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Post subject: Mac to G-DEC Firmware Upgrade Using Generic USB-MIDI Cable
Posted: Fri Jan 23, 2009 1:36 pm
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Joined: Thu Jan 22, 2009 3:08 pm
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I purchased a generic USB MIDI adaptor cable on eBay for a few bucks (google Konix MIDI). It's seems to work receiving files to my Macbook from the G-DEC 15 but I could not get it to send files properly including the firmware update, with Fender's programs. It would send the first half of the code very quickly then only about 2/3 of the second half. It seemed that the code was not being terminated properly and the amp does not process it correctly. Not sure what the problem is exactly but it appears to be some sort of communication issue to do with flow control.

Everyone advises to buy a more expensive brand name adaptor and install the latest drivers which I was not convinced was necessary since I could see data flowing. If you do a lot of MIDI work then a brand name is probably prudent but not for me.

This is how I updated my amp to V1.03.03 with an $8 generic USB to MIDI adaptor cable from an Intel based Macbook (OS X 10.5.6). This procedure MAY also work with a PC and different freeware software. Until today I had never used any type of MIDI device but I do have a computer background. I do not guarantee this procedure but it worked flawlessly for me. Your results may vary. As with any type of firmware upgrade there is the potential for corrupting the firmware of your G-DEC rendering it useless. DO THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK.

It's a fairly simple 2 part procedure. Creating the update files then sending them to the amp in 2 separate groups. These SYX files may be available from Fender upon request. Not sure. I extracted them myself from the G-DEC updater program.
I used 2 freeware programs. MIDI Monitor and SysEx Librarian which seem to work perfect with my generic USB-MIDI adaptor cable. Google it.

Step 1. Creating the SYX files.
Connect the computer to the G-DEC.
Run the program "MIDI Monitor" (to capture the code).
Select your MIDI source and select Spy.
Run the G-DEC Updater for mac (ignore the instructions, just click through).
MIDI Monitor captures all 6 files (takes a few mins).
Double click each file to save them.
Starting with the first I named them 1.syx, 2.syx etc

Now you have 6 files or more importantly, 2 groups of 3.
File 1 was 12 bytes, file 2 should be about 120 bytes, file 3 was 11bytes.
File 4 was 12 bytes, file 5 should be about 96 bytes, file 6 was 11 bytes.
The large file sizes may vary with other versions of the firmware.
The first files 1-3 are the Host code (VI) portion of the update.
The second group 4-6 are the DSP code (FX) portion of the update.

Step 2. Uploading the files to the amp.
On the G-Dec press the Utility button to Amp Update and press Save twice. This puts the amp in receiving mode.
Now run the program "SysEx Librarian" .
Select the USB-MIDI device.
Add all six files in order 1-6
Now highlight files 1-3 ONLY and press play. The amp will receive the files and reboot. This completes the first portion of the update, the host code (VI).
Place the G-DEC in receive mode again and repeat the above procedure with the last three files 4-6. This updates the DSP (FX) portion, the amp will reboot and the update will be complete.

Best of luck and a Thank You to all contributors of this forum.


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Posted: Sun Jan 25, 2009 8:41 am
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Joined: Thu Jul 19, 2007 12:30 pm
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Thanks for the info, Yakadee. I'm sure it will be of use to someone having similar problems. 8)


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