Readme ===> 11-June-1989
Explorer 32 Version 2.0
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Dear EXPLORER 32 owner,
we have been trying hard to avoid any errors in the manual. But we are
humans and to err is human. In the following chapters we will inform you of
any errors and of good ideas we have had after printing of manual. If you
still have any questions concerning the operation of EXPLORER 32 after
studying the manual, read this README file first. If you have a printer, it
is a good idea to print out this file, in order to try out the new features
during operation.
ù IMPORTANT: Memory Protect is bypassed
-------------------------------------
Before you start EXPLORER 32 you should know that your synth's MEMORY
PROTECT is bypassed by EXPLORER 32 (except D-50/D-550). If you write any
data to your LA-synthesizer's memory (it is the big window in all modes),
the data in the corresponding memory locations will be lost irretrievably.
ù Files on your master disk
-------------------------
CONTROL.ACC Control accessory. Is needed if the colors set in DESKTOP.INF
shall be initialized when you switch on the computer.
EXPLORER.PRG the Program file
EXPLORER.RSC the Resource file for high resolution
EXPL_C.RSC the Resource file for medium resolution
EX1 | Data files necessary for program startup
EX2 |
If you are using a disk in drive B or a hard disk to start EXPLORER 32, at
least the five above-mentioned files must be copied (Depending on the
screen resolution you use one of the resource files can be omitted).
EXPLORER.SET the default settings file (set to D-10/new)
MT32.SET settings file for MT-32
D-110.SET settings file for D-110
D-50.SET settings file for D-50
D-550.SET settings file for D-550
If you do not use one of the D-5, D-10 or D-20 models, you should rename
EXPLORER.SET into "D10.SET" and the settings file required for your model
into "EXPLORER.SET".
DESKTOP.INF Information file for the desktop. Contains colors, window
positions, application installations etc.
README.DOC The file you are currently reading.
LIESMICH.DOC The same file in German.
LA_LOAD.PRG LA-LOAD program file. Can also be used as an accessory (see
below).
LA_LOAD.DAT LA-LOAD data file. Contains command lines for LA-LOAD.
DISPLOFF.SEQ Sequence file for CREATOR/NOTATOR with which the D-110's
display can be restored (set to Unit 17).
DEMO.SEQ Demo sequence for test use
EXPL_REQ.PAT CREATOR/NOTATOR pattern with different requests for all LA
Models. Descriptions can be found in the tracks.
In the filer LIBS:
MT32FACT.XPL Factory Tones (ROM) of the MT-32
D10FACT.XPL Factory Tones (ROM and RAM) of the D-10 (new). Identical to
those of D-5, D-20 and D-110.
D50FACT.XPL Factory Tones (RAM) of the D-50. Identical to those of the D-
550.
AKTIV1.XPL 64 new D-50 sounds, kindly made available by Udo Hilwerling
(author of "Musik Aktiv's Partial-4").
In the filer SETUPS:
D10FACT.SEQ Complete factory setup of D-10
D110FACT.SEQ Complete factory setup of D-110
ù IMPORTANT: A new startup possibility
------------------------------------
If you use only one disk drive, it has been impossible up to now to use the
files EXPLORER.SET, AUTOLOAD.XPL, AUTOLOAD.SEQ and EXPLORER.SEQ without
writing them directly to your master disk.
Now we have a solution: When you start EXPLORER 32 and the cover picture
appears, press one of the SHIFT keys until a requester appears and asks for
your data disk. Insert the disk with your own data files and click OK. If
this disk contains the EXPLORER.SET file, it will be loadad as the default
settings. The paths for libraries, setups and sequences will be established
and the above-mentioned files will be loaded if they exist on those paths.
ù in addition to III.1: large libraries
-------------------------------------
When a library becomes very large, most of the library functions will slow
down. This is of special importance when the size of the library reaches
the computer's storage capacity (for freaks: "Garbage Collections" have to
be carried out more frequently, slowing down the computer). To avoid this
don't let the library exceed 90% of the computer memory.
ù in addition to III.2.4.: Autosend and Autoplay with D-50/D-550
--------------------------------------------------------------
When in D-50/D-550 mode a sound is transmitted with Autosend and a sequence
is played with Autoplay immediately afterwards, you may hear unexpected
noise. The reason is: The reverb processor of the D-50 needs some time to
initialize the new reverb program and "trashes" in the meantime.
