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PC-JX8P V2.3  Programmer / Sound editor for the Roland JX-8P Synthesizer
                       (C) 1994-96 by Fracman

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NEWS-18.11.1996-NEWS-18.11.1996-NEWS-18.11.1996-NEWS-18.11.1996-NEWS-18.11.199

* minor bugfixes
* changed e-mail adress: nts5mars@rz.fht-esslingen.de

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INSTALLATION:

  * Unpack the file PCJX8P23.EXE (or PCJX8P23.ZIP)
  * call MDF and check the settings of MDF.INI
  * start PC-JX8P with the settings of YOUR system

    Usage: PC-JX8P [-Axxx] [-Cy] [-D] [-Ppath] [-Upath] [-?]
                    -Axxx  : MPU Port Address hxxx
                    -Cy    : MIDI Channel y (1-16)
                    -N     : NO MIDI functions (receive/send diabled).
                    -Ppath : Path for JX-8P SysEx files.
                    -Upath : Path for SysEx Utility file.
                    (default settings: -A330 -C1 -PSYX\ -UMDF.EXE)

    The settings are saved in the PC-JX8P.INI in the actual directory,
    so you don't have to give the parameters at every start.

    The MDF utility is only being used to get parameters from the JX-8P,
    but not for sending them (PC-JX8P has it own send routine) thru
    a MPU-401 MIDI interface.

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KNOWN PROBLEMS:

*  If PC-JX8P starts with the message 'no MPU found' although you have one,
   please Quit and restart PC-JX8P. If this does'nt work, you should reboot
   your machine without starting other MIDI applications.
   This happens when the buffer of the MPU already has data stored when
   starting PC-JX8P, e.g. when you used your JX-8P just before.

*  There is still no direct support for GUS/SB/other MIDI interfaces.
   I will not implement these since I am working on a Windows version.

   But you could start PC-JX8P in the NO MIDI mode (PC-JX8P -N)
   which disables all MIDI functions like receiving or sending a tone.
   Sounds are to be transmitted then with the MDF utility which can be
   configured for MPU/GUS/SB MIDI interfaces (see MDF.DOC).

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Requirements of PC-JX8P:

 * PC/AT compatible (80286/386/486/Pentim/?) with VGA and at least 640kB RAM
 * DOS (tested with Microsoft DOS 5.x,6.x,Win95)
 * Roland MPU401 or MPU-IPC-T MIDI interface, also soundcards with compatible 
   MIDI interfaces (tested with Creative Labs SB16 and AWE32). 

Optional:

 * Roland JX-8P Synthesizer
 * Mouse (tested with Microsoft-compatible driver)

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About PC-JX8P  

 PC-JX8P is easy to use, but of course, users of PC-JX8P should know 
 how the JX-8P works and how to use its parameters if they want to create 
 sounds, but with PC-JX8P, it's hardly possible not to get a sound, 
 even if its a weird one.

 However, if the sound becomes terrific and still grows worse, 
 first of all reduce the output volume to zero and quickly select 
 the NEW TONE button to calm all the terrified neighbourhood.
 This is why HEADPHONES have been invented :)
 
 The file format of PC-JX8P is SYX (SYstem eXclusive). These files can be
 loaded with most of the MIDI utilities (e.g. MDF or CAKEWALK).

 PC-JX8P is my software version of the hardware programmer PG-800
 which I did'nt got with my JX-8P.

 The major enhancements over a JX-8P with PG-800 are:

   * easy handling of tones
   * increased number of tones possible
   * individual patch parameter saved with each tone

 More infos about using PC-JX8P: please click the HELP / INFOS button.
 

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NOTES for other Roland JX synths:

PC-JX8P actually only works with a Roland JX-8P.

* JX-3P    This one does'nt have any SysEx capabilities. All programming
           is done with the buttons or a PG-200.
* JX-10(P) Since these synths, Roland made Checksums in SysEx communications.
           Shure, it's safer, but the SysEx programming is a lot harder.
           The JX-10 stores it's data in a packed format like the memory
	   cartridges. If I can find out how it's packed and which data
           corresponds to which parameter, I'll implement a JX-10 part.
           Although the JX-10 series are basically two JX-8P`s in one
           synth, they can`t be programmed like the JX-8P via MIDI.
           It seems that Roland only kept the PG-800 compatibility.
* MKS-70   same as JX-10. 
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LAST THINGS:

 I would be glad to receive a mail with comments, ideas, questions or SOUNDS.
 All mailers will be put on a sort of mailing list for new sounds
 and future versions of PC-JX8P (I'm working on a (MS-)Windows version).
 
 SPECIAL THANKS to:

       PETER DIENSTMANN (Toronto, CANADA)
         for testing & reporting bugs, sounds and new ideas
         (Random tone generation, file list sort).

       KAI RISKU
         for the MDF (MIDI DATA FILER) utility.
         Please read MDF.DOC for more informations.

       KEYS - Magazine for Music and Computers (German magazine)
         for the CD-ROM 'Tones & Tools'

       ROLAND
         for the great JX-8P and the nice MIDI implementation.

       MIKE FLEMING
       PAUL         
       ERIGIO MONACO

   ... and to all the other MIDI music makers :)

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FREEWARE NOTICE:

This product should not be sold or resold for profit.
The author retains copyright on all copies of all versions.
The files may be freely distributed, so long as they remain unmodified and 
intact, and that the copyright and FREEWARE notice remains unaltered. 
The author makes no claims about the suitability of this software for any 
particular machine or purpose. Use it at your own risk.

                                ---

Where is the REGISTRATION notice? Here:

In the Docs of Fractint, a great Fractal generator for PC, I found these words:
 
 ***************************************************
 ** Don't want money. Got money. Want admiration. **
 ***************************************************

Thus, I don't want you to pay a special fee to become registered,
but of course, every present is welcome :)

In addition, if you know a good FTP Site or MAILBOX for Synthesizer or MIDI,
please let me know it (or put PC-JX8P there).

...And don't forget to mail me your sounds...

        *** THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!! ***

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 E-Mail (Internet):   nts5mars@rz.fht-esslingen.de
 
 (or normal Mail to)  Marc Schreier           (also known as 'Fracman')
                      Bacchusweg 5
                      74354 Besigheim
                      Germany
                      
                      FAX: +49 71 43 - 3 17 30
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