Yamaha DGX305 upload to Computer?

[ido1957]

The literature on this says you can download from computer to the Yamaha DGX305 (to the smartmedia card) using USB. Do you know if I can record drums/keyboard to midi files and upload to the computer - say record to smartmedia and upload the midi files to computer through the USB port. I want to be able to work with these midi files in Cakewalk.....

 

[ido1957]

Well, I found the manual and it looks like it only downloads via USB from the computer to the SmartMedia Card (or Flash Memeory).

So, my question now is.....how do I load this SmartMedia Data into my computer form the card. Will these .99 card readers on eBay with a USB cable work. I do not have a card reader slot on my computer - only a USB port.

I'm trying to play a song on the keyboard, then upload it to my computer and work on it there in cakewalk.....

Anybody able to do this successfully ?

 

[ssscientist]

Will these .99 card readers on eBay with a USB cable work. I do not have a card reader slot on my computer - only a USB port.

i'm not sure which '.99 card readers' you're talking about, but just about any computer store will have a suitable card reader that will do the job. They will probably have several, and it wouldn't hurt to get one that reads Compact Flash cards too.



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[ido1957]

BTW - I received this keyboard (Yamaha DGX305) as a gift from my wonderful sister .

Update - I went looking for a memory card for the new keyboard (Smartmedia card). I found out it's long been discontinued (like 3 years!!!????!!!). Everything now is Secure Digital cards (like the one in my HP camera).

So I called Long and McQuade and they tell me Yamaha is still manufacturing with obsolete cards - why don't I believe this too much????? Well the 505 is still on the web page at Yamaha.ca

So for about 40 bucks I ordered one on eBay.

Hopefully it will work and get here soon.

I was playing with my downloading stuff yesterday. I downloaded a song from the CD provided to the keyboard and then played it ok. The process involves moving the song from the CD to a “temporary storage” window on your computer, then you use a second button to move it to the keyboard.

When you’re connected you click on the Electronic Musical Instruments to show the Flash memory (or Smartmedia I assume).

When it comes to transferring the other way around, I’ve figured out it has to be on the Smartmedia card and converted to midi (SMF). They tell you how to do this in the manual.

Then (and I’m assuming here), you should be able to select the Smartmedia card from the window and upload to the “temporary storage” then download to your C drive. I recorded a song to Flash memory but it doesn’t show as available so I’m guessing you have to build it on the Smartmedia card for it to transfer to the computer.

Well I guess we’ll soon find out because the card is on its way – from the UK mind you.

I'll post the results as soon as I find out if it can be done.....

Maybe I'll be lucky and save the cost of a reader - then again can you get a smartmedia reader??!!??? Who knows.....



If all goes well I might pick up another card for backup (pretty pricey considering the cost of the keyboard).

 

[ssscientist]

the Flash memory (or Smartmedia I assume)

The flash memory is called 'flash memory' because whatever is in there goes away when you turn the keyboard off. Smartmedia is, as you know, more or less permanent because you need to actively delete something to make it go away.

That keyboard would be much more useful to you if you were to configure it as a midi controller and do your file storage of all types on the computer. The imposed limitations of the 'arranger' features would turn into positive attributes if you were to integrate them into a nice, low cost audio/midi sequencing application like Reaper.

I know this idea may not sit well with you but at least think about where you're putting your $40, because that's the shareware fee they ask for Reaper. Download the program and see if it appeals to you. If you're open minded or the least bit curious about what's out there as far as computer software Reaper has a nice way of handling VST instruments, also known as softsynths, and you will be able to greatly expand your sonic palate for free or for very small shareware donations.


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[ido1957]

The flash memory is called 'flash memory' because whatever is in there goes away when you turn the keyboard off. Smartmedia is, as you know, more or less permanent because you need to actively delete something to make it go away.

Makes sense - but it would be nice if they had some internal memory in which you could create songs and convert them MIDI and export them out the USB cable. There is a five track recorder on there so....

That keyboard would be much more useful to you if you were to configure it as a midi controller and do your file storage of all types on the computer. The imposed limitations of the 'arranger' features would turn into positive attributes if you were to integrate them into a nice, low cost audio/midi sequencing application like Reaper.

Ok - I have a copy of Cakewalk that, from what my friend says, will record midi signals from his midi outs on his PSR550. Can I send MIDI through the USB cable? I read the manual but I don't recall it mentioning that (I don't have it with me right now). Although I do remember something about the lower keys being start stop etc controllers....hmmm....

I know this idea may not sit well with you but at least think about where you're putting your $40, because that's the shareware fee they ask for Reaper. Download the program and see if it appeals to you. If you're open minded or the least bit curious about what's out there as far as computer software Reaper has a nice way of handling VST instruments, also known as softsynths, and you will be able to greatly expand your sonic palate for free or for very small shareware donations.

Would beat the heck out of the smartmedia card if I could go straight out to a midi recording software package. Is REAPER and CAKEWALK the same this way?

Thanks ssscientist, you're advice is most helpful.....

 

[ssscientist]

Can I send MIDI through the USB cable?

Yes.

Is REAPER and CAKEWALK the same this way?

There are a whole bunch of different versions of Cakewalk going back as far as the MS-DOS days, and yes, as far as I know they all record midi data.

Until recently they used a different soft synth and soft effect protocol - DX instead of VST - and unless you have a relatively recent version of Cakewalk you'd probably do well to follow the link and download Reaper. Cronos Software gives you a 30-day trial period before you need to decide if you want to pay the shareware fee.


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