ù in addition to III.2.5.: IMPORTANT: Sending 64 Tones to the D-50/D-550
----------------------------------------------------------------------
As described in Appendix B you have to press two buttons at the D-50 to
send a sound to its memory. When using a D-550 this is not necessary but
nonetheless the data transfer does not have to take that long.
To send 64 sounds you would have to press the two buttons 64 times and wait
quite a while. That is why we extended the send functions of these models
in an "intelligent" way. It works automatically if you:
- send all data (Shift-F8)
- send all selected data (F8) when all 64 Memory Tones are selected
- copy exactly 64 Library Entries into the Tone Memory.
Then you are requested to press the "DATA TRANSFER", "B.LOAD" and "ENTER"
buttons at the D-50/550 (If you want to cancel the operation, simply press
any computer key or the mouse button). This puts the D-50/550 into the so-
called "Data Transfer Mode". After you pressed "Enter" the D-50/550 will
send a signal to the program, which then starts to send data. The data
transfer itself is accomplished by a "handshake" procedure, i.e. the
receiving D-50/550 signals that a data block has been received correctly.
Thus errors in data transfer are impossible.
Please note: This operation overwrites the internal memory of the D-50/550
completely! If the message "Int Memory Protected - Cancel ..." appears
after pressing "B.LOAD", you will have to set "Protect" in the
"TUNE/FUNCTION" menu to "OFF".
If everything works well, the D-50/550 will display "Loading... ". You can
ignore the "MIDI Communication Error" message at the end of the transfer.
It simply means that the D-50/550 did not receive the 16 reverb processor
programs. Everything else will be OK.
However, if Explorer 32 displays the message "Handshake Mode: MIDI
Communication Error", then the D-50/550 did not answer at all or it signals
that the data transfer's checksum does not match. In this case the data
transfer is canceled and the memory window's contents stay the same as
before.
Please note in addition: If the computer does not know all 64 memory tones,
the unknown tones will be sent nevertheless and erase the corresponding
tones in the D-50/550. If you want to keep them, select and receive them in
advance with "Receive selected".
ù in addition to III.2.7.: Extended Conversions when copying
----------------------------------------------------------
The automatic conversion functions described in III.2.7. (copying library
entries to Timbres or Patches) also work with temporary Timbres or with the
temporary Patch. When "Autosend" is activated, it means:
1. in Timbre Mode: When you click on a library entry coming from a D-50/D-
550, the parameters of the Cursor Part's temporary Timbre will be adjusted
accordingly. In addition the converted Tone will be sent to the same Part's
temporary Tone. The same happens if the entry does not come from a D-50/D-
550. The Timbre is reset. As the Timbre is transmitted before the Tone, the
timbre's parameters "Tone Group/Number" have no meaning.
2. in Patch Mode: When you click on a D-50/550 entry, a Patch as described
on page 39 is created and transmitted to the LA-synthesizer's temporary
Patch. The two Tones of the D-50 are converted and sent to Parts 1 & 2. As
(1) the Patch (strictly speaking the System Area and all nine temporary
Timbres) and (2) the two Tones are sent (only one in D-50 WHOLE mode), the
Patch parameters "Tone Group/Number" have no meaning here, too.
Thus you can get very good results (especially in Patch mode) when
converting D-50 sounds with a single mouse or key pressure, as reverb
parameters are also converted. See IX.5, page 101.
As in Tone mode you can make the above-mentioned conversions by double-
clicking on the library entry (or clicking once and then clicking the
"Edit" icon) and jump to the Timbre or Patch editor afterwards.
ù in addition to III.3.1.: "Find similar Names" improved
------------------------------------------------------
"Find similar names" now also finds names if one or more characters of the
name are missing. Entering "Guitar" will also find "Gitarre".
ù in addition to III.3.6.: TCS extended
-------------------------------------
A new option for TCS has been added: After selecting the desired
characteristics you can press one of the keys 1 to 9 of the numeric keypad.
All sounds will be selected which fulfil AT LEAST the corresponding number
of selected characteristics. E.g. pressing 2 selects all sounds which
fulfil at least two of the selected characteristics in any combination.
