Yamaha File Utility & CVP-205

[terifld]

I have a CVP-205 connected to a Win98SE system via "To Host" cable and CBX driver. It's being used to run a sequencer and at other times, various software midi/karaoke players. It's been working fine for a year or so, still is.

I would like to transfer files to and from the PC and CVP directly via the "To Host" cable (like what the new CVP 2003 series can do).

Found online copy of Yamaha File Utility (ver. 1.2 dated 18 April 2002) and installed it on the PC. Went through MIDI Port Setup, seems OK though no folders or files appear. But when I press "Test" button on the File Utility Setup dialog box, the following error message appears:
;Start
Test is failured. (sic)
Please check connection with MIDI device.
Host Unknown device
Version (Blank)
;End

After several attempts, I still can't seem to get it to comunicate with the CVP. Any one had success with it? Please advise.





Yamaha File Utility software download URLs:-

English version 1.2:
http://www.yamahasynth.com/down/file_utility/index.html

Japanese version 1.1:
http://www.yamaha.co.jp/product/syndtm/dl/driver.html

[cowpast]

They say this utility can be used on "various Clavinovas", but don't say which of the various Clavinovas. A compatibility list would have helped. That way we would know for sure if it would work with the "Beta" 2OO series (the odd number 200 models).

One thing I gathered from the PDF manual is that apparently it will only work if the connection is via a USB port or a MIDI interface. No mention of the "To Host" connection".

If there is a possibility that this will work with the non USB Clavs it will be through a MIDI interface. Don't have mine hooked up right now so I can't try it.

Phil

[terifld]

A compatibility list would indeed help a lot. Hope someone from Yamaha reads this and tell us which of their Clavinovas work with the File Utility software. Or does anyone have an appropriate Yamaha e-mail address which we can send them these questions? Please send me a Private Message if you do.

Under the heading in the Manual, MIDI Device Setup, it says (note numbering is mine):-
;Start
1. You will need to specify the MIDI device drivers through which your computer will communicate with your MIDI instrument (such as the MIDI instrument).
2.If you are using a USB port, you should install the necessary Yamaha USB MIDI driver.
3.If you are using a COM port, you should install the necessary Yamaha CBX driver.
;End
I think the reference in line [3.] to COM port and CBX driver implies that the "To Host" connection may be used, too.

I tried MIDI interface with an SBLive card which has MIDI In and MIDI Out but came up with the same negative result and error message. If your attempt with MIDI interface is successful, please share with us how you did it.


Teri

[Howard]

I have got a CVP 209 connected to the soundcard in my PC via MIDI.

I have installed the file utility software and get the same error message - the problem being what should the File utility ID and device ID be.
I had a look in the configuration file for the software and found the following:

[DeviceName]
Count = 7
Separate = ";"
0="MOTIF6;A0636"
1="MOTIF7;A0637"
2="MOTIF8;A0638"
3="CLP-150;B1101"
4="CLP-170;B1102"
5="P170x;B1103"
6="S90;A0682"

This suggests the software may only work with the above keyboards. The config file is called FUdbase and opens in Notepad.

I have searched the net in vain for further clues.

This would be a great utility if it worked!!

I doubt that Yamaha will be too concerned about helping us with this, as the USB file utility feature is the big selling point of the even numbered CVP's. They would probably prefer that we upgraded if we want this functionality.

Perhaps someone with more technical knowledge than me could throw some light on how the software may be adapted for the odd numbered CVP owners.

[cowpast]

Also of interest...
All of the models listed in the "FUdbase.ini" file have the USB feature and the MIDI section of the"FUcore.ini" file lists the MIDI-In and MIDI-Out ports as USB.
It looks as though this utility was developed for use with the USB models.
These files were developed and modified as far back as 2001, which was around the same time that the 200 series were developed.
Makes you wonder if they had the USB technology then and simply held back this feature to be able to introduce it later. Also makes you wonder if the feature could be added to the "odds" with a fairly simple retro package.
I think Howards conclusion that Yamaha won't be doing anything to give we "odd number" owners this function is probably on the mark.
Phil

[Midi Magic]

Hi All


This File Utility is ONLY for USB keyboards and will NOT work over the To Host. Give UP NOW.

I have a friend who has a Tyros and it works with that but only over USB.

I say works !!!!!! it is always a hit & miss thing and so far when I have tried it it has never yet, worked first time.

Midi Magic

[efi_gabriel]

Will it work with a MIDI to USB converter?

[Midi Magic]

NO it wil NOT work. It is for USB from the PC to the USB on the keyboard.

You can NOT pass files over Midi.

[efi_gabriel]

I was thinking about the MIDI converter that I will connect to CVP and thereby making it a USB. Then I will connect my PC USB port to the converted USB port of the CVP.


Efi

[Midi Magic]

Hi

Yes that will work fine for sending midi data. However don't expect the Yamaha File Utility to work. This is used to transfer files from the PC to a Tyros with a hard drive. It should work with the even numbered CVPs 208 210 but as they don't have hard drives it will be of little use.

But by all means try it out and see what happens.