Reprogramming vintage MIDI controllers (MIDI Octopus, etc.)

[jackjresq]

I have an RG-16 --- a killer device --- which is the brain of my rig. As y'all know, it does everything, including program changes and continuous-controller (CC) changes. Before the greatness of RJM Music, most of us made due with MIDI controllers like the Rockman MIDI Octopus, Peavey MidiPro, etc. These devices don't have the CC capability that the RG-16 has, so controlling individual devices (like turning off/on an individual piece of gear through a 1/4" jack) without changing programs wasn't possible.

Has anybody had any luck reprogramming any of these old MIDI controllers to accept CC changes? I have an EPROM, EEPROM, PIC, etc. programmer, but I would rather avoid the trial and error if somebody has experience with this. Long live RJM Music.

Jack

 

[rjmmusic]

Re: Reprogramming vintage MIDI controllers (MIDI Octopus, et

Wow, I'm actually kinda surprised I didn't do this myself about 20 years ago. Desolder the ROM, stick it into an EPROM burner to read the code, disassemble it, no problem! Better that I just designed my own stuff instead, I suppose.

I don't know if anyone has tried to hack the Octopus, but I'm sure it's possible. I wonder if Scholz would part with the source code. That would make it a little easier...