HX3 Update Page

• .. - 2023-11-02 17:57:22
• Test - 2023-10-31 18:36:04
• DFU_driver_XP.zip 5.81MB 2019-10-09 19:33:36
• DreamDFU_Mac.zip 1.66MB 2023-03-08 16:46:54
• hx36_manager_6039.zip 35.02MB 2024-11-04 16:37:41
• hx36_manager_6044.zip 34.70MB 2024-11-04 16:36:59
• MIDI_KBP_CCset.pdf 83.58KB 2023-06-27 17:54:08
• MIDI_Versatile_CCs_5528.pdf 100.10KB 2019-12-20 16:18:53
• scan_44.zip 13.20KB 2024-06-13 18:16:58



Firmware for new HX3.6 boards only!

English

Unzip "hx36_manager_XX.zip" file to a local directory on your harddisk. Applications will not run properly when started within ZIP window. Also download and unzip "DFU_driver_XP.zip" when using Windows 8 or older. For a full update, use the new application HX3 Manager contained in ZIP file. For a board installation manual, visit the HX3.6 Wiki Main Page. For changelog of older firmwares, see Firmware Archive. Please see the HX3.6 Migration Guide (english) for upgrades from HX3.5 boards. Serious bugfixes marked bold.

MAG and UHL organ users: Please do not update unless update version is certified by MAG Organs or UHL Instruments! These instruments require special configurations provided by manufacturer. Please see changelog below before downloading firmware. No field test has been accomplished on BETA versions, otherwise they should work as indicated. Send bug reports to "info at keyboardpartner dot de".

Deutsch

Laden Sie die Datei "hx36_manager_XX.zip" herunter und entpacken Sie diese in ein Verzeichnis auf Ihrer lokalen Festplatte. Wenn Sie eine ältere Windows-Version als Windows 10 verwenden, laden Sie zusätzlich den Treiber "DFU_driver_XP.zip" herunter; dieser wird ggf. während des Update-Prozesses benötigt. Die Anleitung zur Board-Installation finden Sie auf der HX3.6 Wiki Hauptseite. Ältere Firmware-Versionen finden Sie hier im Verzeichnis Firmware Archive. Die Unterschiede zu HX3.5-Boards finden Sie im HX3.6 Migration Guide (deutsch).

MAG and UHL-Instrumente: Bitte führen Sie kein Update durch, bevor dieses nicht vom jeweiligen Hersteller freigegeben ist! Diese Instrumente benötigen spezielle Konfigurationen, die vom Hersteller vorgegeben werden. Bitte prüfen Sie vor einem Update, ob es für Sie relevante Neuerungen enthält. Mit den BETA- Versionen wurde kein Feldtest durchgeführt, ansonsten sollten sie wie angegeben funktionieren. Senden Sie Fehler-Reports an "info at keyboardpartner dot de".

Auf Eintrag klicken, um eine Datei herunterzuladen oder ein Verzeichnis zu öffnen.

Click on entry to download file or open subdirectory.

Firmware for HX3.6 boards only. Do not use on HX3.5 devices! Please see the HX3.6 Migration Guide (english) resp. HX3.6 Migration Guide (deutsch).

Update Parts/Files Version List

23.09.2024 Firmware #6.044

• Firmware: Drawbars moved slowly did not always return to zero when pushed fully in

23.07.2024 Firmware #6.043, Fatar Scan Driver #61.46

• Firmware: Bugfix, Rotary params not saved when changed by MenuPanel
• Firmware/Editor: Misleading name "Local Enable" of parameter #1373 changed to "MIDI Send Enables" resp. "MIDI Send" in MenuPanel
• Scan Driver (Fatar): Bugfix, MIDI Send Enables parameter did not work

