Updating the Tetra OS
The downloadable file in the sidebar at the right contains the latest operating system for the Tetra. It also includes the installation instructions given below.
When to Update Your OS
Most OS updates fix only minor bugs that most users never encounter. If you are experiencing a problem with your instrument, please contact our Support Department for help in diagnosing the cause before doing anything else. Unlike on computer, the OS on your instrument can never become corrupted, so re-installing your current OS won’t fix a hardware problem, and is not recommended. In addition, loading an OS improperly could disable your instrument, leaving it in need of servicing. So if you have any questions or are unsure about what you’re doing, please contact us before attempting to update your instrument’s operating system.
How to Update Your OS
The Tetra’s operating system is updated via MIDI. You will need a DAW, MIDI utility, or other application capable of opening and sending MIDI System Exclusive (SysEx) messages. MIDI-OX (Windows) and SysEx Librarian (Mac OS) are shareware MIDI utilities that can reliably be used to update DSI instruments. You will also need a MIDI interface and MIDI cable to transmit the SysEx file from your computer to the Tetra.
Instructions are given below for:
I. CHECKING YOUR TETRA’S INSTALLED OS VERSION
II. UPDATING TETRA’S OS
III. CHANGES AND NEW FEATURES
I. CHECKING YOUR TETRA’S INSTALLED OS VERSIONS
The Tetra has two types of processors, Main (AKA “PIC”) and Voice, and each has its own operating system. The installed versions are displayed on power up. This is the only accurate method of determining the installed versions. The paper labels on the chips are not to be relied upon and the editor software may not display the correct version.
The current Main operating system is version 1.1; Voice is version 1.1.
II. UPDATING TETRA’S OS
As explained above, Tetra’s operating systems are updated via MIDI. You will need a DAW, MIDI utility, or other application capable of opening and transmitting MIDI System Exclusive (SysEx) messages. SysEx Librarian (Mac OS) and MIDI-OX (Windows) are shareware MIDI utilities that can be downloaded from:
http://www.snoize.com/SysExLibrarian/
For more details about these MIDI utilities, including specific settings and troubleshooting information, see “Using SysEx Librarian.txt” or “Using MIDI-OX.txt” included with the OS download.
You will also need a MIDI interface and MIDI cable to connect your computer to Tetra.
IMPORTANT NOTE
Though the Tetra is equipped with USB, the operating systems can only be updated via the 5-pin MIDI jack.
To load the OS:
- Connect your computer’s MIDI out to Tetra’s MIDI in.
- Open the OS file in a MIDI utility, DAW, or other application capable of opening and transmitting SysEx files.
- Transmit the file to the Tetra.
While the OS file is being transmitted, the display reads either “Main OS Load” or “Voice OS Load” and counts down for the duration of the transfer. When the countdown concludes, the display changes to “Writing Now!” as the file is written to memory. As the OS is being written, the front panel LEDs will flash in sequence. Do not turn off Tetra while the OS is writing! When the write is complete, normal operation will resume.
If you’re updating both operating systems, repeat the procedure above with the other OS file.
II. CHANGES AND NEW FEATURES
Several new features have been added to Tetra since its initial release. Some or all of the features listed below may be new to you or changed, depending upon the OS version you are updating from.
GLOBAL PARAMETERS
Clock: V1 Master (new value)
Mode Lock: Off, Prog, Combo (new parameter)
Balance: -14 to 14 (greater resolution)
SEQUENCER PARAMETERS
Slew
MISCELLANEOUS PARAMETERS
Arpeggiator Mode
COMBO OPERATION
Carefully read “Combos” on page 33 of version 1.3 of the Tetra manual to familiarize yourself with improvements to combo operation. For a complete description of the additions and changes, please download the latest version of the Tetra Operation Manual from the DSI site.