.

PLEASE READ WARNING "READ ME" BEFORE UPDATING!

Upgrading FIRMWARE you should use: Q-MIDI Application SMF Player for Mac


VG-99 System Update Procedure (Mac w/ QMIDI)
1. Connect the VG-99 to your Mac with included USB cable
2. With power off, hold down both [CATERGORY] and [<PAGE] while
powering up the VG-99 "SYSTEM UPDATER Please wait..." appears in
the display.
3. Wait several seconds until "waiting SMF..." is displayed.
4. Start up Qmidi
5. Under EDIT -- > MIDI SETTINGS select OSX and in the drop down if
everything is connected correctly you will see VG-99.
6. Select VG-99 and then OK.
7. Under Qmidi preferences make sure that under GENERAL that midi
files is selected, if not SELECT MIDI FILES and then OK.
8. Under FILE select new PLAY LIST.
9. LOAD correct FIRMWARE files into PLAY LIST *IN ORDER
(vg99_002.mid through vg99_065.midi)
*DO NOT SELECT ALL AND LOAD ONTO PLAY LIST- THIS WILL
LOAD FILES BACKWARDS*
10. Transmit MIDI data by DOUBLE CLICKING first midi file
(vg99_002.mid) in play list for update. "Now Receiving..." is
displayed while receiving data. Remaining midi files will play
automatically.
11. The update takes approximately 30 minutes to complete.
12. DO NOT STOP QMIDI FOR ANY REASON AT ALL- SIT BACK UNTIL
COMPLETED!
13. When update is finished, "Complete!" appears in the display.
14. Reboot VG-99 and have fun!

michaiel

#7
Can I install the 1.04 firmware update on my mac via the usb cable or do I need to use a midi to usb adapter?
thanks

Brent Flash

Yes you can. We have instructions somewhere here. I will have to look if you can't find it.

Brent Flash


Brent Flash


michaiel

#11
Thanks for the info....i have the following instructions, I figured it out.



Brent Flash



esoxmaniac

I have VG99 current firmware ver 1.03
When I extract the zip files for 1.04 they appear as midi sequence files.  I am going in circles here.  Can anyone help?

Thanks  MJ

Elantric

#15
Why not re-read the full thread above for the complete details of how to use those files to update your VG-99.

VG-99 V1.04 update Files with a *.mid extension are SMF files, use SMF Player app and follow instructions above to perform the upgrade.



shawnb


Though technically you don't need to do so, I always use the SMF player to make these updates. It's designed to do exactly this task, so it's very simple & easy. 

The above link for the SMF Player above no longer works.  I found one here, on the Roland US site:
http://www.rolandus.com/support/downloads_updates/eula.php?FileName=SMFPLAYR.ZIP

Now that you have the .mid files, you need to prep the VG99 as described above & use the SMF Player to send the .mid files in the proper sequence to the VG99.

Shawn
Address the process rather than the outcome.  Then, the outcome becomes more likely.   - Fripp

esoxmaniac

Thank-you guys for your help and direction. Firmware is now updated and tracking problem resolved!

Now.....does it REALLY have to be such a tedious process to save all patches I've created to a computer?

Is a midi patch dump easier?

MJ

Elantric

#18
Use the VG-99 Editor / Librarian , download the latest version for your OS here:

http://www.roland.com/support/article/?q=downloads&p=VG-99&id=1812339

esoxmaniac

I downloaded the latest version of Librarian and it worked perfectly. 
Thank-you for walking me through the steps, you guys are great!

MJ

musicamex

#20
hi hope this finds you all well and having a better relationship with your 99 than i am.

i have used a vg 88 live for about 7 years.  i had it dialed in sweet and it did what i wanted (allot of slide and alternate tunings).  over the last couple of months it started getting into a self induced reboot habit, (multiple locations) at first just a white screen and reboot, then long just white screens and finally last gig it rebooted in the middle of songs and solos 6 or 7 times.  playing air guitar for a really long 20 seconds or so in the middle of a solo at gig is embarrassing.  i build a pretty good tube amp but i can't begin to understand what's under the hood of a vg unit, so i have done what i can checking connections and even whacking off the stressed part of the power cable (and resoldering) where it enters the 88.  but same old same old.

i have a vg 99 and fc300 i purchased shortly after they came out but since there is allot more setup and gear involved i stayed with my 88 and to be honest my tweaked 88 always sounded better imho..  now i have to use the 99 and despite the added complexity of a stand, 2 units, dc converter, extra hookup cable etc, i do like the brain unit being closer to my hands and am sure i could grow to like it after i get used to it and get it sounding better. 

BUT it sounds horrible for slide compared to the 88 using the same 2 guitars i have always used with it for the last 7 years.  (started with gk pickups, axon pickups and even back as far as the yamaha pickups of yore.)  the guitars i use (for last 7 years) i built from scratch (wood and electronics) and i use the ghost pickups on both.  on both guitars the notes warble in open or altered tunings and sound off pitch through the 99 and fine through the 88..  i set everything by the book and then started reading posts and see i am not alone. 

i tried to update the firmware which has a setting for ghost piezo pickups and that is where i hit a log jam.

my laptop has windows 7 64 bit  i also have another vista 32 bit.  i have gotten absolutely nowhere getting the new firmware from cyberspace onto my 99.  in fact i can't get the editor librarian to come up on the windows 7 machine.  i admit i am stuck in the tube amp age and sometimes i get frustrated when i have to deal with an unclear path to what i think should be made allot simpler by roland.

so i suspect my vista machine is the simplest route since i can get the editor to come up on it.  but somehow i can't get that 1.04 firmware onto the vg99.  i play again tomorrow and really need help.

is it possible to download the firmware update with just a usb cable between the machines?  i've downloaded the edirol midi driver suggested in another thread but i must be doing something wrong because i can't get it to install on my windows 7/64 machine though others have done it.

please, someone, turn on a step by step flashlight for me and lead me out of the darkness so i don't cry the blues while i am trying to play it tomorrow night. 

i will put your name on a box of cold corona if you get south of the border if you can help me be VG again.

anyone with a suggestion on a fix for the 88---it has served me so well i hate to think of it as gathering dust.  that is one fine sounding rugged gig worthy unit.  NOTHING lasts like that did for 7 hard years in a gig world down here. it wore out 3 sets of frets with 2 dressings per set.

Brent Flash

#21
You will find answers here:


VG-99 F.A.Q.
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=13.0

drjoness2001

What sort of pickups are you using now?

musicamex

i'm using ghost sattles (graphtech) and the hexpander and acoustaphonic.  used it on a few other guitars too and all have been pretty trouble free.

musicamex

brent, thank you for all of this info!!  i found allot of it searching in bits and pieces =  so far i think i have done most of it except the smf player download.  i will download it tonight but i am away from the studio for the night since the ball peen hammer adjustment of something was becoming a possibility.  i need to learn patience with this seemingly increasingly complex music world.  but the results sure are awesome when everything finally works.

i will try it all first thing in the am.

so i have the editor communicating well with the vista laptop.  i have the 1.04 firmware in a file in documents and it is for the 1.02 firmware that shows on the 99.  i clicked file on the editor and tried both import and export smf files and it went right to the 1.04 download file in documents, but it only wanted to save individual files (like 001 od the 64 files in the download).  is the smf player going to solve this and get the 1.04 files to the 99?  any special tips?

if i can get this done tomorrow and still have time for a napito before the gig i will be greatly (mucho cold corona) in your debt. and thank you both for the super quick reply.