31.06.2024 Firmware #6.042, FPGA #25062024, Scan Driver #6x.45

• Firmware, Editor: Support for new Organ Models parameter #1364, controls noisy "old/dry" (#1364=OFF) or quieter "new/lubed" (ON) mechanical key contacts
• Firmware, Editor: Support for new Organ Models parameter #1365, controls generator "loudness robbing" behaviour
• FPGA: Support for new/lubed contacts with elaborate contact resistance levels
• FPGA: More "compression" effect due to decreasing busbar and matching transformer load impedance when multiple notes played
• FPGA: New, more authentic approach for tone generator "loudness robbing" (drop of note volume when TG wheel is accessed by multiple notes played) and "level pumping/compression" (loss of drawbar volume when multiple notes played)
• Scan driver: Will produce a more authentic key-on- and key-off-click with different contact resistance levels applied

Note: Hammond organs with well-maintained (lubed) key contacts as well as newer Hammond keybed variants yield a somewhat lower key click volume. If a too loud key click is observed, update to newest firmware, FPGA and scan driver.

Organ Models parameter #1365 switches compression and loudness robbing effect on or off. It should be ON for all tonewheel organ models.

File Organ Models should be updated as well. If you wish to keep your existing (modified or custom) organ models, set parameters #1364 and #1365 to ON or OFF in HX3 Editor's Organ Models tab. Adjust Contact Spring Flex #1360 and Contact Spring Damping #1361 to personal taste. Click Store as Organ Model when done.

New HX3.6 scan drivers will no longer work on HX3.5, so they have been renamed to numbering scheme #6x.xx. Please use new scan driver(s) #6x.45 supplied in ZIP. Be sure to select the appropriate scan driver (Fatar, MIDI etc.) in HX3 BootLoad utility or HX3 Updater.

10.04.2024 Firmware #6.040, Scan Driver #5x.44

• Firmware: Somewhat improved frequency response for B3 swell type
• Firmware: Added Bit 6 "Separate Main/Pedal if RotaryBypass ON" in System Inits #1502, "Various Configurations 2" for separate plain organ/pedal outputs on mainboard jacks
• Firmware: Upper/Lower/Pedal Enables #1397..#1399 now part of presets (tab setting)
• Alternative scan driver with lower click noise volume ("lubed" contacts) available in separate ZIP file scan_44.ZIP

Note: It was not possible to get separate plain organ and pedal audio on main audio output jacks; when the RotaryBypass tab is ON, both organ and pedal audio are downmixed to mono on both Main L and R. This might be undesirable for customers without optional Extension Board when using an external rotary speaker.

When activated (checked), the new "Separate Main/Pedal if RotaryBypass ON" bit (in System Inits, parameter #1502) routes the plain organ and pedal audio separately to the mainboard L/R output channels when rotary/speaker simulation is bypassed. This bit should be OFF (unchecked) when an Extension Board is used as here both signals are present anyway.

09.04.2024 Firmware #6.039

• Firmware: Different dry/wet mixture approach for reverb. Params #1400..1402 now control dry/wet mixture, while analog control "Overall Reverb" #1086 controls mainly reverb time
• Firmware/Editor: Added System Inits parameter #1502 Various Configurations 2 bit 5 for swapping SLOW/FAST switch inputs (allows connection of Hammond halfmoon switches)
• Firmware: Split On/Off, Split Point and Split Mode added as saved preset parameter (saving Tabs enabled)
• Firmware: Bugfix, digital inputs configured as switches were not read properly on startup
• Firmware: Removed annoying "blinking LEDs on invalidated preset" feature
• Alternative scan driver with lower click noise volume ("lubed" contacts) available in separate ZIP file scan_44.ZIP

Note: Some customers noted a "thin" reverb along with lower "Overall Reverb" #1086 values. In the past, parameter #1086 also controlled wet/dry mixture, which was undesirable. I changed behaviour to reverb time control on "Overall Reverb" #1086 parameter, while reverb "wet" levels are solely set by params #1400..1402. Max. reverb time (i.e. "Overall Reverb" #1086 potentiometer range) for each of the 3 reverb program (2 buttons) is still to be set by ''DSP Setup'' params #2005..#2007.