ù in addition to III.5.: special treatment of entries with 0 Partials
-------------------------------------------------------------------
The two Delete functions do not affect entries whose four Partials are
muted. This is an easy way to "misuse" sounds as titles. Simply take any
sound and switch off all partials. When you file it in the library with
"Condense", it will not need much more space than the name itself. However,
do not use any D-50/550 sounds as they need too much memory. Now you can
enter any name as a title. This is especially useful if you want to sort
your library thematically. The two Delete functions can still be applied
correctly (i.e. they will not consider all titles as "sounding identi-
cally", what is actually the case).
ù very fast Search and Delete functions
-------------------------------------
After the printing of the manual all Search and Delete functions were
optimized and are now 10 to 100 times faster. Even "Delete Twins" does not
take that long anymore. You will soon find out that these functions are
very useful, especially because they are very fast.
ù in addition to III.6.: automatic replacing of file extenders
------------------------------------------------------------
When loading or saving setups, sequences or settings, the extender you
entered in the file requester will always be replaced by the correct one
(.SEQ or .SET). Hence, if you want to load a setup named TEST.XYZ, the
program will always try to load TEST.SEQ. If you want to load a backup
file, you will have to rename it accordingly first with "File -> Rename
File". However, the extender "*.*" is always used when loading, inserting
or saving libraries to facilitate loading of D-50 files.
ù in addition to III.6.2.: Recognizing other manufacturer's formats
-----------------------------------------------------------------
If you get the message "Unknown File Type", Explorer 32 cannot recognize
the bank file's format. If you are interested in a possible update which
recognizes this format please send a 3¬" disk formatted for the Atari,
which contains a sample file containing D-50 factory patches and a
description of the program to:
C-LAB Software
c/o Michael Haydn
PO Box 700 303
2000 Hamburg 70
West Germany
This also applies to files from MT-32, D-10/20 or D-110 editor programs. We
will try to take every proposal into consideration.
ù in addition to III.7.1.: Setups with CREATOR/NOTATOR
----------------------------------------------------
Each Setup's data set consists of the following events:
Time Type Device Contents
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
A Lyric all description of the following data in clear
A Program D-50/550 only Program Change to D-50 Patch *)
A SysEx all the first 256 data bytes in a "DT1" command
B SysEx all maybe more data bytes **)
C SysEx D-50/550 Write Request *)
A,B, and C represent three event times which depend on the former position
and number of bytes to send.
*) only when Part 1 to 8
**) omitted if data set is shorter than 256 bytes
Using CREATOR/NOTATOR, you should neither change the succession of events
in such a data set nor insert any events in between. This way you will
always know which event contains which data. If a SysEx event is not
preceded by a Lyric event, it belongs to the preceding SysEx event (Due to
the Roland SysEx format not more than 256 data bytes can be transmitted in
one block). It is also possible that the event belongs to a scrolling text
display which cannot consist of a single event of course.
If a D-50/550 Memory Patch is to be sent, the data is preceded by a Program
Change and followed by a "Write Request". This is the same procedure
Explorer 32 uses when sending data internally (see also Appendix B). This
does not apply however to the D-50, because only the D-550 can understand a
Write Request.
Note that you cannot correctly load Setups which contain data of different
models or load Setups with different unit numbers or basic channels into
Explorer 32, since the program always automatically converts all data to
the currently selected model using the currently selected unit number/basic
channel.
In D-110 mode, a temporary patch saved in a setup will not be recognized
when loading this setup. This is because a "temporary patch" in this sense
doesn't exist in the D-110. Rather, when selecting a memory patch, it's
contents is distributed among the nine temporary timbres and the system
area - and this is the only way how to transfer a temporary patch via MIDI.
That is why only temporary timbres and a system area appear in a setup
which are loaded correctly anyhow.
To "reintroduce" the temporary patch to the computer, there is a simple
trick: Load the setup normally. Now, select menu "deselect all", and select
the temporary patch. Connect D-110 with Atari bidirectionally, and hit F9
(Receive selected). Now, the patch should reappear.
ù in addition to III.7.2.: LA-LOAD extended
-----------------------------------------
LA-LOAD is named "LA_LOAD.PRG" on your master disk (with an underscore).
When using the AUTO filer method or starting LA-LOAD directly, the file
"LA-LOAD.DAT" can also be named "LA_LOAD.DAT" (with an underscore). As most
text editors do not allow hyphens in a file name, it has been difficult to
create a new file with the name "LA-LOAD.DAT".
