Free The Tone PA-1Q Series Firmware Update Procedures

Overview of Update Steps

To update the firmware on your PA-1Q series unit, follow these general steps:

1. Prepare a PC (Windows or Mac) and set up your MIDI interface for data transmission.
2. Download and install MIDI software (SysEx Librarian for Mac, SendSx for Windows) from the specified websites.
3. Download the latest firmware from the Free The Tone website.
4. Connect the PA-1Q series to the MIDI interface and send the firmware using the installed MIDI software.
5. Once the PA-1Q series [LEVEL] display reaches "100" and stops, press the [PARAMETER] encoder switch. The unit will initialize itself, completing the firmware update. User preset contents are not affected by this process.

Firmware Update Procedures

1. Confirmation of Firmware Version

1. Turn on the power to the PA-1Q series.
2. Observe the [LEVEL] display on the top panel immediately after powering up to note the version information (e.g., "1.00").
3. Turn off the power to the PA-1Q series.

Compare the displayed version number with the latest available firmware. If the downloaded firmware version is higher, proceed with the update. If the versions are the same, the unit already has the latest firmware installed. Note: Firmware for one model (e.g., PA-1QG) cannot be installed on another model (e.g., PA-1QB or PA-1QA).

2. Preparation of Computer and MIDI Interface

1. Ensure you have a PC (Windows or Mac) and a compatible MIDI interface.
2. Connect the computer to the MIDI interface.
3. Install the necessary MIDI interface driver and confirm data transmission readiness. The PA-1Q series unit should not be connected at this stage. Refer to your MIDI interface's operation manual for specific setup instructions. Use a stable MIDI/USB interface cable for connecting the MIDI device to the PC.

3. Download of the Latest Firmware for PA-1Q Series

Download the latest firmware file for the PA-1Q series from the Free The Tone website: http://www.freethetone.com/en/support/download.html. The file is typically named PA-1Q*Y_FIRMWARE_V**.ZIP, where '*' denotes the model number (G or B) and '**' denotes the firmware version. Unzip the downloaded file.

Note: When downloading, you might see a warning that the file could damage your computer. This is a false positive; ignore the message and continue the download.

4. Download and Installation of MIDI Software

For Mac Users:

Download the freeware "SysEx Librarian" from http://www.snoize.com/SysExLibrarian/. Save the ZIP file, unzip it, and install the application.

For Windows Users:

Download the shareware "SendSx" from http://www.bome.com/products/sendsx. You can use it for a trial period. Save the ZIP file, unzip it, and install the application.

Mac Computer - SysEx Librarian Usage

1. Preparation of MIDI Software

Download, unzip, and install SysEx Librarian from the provided link. Launch the application.

2. Configuration of SysEx Librarian

Select your MIDI interface from the main window's pull-down menu (e.g., "Port 1" for a YAMAHA UX16 interface). If no interfaces are listed, ensure the MIDI interface is connected and its driver is correctly installed. The interface display may vary depending on the specific hardware.

3. Selection of Update File

Click the "+" (or "Add...") button to add the downloaded firmware file. Select the firmware file you downloaded. A confirmation message will appear stating that a reference to the file is added, but the file itself is not moved. Click "OK". To ensure SysEx Librarian can always find the file, you may move it to the SysEx Librarian folder within your Documents folder.

4. Connecting PA-1Q Series and MIDI Interface

Connect the PA-1Q series's [MIDI IN] terminal to the MIDI interface's [MIDI OUT] terminal. To prepare the PA-1Q series for receiving data, hold down both the [◄ Cursor Key] and [► Cursor Key] switches while turning on the unit's power. The [PRESET] display will show "UP", and the [LEVEL] display will show "---".

Visual Description of MIDI Connections: The rear panel of the PA-1Q series shows input/output jacks: [IN] (INST, LINE), [OUT], [MIDI IN], [MIDI OUT/THRU], and [DC9V IN]. A MIDI cable connects the [MIDI OUT] of the interface to the [MIDI IN] of the PA-1Q series. A power adapter connects to [DC9V IN].

5. Data Transmission

Click the "Play" button in SysEx Librarian. Data transmission will begin, indicated by the PA-1Q series's [LEVEL] display counting up from "000". Transmission typically takes about 30 seconds.

CAUTION! NEVER TURN OFF THE POWER TO THE PA-1Q SERIES DURING DATA TRANSMISSION.

Once the [LEVEL] display counts up to "100" and stops, press the [PARAMETER] encoder switch. The unit will automatically initialize, completing the firmware update.

Windows Computer - SendSx Usage

1. Preparation of MIDI Software

Download, unzip, and install SendSx from the provided link. Launch the application.

2. Configuration of SendSx

Select your MIDI interface from the "MIDI Out" menu. If no interfaces are listed, verify that the MIDI interface is connected and its driver is installed correctly.

3. Selection of Update File

Select "Open" from the "File" menu. In the file selection window, navigate to and select the firmware file you downloaded. After the file is read successfully, the SendSx screen will show the file loaded and indicate that your computer is ready for data transmission.

4. Connecting PA-1Q Series and MIDI Interface

Connect the PA-1Q series's [MIDI IN] terminal to the MIDI interface's [MIDI OUT] terminal. To prepare the PA-1Q series for receiving data, hold down both the [◄ Cursor Key] and [► Cursor Key] switches while turning on the unit's power. The [PRESET] display will show "UP", and the [LEVEL] display will show "---".

Visual Description of MIDI Connections: The rear panel of the PA-1Q series shows input/output jacks: [IN] (INST, LINE), [OUT], [MIDI IN], [MIDI OUT/THRU], and [DC9V IN]. A MIDI cable connects the [MIDI OUT] of the interface to the [MIDI IN] of the PA-1Q series. A power adapter connects to [DC9V IN].

5. Data Transmission

Click the "Send (F4)" button in SendSx. Data transmission will commence, and the PA-1Q series's [LEVEL] display will start counting up from "000". Transmission typically completes in about 30 seconds.

CAUTION! NEVER TURN OFF THE POWER TO THE PA-1Q SERIES DURING DATA TRANSMISSION.

When the PA-1Q series's [LEVEL] display counts up to "100" and stops, press the [PARAMETER] encoder switch. The unit will automatically initialize itself, completing the firmware update.