22.01.2024 FPGA #22012024

• FPGA/SoundEngine: Made some changes in rotary horn simulation to defeat artefacts on higher notes
• FPGA: Removed diffusor from rotary horn main beam, less diffsor modulation to prevent "swirling" and grinding artefacts
• Firmware/Editor: Added System Inits parameter #1502 Various Configurations 2 bit 5 for swapping SLOW/FAST switch inputs (allows connection of Hammond halfmoon switches)
• Firmware: Split On/Off, Split Point and Split Mode added as saved preset parameter (saving Tabs enabled)
• Firmware: Bugfix, digital inputs configured as switches were not read properly on startup
• Firmware: Removed disturbing "blinking LEDs on invalidated preset" feature
• Firmware: Bugfix, saving voice presets with CANCEL key did not work properly
• Manager/Editor: Added System Inits #1502 Various Configurations 2, Bit 4: Delayed Save with CANCEL key
• Manager/Editor: Parameter group will be refreshed to update descriptions after pop-up menu "Set subsequent Values..." is executed
• Bootloader: Support for slower SD Cards, Bootloader shuts down FPGA while loading files from SD to prevent corrupted images

Note: For Bootloader update to #1.07, board must be sent to KeyboardPartner for factory update (in case your SD Cards do not work properly). When preset key inputs are configured as switches, HX3 will change preset or voice directly when "inverted" preset key is pressed, not on preset key release. This may also be appropriate with non-latching keys. A voice or preset is immediately saved by pressing the CANCEL key and then the desired save destination key.

If bit 4 of param #1502 Various Configurations 2 is set, you must hold CANCEL key for about 2 seconds and then the desired save destination key. This would prevent an unintended save of a voice or preset.

03.11.2023 Manager #6.10, Firmware #6.033

• Firmware: Bugfix, MIDI CC Special Function #1674 did not handle Percussion and 1' disable properly
• Firmware: Added Program Change Disable submenu ("No ProgChgRcv") to MIDI menu - if ON, HX3 will not respond to MIDI program changes
• Firmware: Master Volume, Reverb Level and Tube Amp Gain saved to Preset when enabled in System Inits
• Firmware: Tube Amp Gain will be restored fom Preset when bit 5 of Common Preset Save/Restore Mask bits (System Inits #1498) is set
• Firmware: Corrected display of Save Destination in menu depending on Common Preset Save/Restore Mask bits (System Inits #1498)
• Firmware: Limited MIDI swell sending to 8ms cycle; heavy use of swell pedal did clog MIDI transmissions
• Manager: Added Program Change Disable Parameter MIDI Setup #1376

01.11.2023 Manager #6.10, FPGA #01112023, Firmware #6.031, new speakers.dat

• FPGA: Bugfix, added saturation logic for AO28 preamp sim, final gain stage produced overflow when multiple notes played in lowest octave
• Firmware: Removed inconsistency on reverb setting in Common Presets
• Firmware: Bugfix, MIDI CC Mode 7 did not work properly
• Firmware: Added new mode "9" in CC Set interpreter
• Manager: Added new mode "9" in CC Set Editor for buttons etc.: HX3 will accept MIDI CC as "ON" when value is in range, as "OFF" if not
• Manager: Added entry for Rotary Speaker Models parameter "Frequency Response", #2110
• Manager: Replaced separate custom CC sets with Nord C2D (9) and Viscount Legend (10)

Note: In FPGA #01112023, parameter #2110 controls overall frequency response of speaker simulation. Upper frequency equals (value + 1) 120.3 in Hz, so -3dB point is approx. 6 kHz at value 50 (OK for most speakers). Correct this value in your own speaker.dat configuration (unused value in old settings). However, we recommend new speakers.dat* update file with improved speaker models.

26.10.2023 Firmware #6.031, Manager #6.09, FPGA #18102023, new speakers.dat

• Firmware: Bugfix, MIDI channel setting was not working
• Firmware: Added MIDI CC Vibrato V1..C3 "direct" parameters 1680 to 1685 as on HX3.5
• FPGA: Improved rotary horn and rotor modulation, rotor now stereo, new PR40 speaker preset
• Manager: Added entry for new PR40 speaker preset

Note: On some boards the GM/H100 Setup parameter #1491 was set to 85. For higher line output level, set #1491 to 105 instead.