Instead of "Unit nn" only "Unit" can be entered. In this case the Unit
number in the Setup file will not be replaced. The file will be transmitted
the way CREATOR/NOTATOR would. This is also the default setting before any
"Unit nn". The Setup file will be transmitted as stored on disk when you
install LA-LOAD as an application and double-click the Setup file icon (see
manual).
After sending a System Exclusive Event, LA-LOAD waits for about 20 ms in
accordance with the Roland System Exclusive format. This avoids errors in
data transmission (especially when using a hard disk) because some LA-
synths are not able to process the data fast enough.
ù LA-LOAD as an accessory
-----------------------
LA-LOAD has also been extended. When you rename LA_LOAD.PRG to LA_LOAD.ACC,
it becomes an accessory (for further information see your Atari manual). It
must be placed in the root directory of the boot drive ("A:\" for disk,
usually "C:\" for hard disk) if it shall be initialised and registered in
the desktop's menu when you power up the computer. Thus you can start
LA-LOAD from a GEM application or from the desktop by selecting entry
"LA_LOAD V2.1" option in the menu at the extreme left ("DESK" or the Atari
logo). LA_LOAD.ACC is especially useful if you work with a sequencer system
different from CREATOR/NOTATOR and want to transmit system data to your LA-
synths quickly.
After starting LA_LOAD.ACC a File Selector box will appear. Select any
Setup file to be sent. If the selected file does not exist, an alert
message will appear. To change the Unit number as described in the manual
enter "UNITnn" as the file name ("nn" stands for the new Unit number as
file names do not allow spaces). As described above only "UNIT" is also
possible.
Text files with the extender .DAT can also be loaded with LA_LOAD.ACC.
Simply enter the corresponding file name, the .DAT file will be loaded and
its text lines processed. Thus you can load or send a complete Setup for
one song and for several synths (up to 32) in one operation.
LA-LOAD uses the standard operating system routines for MIDI communication.
If you start LA-LOAD.ACC from a different program and nothing is transmit-
ted or the computer crashes, the fault lies with the program itself (it
disabled these routines). This applies to only a few programs.
ù in addition to III.10.: MIDI Thru endless loops
-----------------------------------------------
If MIDI Thru is activated and you connect the MIDI Out jack of the Atari
with its MIDI In jack by mistake (e.g. via the MIDI Thru jacks of other
devices) and data is transmitted, an endless loop will be the result. The
computer keeps transmitting the data it receives and the mouse cannot be
moved any more. Disconnect the loop and after a few seconds the program
will have "settled down" again.
ù MIDI Thru with a D-5/10/20 in Multi Mode
----------------------------------------
As the D-5/10/20 models' LOCAL OFF work only in Performance Mode, both
Transmit Channels of the keyboard should be set to a MIDI channel not used
by any Part in Multi Mode (e.g. 16). Otherwise always two Parts will be
played.
ù in addition to IV.3.: AutoScroll without Blitter
------------------------------------------------
If your Atari ST is not equipped with a blitter chip, the screen will be
scrolled in rough steps only. The AutoScroll factor will be rounded. For
small mouse movements AutoScroll must be set to at least 8.
ù in addition to IV.6.: Copying Partials
--------------------------------------
For copying partials use only the right mouse button instead of both
buttons.
ù in addition to IX.3.: Level & Pan Editor for the MT-32/100, E-10/20
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Note that if you change Level or Panorama for the MT-32, MT-100, E-10 and
E-20, the current Timbre in the corresponding Part of the LA-synth is
initialized. Tones contained in the Part will be overwritten by the one the
Timbre points at. The D-5/10/20/110 models work differently: Here the
parameters of the Timbres can be changed one by one without any side-
effects.
ù in addition to IX.4.: DISPLOFF.SEQ
----------------------------------
As described in the manual, the checksum byte has to be changed when you
use a different unit number. This is not correct. Simply change 16.
ù in addition to Appendix A:
--------------------------
- My D-50/550 does not transmit any data.
Do not forget to set parameter "Exclu" to "ON". You will find it in the
"MIDI 3" menu. If it is set to "OFF", the D-50/550 will ignore any system
exclusive messages.
- What do the following error messages mean?
"... didn't answer! Please check if the ST's MIDI IN is connected to the
...'s MIDI OUT.
This means that after a data request no data or data with the wrong header
have been sent. The problem occurs when the device has not been correctly
connected or the unit number/basic channel do not match or "SysEx" is
disabled on the device.
"Wrong SysEx Checksum!"
