VG-88 - Uploading patches to VG-88 using USB to Midi?

Started by Pook2000, June 05, 2014, 10:06:45 AM

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Pook2000

Hi,

I've never uploaded patches to my VG-88 (V.1) before and I've just ordered a USB to Midi converter for this purpose. I have 'VG-88 Librarian' and I hope all this will be sufficient to transfer the data. Will it? Or will I need to be looking at another route?

Any help in this regard would be greatly appreciated :)

Thx!!

Elantric

#1
Potential problems / hurdles are VG-88 Librarian compatibility with your Operating system

All VG-88  apps are now 14 years old,
(download them here)
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?action=downloads;cat=19
Note "VEdit" app requires a VG-88 running V2 firmware update  - Roland performs this V2 update for a nominal fee ( do not try at home as there is a 60% chance of failure  - most VG-88 owners who tried to perform this VG-88 V2 update end up with a doorstop and Roland no longer repairs or sells  VG-88 mainboards 

All VG-88  apps  were designed to run on Windows 98
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_98

And here is a list of compatible USB to MIDI interfaces cables:

USB Class Compliant MIDI Cables
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=8393.0


Pook2000

Hello Elantric,

Many thanks for your prompt reply and more importantly for the valuable content in your response.

I had not even considered 'USB Class Compliant MIDI Cables' to be an issue in my ignorance but on checking my E-Bay order, (which hasn't arrived yet), it does state that it is thankfully. Coming from China it's a cheap item but if it does the job then happy days.

I e-mailed my local Roland dealer with regards to getting the V.2 upgrade but as yet have heard nothing back yet. Indeed I've read some horror stories regarding people's own attempts at doing the upgrade so will be avoiding this potential mess myself. Either way I am still happy to work with V.1 if that's to be my lot as there's enough there to keep any soul busy for years to come. Unfortunate about V-Editor but c'est la vie.

Regarding the VG-88 Librarian. It loaded up and opens okay on my windows 7 OS. It also takes in the .syx files and displays them in their designated patch number without issue. Just hoping the transfer will be possible once my new cable arrives.

Is there anything else I should be aware of?

Thanks too for those links. Will have a good and proper read.

All the best,

P.

gumtown

Quote from: Pook2000 on June 06, 2014, 03:46:03 AM
I had not even considered 'USB Class Compliant MIDI Cables' to be an issue in my ignorance but on checking my E-Bay order, (which hasn't arrived yet), it does state that it is thankfully. Coming from China it's a cheap item but if it does the job then happy days.

If it looks like this

then "Happy Days" might not eventuate, they might work with simple keyboard notes, but shifting large amounts system exclusive data makes them choke.
Free "GR-55 FloorBoard" editor software from https://sourceforge.net/projects/grfloorboard/

Elantric

#4
Correct - Avoid the USB to MIDI cable Gumtown warned about above.


Today i have best results using

ESI MIDIMATE II - USB 2.0 MIDI Interface Cable $29.95
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=invoice&A=details&Q=&sku=746076&is=REG


or

The  MeritLine.com  USB to MIDI cable  - which has gone up in price to $15
http://www.meritline.com/usb-midi-interface-link-cable-adapter---p-85182.aspx






or the MIDI I/O on my MOTU 828MK2

gumtown

A VG-88 door stop would result if using that cheep USB-Midi device to do the firmware update too.
Free "GR-55 FloorBoard" editor software from https://sourceforge.net/projects/grfloorboard/

Pook2000

Hi Guys,

Thanks a lot for your help/input with this. Appreciated. I didn't even realize there were more responses 'til now.

So and update. I got my VG 88 back yesterday having had it upgraded to V2 firmware. Long story short but the tech who did the job unfortunately buckled the machine and he had to order a new board from Japan. Royal pain in the ass.

Anyway, it arrived yesterday in is working thankfully and I just tried my first patch upload via 'VG88 Pro Librarian' and it won't transfer. I am only trying to send just one patch but I keep getting the error message, 'Midi receive error!!'.

So perhaps it's the cheap cable I got? It is one similar to that illustrated by gumtown. Can't it even handle the transfer of one patch?

I've no problem ordering a new one but will it work? The Meritline says it can take 3-4 weeks to arrive from China but that's quite a long time. The ESI Midi Mate was on Thomann, (which would be closer to where I am in Ireland), is no longer available but they do list alternatives down the page a little. Any awareness of these chappies?

http://www.thomann.de/gb/esi_midi_mate.htm

Thanks a lot again guys for your help and advice. Appreciated! I'm now going to try V Editor to see how I get on.

All the best,

Pook.

admin

#7
Realize all VG-88 file librarians and Vedit were designed to run on Win98

Pook2000

Yes I can accept that. I came to the conclusion after though that it's not really needed. It's easy enough to do edits within the unit itself so I've come around to this idea and am happy. Keeps things simpler too.

Thanks for the input.

JohnPele

Did you ever have any joy with this. I've used the editors succesfully in the past. However, now that i try them all up or down loads fail ... guessing it's down to now using Windows 7 ... have tried compatability setting back to Win98 and Win95 still no joy.
Anyone got any ideas how i can backup my VG88 and load new presets to it

appreciated

John

gumtown

You need to run those editors on an operating system that supports MS-DOS running mode (windows 95, 98, ME, and marginally Xp)

Windows 98 can even be installed and booted from a USB stick, but your midi device adapter needs to be supported by the old operating systems.
Free "GR-55 FloorBoard" editor software from https://sourceforge.net/projects/grfloorboard/

gumtown

Also your USB midi device adapter needs to be a 'reputable brand' type.
Those el-cheepo eBay ones from China don't work for large midi data transfer.

Roland UM-1 is good.
Free "GR-55 FloorBoard" editor software from https://sourceforge.net/projects/grfloorboard/

JohnPele