14.10.2023 Firmware #6.030, Manager #6.09, FPGA #14102023, new speakers.dat

• Firmware: Added frequency indicators for Equalizer menus
• Firmware: Equalizer Q/Peak range was way too high, limited to 1/3 octave on max. now, width is 1 octave on mid position
• Firmware: Bugfix, did not save Presets in main menu, Save to menu had glitches
• Firmware: Added support for stereo rotor throb
• Manager/Panel: Added frequency indicators for Equalizer values
• Manager/Editor: Added rotor stereo throb params
• Manager/Updater: Bugfix, DSP version info was sometimes empty after ReInit
• Manager: Improved recognition of deprecated firmware and FPGA
• FPGA: Improved I2S interface to DAC/DSP (see note)
• FPGA: Stereo rotor throb for rotary sim, improved horn reflections
• Speaker models: Added stereo rotor parameters, improved horn diffusor and reflection delays

Note: When playing notes, a few boards produce a "grainy" noise sometimes after switching on. This was caused by timing issues from FPGA to DAC and DSP, and we solved it by improved I2S interfacing within FPGA structure. If updating the FPGA Sound Engine does not help and you still experience such behaviour, a small hardware modification is necessary. See Migration guide mentioned above.

20.09.2023 Firmware #6.027, Manager #6.07, Organ/Speaker Models

• Firmware: Added Increment/Decrement button assignments in Switch Remap for Presets, Drawbar Voices (U/L/P), Speaker Models and Organ Models (Button Assign values 64 to 75)
• Firmware: Inc/Dec button assignment for Transpose moved to values 76, 77 in Switch Remap
• Firmware: Fixed a bug in Analog Remap, MIDI CC Send only assignments. MIDI CC Send moved to #1520..#1531
• Firmware: Small bugfix in MIDI value scaling on sended values (CC Set Editor, Value Mode 1)
• Firmware: Added button assignments in Switch Remap for selecting drawbar destination (90=U/L/P Toggle, alternatively 91=Upper, 92=Lower, 93=Pedal) in "single drawbar set" mode
• Firmware: Added a 6-Button-mode (System Inits #1497 = 3) for Vibrato (V1..C3) in addition to hardware knob mode, 3-button (V1, V2, V1+V2, V/C) and 4-button (V1, V2, V3, V/C) modes. 3-button mode slightly changed, press both V1 and V2 simultaneously to obtain V3.
• Manager: Reset Window positions by holding SHIFT key when starting HX3 Manager to avoid system errors and "lost" or hidden windows
• Manager/CC Set Editor: Added help text in status bar for table entries
• Manager/CC Set Editor: Removed "Try Out" button as it did overwrite CC Set 9. Now simple Upload/Save button instead.
• Manager/Editor: Added pop-up menu entries (right mouse click) in Editor main table for easier access to MIDI CC and hardware input assignments
• Manager/Editor: Small changes for reliable Organ Model and Speaker Model recall
• Organ/Speaker Models: Small changes

Note: A hardware button assigned to value 90 = Single DB set U/L/P Toggle in Switch Remap will toggle a single drawbar set destination from Upper (LED off) to Lower (LED on) to Pedal (LED flashing) to Upper etc. However, DB destination may be also set by use of 3 separate buttons (Switch Remap values 91..93). If no pedal is present, you may use just the 92 = Lower button as this one may be toggled ON/OFF (Upper manual is assigned when OFF).

Pressing INC and DEC buttons at the same time will reset their value (Preset, Voice, Model or Transpose) to 0.

An analog control (drawbar, pot) assigned in Analog Remap to values 200..211, "MIDI CC Send #0..#11" will send MIDI control change only and will perform no other function. The channel and CC# has to be defined in CC Set Edtor, group MIDI CC Send Function. Assigned channel numbers are fixed in this case and will not move with HX3 MIDI channel.

