Here is a list of firmware versions that have been released since the display project began. There have been two minor bug fixes and a few feature additions to support new upgrades and display types.

Depending on your configuration it may be that you need update your display firmware to support new upgrades, for example, the Vecoven SuperJX Flash requires 1.03 for 16 bank and 1.04 for 16 or 32 bank version to display the internal bank number.

Contact us for a system exclusive file if you wish to upgrade. A Vecoven Assigner Board firmware upgrade is required to download new firmware into the DisplayPCB.

Application Firmware

1.00: January 5th 2016

First version of the SuperJX display supporting the Noritake GU280X16G-7806A using hardwired /BUSY handshaking requiring J2:1-2 link setting on GU280.

1.01: February 25th 2016

Character mode support to drive LCD and OLED displays.

Removal of hardwired handshaking so that J2:1-2 link doesn’t have to be set on GU280 at expense of update speed that is not noticeable in use.

1.02: March 17th 2017

Added MKS70 Keymode notification handling.

Workarounds for correct display of upper and lower bars and parameter highlights when sending MIDI controller messages and the display option has been set.

1.03: April 2nd 2017

Added support for display of internal memory bank for SuperJX Flash 16 bank version.

1.04: November 27th 2017

Added support for display of internal memory bank selection for SuperJX Flash 32 bank version.

1.05: December 4th 2017  Anniversary Edition

Introduction of new extra layout feature. Emulates the original Roland 14 segment starburst display using vector graphics. This is by request to emulate the old display as much as possible and has been a lot of fun programming and integrating with the firmware. Great if you get bored of the other layouts.

Instructions and more information: SuperJX Display Anniversary Edition

1.06: January 18th 2018

Improved layouts for LCD version on the following display screens: Mastertune, Play Mode MIDI, Tone Name Edit.

1.07: June 7th 2020

Corrected “SuperJX Flash” support when using 32 bank module; During bank selection, as soon as “>” key is pressed bank number should be preceded by a “.” to indicate that bank 17-32 can now be selected.

Perform update of bank number when MIDI bank change messages are sent. Note that not all DAW software can transmit correct message (e.g Ableton Live 9).

2.00: January 30th 2021

For Vecoven SuperJX Flash, Chord Mode Screen layouts added.

Character displays, e.g. OLED, Notifications made “pretty” and aligned with JX8P layouts.

SuperJX Bug Fixes:

1. In vector font mode character [‘] is printed correctly.
2. In name edit menu the cursor flashes.

New JX8P Support

Roland JX8P code base added that emulates NEC UPD7537 firmware version 14 protocol, allows Roland 16 x 1 VFD displays to be emulated.

Support for Vecoven JX8P SuperJX Flash : Extra data & screen layouts added on for 26×2 OLED display.

2.01: March 20th 2021

Support for lower case tone names for PC editors. Display of Chord Mode status on play screen. Contains everything including vector display mode. Unified build environment for both SuperJX and JX8P ensuring high maturity of tested codebase.

Bug fix: Correct display of dynamics characters when controlling from PG800 and edit display turned on. JX-8P: Correct digit display of bank number being dumped.

Bootloader

Bootloader in display cannot be changed by users. This is for information only.

1.02: January 5th 2016

First release, graphic VFD display only & requires BUSY signal set via J2 link on GU280.

1.03: February 25th 2016

Character display support having two build options for LCD or GU280.

Remove /BUSY handshake signal requirement for ease of installation.

2.00: February 6th 2021

Character display build versions have adjusted display format to support smaller displays as used in JX8P.

Planned Enhancements & Issues To Be Addressed

Further enhancements: Roland JX8P: Screen Layouts & faster cursor flash rate.

Downloading New Application Firmware

A boot loader is present to allow new display software to be uploaded via system exclusive if the JX is running Vecoven OS with display support. The bootloader cannot be reprogrammed unless the display is returned.

Get Latest Firmware

Re-flashing display software is to be avoided and only performed unless you need the new features. Contact Guy Wilkinson  for the necessary syx file at:

Preparation

Before reflashing the display software, in MIDI menu, change the “SYSEX IPR” and “SYSEX APR” settings to “OFF” and write these settings to memory (by pressing [WRITE] then [ENTER] from the MIDI menu with write protect switch set to off). If this is not performed, then depending on the sysex tool used, it may be necessary to perform a factory reset afterwards to stop the perpetual flashing patch number.

Re-Flashing

The screen shots below are shown for LCD. VFD is different font and progress bar is graphical.

To enter the boot loader, hold down “MIDI” and “<” whilst turning on power, “Entering Boot loader” and current display code version number is displayed.

Release the buttons when the display will change to the boot loader screen:

If a counter is shown on the top right hand corner, it means that when it reaches zero, the display application will restart. It needs to be sent the flash file via sysex within this time.

During download, the progress bar will gradually fill up as the application is downloaded and will take approximately 4 minutes depending how fast the system exclusive data is sent.

A successful completion results in the start up screen being shown with its version number.

To resume normal display, press “WRITE” twice or cycle through “FUNC DISP” to refresh all display data. Alternatively cycle the power to reset the Super JX.

If this was performed within the Vecoven “SuperJXFlash” module bootloader, press “A” to execute the application or “D” to refresh the display and remain in the SuperJXFlash bootloader.

Troubleshooting

If it stops part way through (due to disconnect or data error), turn off power and back on again upon which the boot loader will enter automatically and no counter will be displayed.

If no counter is displayed then the application is corrupt or tampered with and a new flash file is required.

An application can be corrupt after downloading new software due to a data error. Data errors cannot be corrected in this system because the data cannot be re-requested when it arrives in error. This is due to the architecture of the Super JX; the display cannot transmit data back to the assigner. Hence why re-flashing is generally avoided as it may take a few attempts on some systems that have slow USB drivers, complex MIDI routing or long cables. If no success has been had then try a separate MIDI interface connected directly to USB and the instrument.

Copyright © 2021 Super Synth Projects, Guy Wilkinson