Here a "real" data transfer error has occurred, caused by a broken MIDI
cable or strong magnetic fields etc.
"Wrong Data Size!"
The number of requested data bytes does not match the number of sent data
bytes.
The above-mentioned errors, especially the latter two, normally should not
occur. Explorer 32 uses the following procedure when requesting data: The
data request is sent. The device has to respond within 150 ms. If it does,
data set header, length and check sum are checked. If an error occurred,
the procedure is repeated up to five times. If no correct data transfer has
taken place, one of the above error messages will be displayed. This is
necessary, because the D-50 is ignoring all MIDI inputs for some time after
receiving a program change with certain reverb settings.
- Receiving data takes longer than usual, stagnates
Do you use autoload programs or accessories like NIGHT or QUICKMOUSE which
link themselves into interrupts? If Yes, please deactivate them. These
programs can confuse the Atari's internal timing and cause data transfer
problems. That is why Explorer 32 tries several times to receive the
correct data.
- Software Versions
E-20: REVERB ON/OFF: Software version.
TYPE: Does not show the version of the operating software but the version
of the test routines which can be called with the keys USER PROGRAM 1 to
4. The E-20's memory, all keys, buttons, faders and the MIDI interface
can be checked.
WRITE: "Factory Setup loaded!". Initialises the E-20 to its default
settings.
D-20: DATA TRANSFER + EDIT: Software version.
From serial number 982800 up two version numbers are displayed: the upper
is ROM (C), the lower ROM (A)(B).
D-550: PATCH BANK 6 + PATCH NUMBER 6 + EXIT: Software version.
ù in addition to Appendix B:
--------------------------
- Does EXPLORER 32 also run with ...?
... GDOS: Yes, but only with GDOS version 1.2 and higher.
- What do the characters in the upper right corner mean?
They display the currently set LA model:
"MT-32" at MT-32, MT-100, E-10 and E-20
"D-10" at D-5, D-10 and D-20
"D-110" at D-110
"D-50" at D-50 and D-550
- How do I get a ROM drum sound into the Tone Editor?
If necessary, switch to Timbre mode, start Timbre Editor on Part X, set
"Tone Group" to "RHYTHM". Use "Tone Number" to select the desired drum
sound. Switch back to Tone Mode and enter the Tone Editor on the same Part
X. With "Are You Sure?" disabled Explorer 32 automatically tries to receive
the sound. Otherwise click "Receive" in the appearing dialog box. For
further information see III.2.5., page 36.
- What does "Generating Editor Screen" or "Redrawing Main Screen" mean?
When you start the Tone Editor, the main screen is stored in a buffer. Then
the graphs for the Tone Editor are set up in the background - this takes a
while (it is twice as fast with a blitter). If very few memory is left, the
same buffer is used in which the main screen has been stored before. That's
why it has to be set up again when you leave the Tone Editor. If you want
to edit the same Tone again, you can switch immediately to the Tone Editor,
as it has been set up before. And you can switch right back to the main
screen because the buffer has not been used.
However this holds only true if you do not have much memory; with 1 MB or
more, only the message "Generating Editor Screen" will occur.
- How can I toggle partials in the tone editor?
Its "operator" is hidden somehow - it is in the upper/lower left corner of
the structure graphics. If the partial is switched on, a P or S is
displayed. Click in this area to toggle the partial. Alternatively press
keys Shift-F1 to Shift-F4 to toggle partials 1 to 4. Especially when a
partial is switched on the mouse pointer will disappear for a moment since
the partial's graphics are set up in the background.
- What does "Press DATA TRANSFER, then B.LOAD, then ENTER..." mean?
See addition to III.2.5. above.
We hope that we have removed all uncertainties and errors. Have fun and
enjoy EXPLORER 32.
C-LAB Software
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Readme ===> 28-June-1989
Explorer 32 Version 2.01
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
ù in addition to III.6.2.: Reading other manufacturer's file formats
------------------------------------------------------------------
Now the formats of "MIDIMouse Music D-50 Capture", "D-50 Command", and
"Paradigm Software Products Omni-Banker ST" are recognized additionally.
If the file format to be read in is not known by Explorer 32, you have the
possibility to read the file in nevertheless. But be warned: this way, it
is possible that totally nonsensical data gets into the system which could
cause a crash in some cases. So you should save all data before. The file
has been read in correctly when the shown names look reasonable.