05.09.2023 Firmware #6.026, Manager #6.05

• Firmware: Vibrato knob setting did not load properly from startup preset 0
• Firmware: Increased switch settle time for old DB9-MPX drawbars
• Manager/Panel: Did not send edited Preset Name to HX3

11.08.2023 Firmware #6.023, Manager #6.04

• Manager/Editor: Added a pop-up menu (right mouse click) in Editor main table to change all subsequent values in selected group
• Manager/Editor: Cleaned up obsolete entries
• Firmware: Fixed a glitch on ADC_24 drawbar read, did invalidate first drawbar of recalled Voice/Preset on change from Live to any Voice/Preset
• Firmware: Removed debug information which caused Sync errors on all Switch Remap parameters

Note: This was a nasty one. ADC did not read first drawbar value correctly (caused by charge injection effects on input multiplexer, btw), so after changing from Live DBs to Voice preset, the Voice recalled was invalidated immediately because HX3 controller thought that first drawbar was moved.

01.08.2023 Editor/Manager #6.03, Firmware #6.022

• Manager: Common HX3 Manager for HX3.5 and HX3.6
• Manager: Re-sorted Editor table entries for better access
• Manager: Color coding of Default, Preset, Organ and Speaker model parameters
• Manager: Fixed bubble help of "Various Configurations 2" Bits
• Firmware: Changed assignment numbers for preset buttons
• Firmware: Added Capset/Tapering to TG submenu
• Firmware: Moved "Sync PHR to Rotary" parameter (#1459) to System Inits, Bit 3 of Various Configurations 2

Note: Switch Remap codes for Voice and Preset buttons have changed to make room for new Organ and Speaker Model button codes. Check section Switch Remap for voice/preset buttons affected.

07.07.2023 Editor/Manager #6.02, Firmware #6.021

• Manager: Fixed bug in DFU updater (error 64 occured when harddisk path contained special characters)
• Firmware: Fixed TouchOSC MIDI bug, did not send GM program numbers
• Firmware: Added MIDI support for storing Defaults, System Inits, Organ Model, Speaker Model. See MIDI_KBP_CCset.pdf for details.
• Added MIDI support in CC set #8 for Organ/Speaker Model Inc/Dec buttons
• New items in MIDI CC Set Editor, re-arranged groups for readability

02.06.2023 Editor/Manager #6.01, BootLoader #1.05, Firmware #6.020

• Manager (all): Removed outdated help function, see HX3.6 Manager user manual instead
• Manager: Re-arranged startup window, old window did not fit on small screens
• Manager: Fixed bug in parameter INI file save
• Preset Mover: Fixed bug in preset file save
• Presets/Defaults: Accidentally left Fatar keybed Octave Shift tabs #1174 and #1175 on
• BootLoad: added libusb files for DFU mode, missing on some Windows installations
• Firmware/Firmware Bootloader: Changed MenuPanel LCD driver for new PCA9555D IC (see note)
• Firmware: Bugfix of I2C driver, Panel16 and Preset16 boards were not working when MenuPanel not connected

Note: Manufacturer NXP did a mask change on PCA9555D IC used on MenuPanel assembly sold from May 2023 and up. Therefore, new MenuPanels might no longer work with older Firmware or Firmware Bootloader due to timing issues. Driver was changed to new timing in firmware version 6.019; however, Firmware Bootloader 1.02 might show issues with display content or will not display any information at all. In this case, send HX3.6 board to KeyboardPartner for a free bootloader update.

Bootloader #1.05 will accept commands from main firmware without MenuPanel attached. With no MenuPanel, Bootloader #1.05 will always try a SD card update if card is found. However, Bootloader may be updated by factory only.

28.04.2023 Firmware #6.018

• Firmware: Added support for XB2 Kit
• Firmware: Bugfix, Vibrato buttons V1..V3, V/CH did not work on Panel16 installations

27.04.2023 Firmware #6.017

• Firmware: Bugfix, did not save drawbar settings on Preset 0 (after power-up)
• Firmware: Bugfix, MIDI Submenu was not available on MenuPanel
• Firmware: Bugfix, Octave Downshift tabs were erraneously saved to Presets. Saved to Startup Defaults now

12.04.2023 Firmware #6.015

• Firmware: Bugfix, Updates via FTDI cable erraneous
• Manager: Bugfix, Reconnect did not work with FTDI cable

Note: When using Firmware 6.014 and below, do NOT update via FTDI cable. Use MIDI/USB instead.