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So it seems a recovery CD is not needed, at least for when it comes to system install. However, my point about crashed drives or deleted data is a valid one. It would be useful to have something like a Knoppix distribution, calibrated for proper display on the Oasys screen and with tools allowing transfer of data, or recovery of data, and copy to USB stick.

I know, we're all meant to backup our data. Nevertheless, better be prepared.

In my case, I had to do something as Muse Research do not supply any install CD. I'd have to send the unit back to the US for a reinstall should anything happen. In view of the cost involved, I took precautions to not have to do that !

danatkorg wrote:

sebbytriton wrote:

RC-IA wrote:ok thanx dan, i will ask. by the way, this time, the update went fine for me

seb> i don't think it's something that only happens in france, that's just a coincidence

Yes of course, it is not specific to France because Mike Conway also got a similar problem.

Mike's case was related to some pre-release software that he was kindly helping us to test. It would not happen when using released versions of the software.

As of this moment, I am not aware of any actual problems in France related to 1.3.1. I've sent an email to our distributor there, and I assume that they'll let me know what's up.

- Dan

I think the problem suggested by Francois about French Team could be a migration from pre-release 1.3.0 to 1.3.1

Hi Dan -

While I appreciate your answer; I still believe I have a valid point.

If you consider a Triton or M3, their OS is on ROM and there are no moving parts. The likelihood of failure is very low.

The OASYS on the other hand depends _utterly_ on moving parts; and it will definitely fail at some point in the future - for ALL OASYS users.

Hence, while a solution through a Korg Distributor may be on offer for some years to come, it is still a solution provided to distributors, not to owners.

Given this emerging vulnerability, I firmly recommend that Korg look at an end user solution, not a distributor one. This will ensure a longer term solution available to those most interested in it - ie users with a failed OASYS hard disk; and also allows users in the long run to seek a more commercially viable solution where, for example in my case I would not have to ship my OASYS over seas (as I would currently have to) but could seek a local expert to do the work.

This could come in the form of clear documentation - where you provide a guide to current compatible HDs, and an opportunity to purchase a full CD pack of any current latest OS; and a set of recalibration instructions that th e owner themselves can bring to any expert long into the future.

Without that support, there can be absolutely no doubt that OASYS users in ten or more years from now could be high and dry, where as current Triton and M3 users will still enjoy their workstations.

I am one of the strongest advocates of the OASYS - but I am now convinced there is a vulnerability that is only becoming obvious to me now at any rate; and I would be surprised if other owners here do not feel the same way.

Hence a clear path to the long term sustainability of any given OASYS is an unresolved yet genuine issue for all owners today; and needs to be robustly addressed some how before its component technologies become obsolete. I would hope that would be of interest to everyone concerned given where OASYS is pitched in the synthesizer market; yet it's greater vulnerability than ROM based OS workstations.

Kevin.

I totally agree with Kevin.In fact I always worry about how long my OASYS will live specially with the hard disc.My old computer died on me last month and that made me fear even more so.Hard drives don't last for ever and OASYS is utterly dependant on it's hard drive.Before I purchased OASYS I used to joke saying"My old DX7 will outlive your OASYS".
After my PC died I even considered selling the OASYS to replace it with a "saver" M3.
So this subject is very close to my own fears and worrys.
What do other OASYS owners think?

sebbytriton wrote: I think the problem suggested by Francois about French Team could be a migration from pre-release 1.3.0 to 1.3.1

If you did that, then that is the problem. Use the official korguser.net 1.3.0 release.

Synthia wrote:I totally agree with Kevin.In fact I always worry about how long my OASYS will live specially with the hard disc.My old computer died on me last month and that made me fear even more so.Hard drives don't last for ever and OASYS is utterly dependant on it's hard drive.Before I purchased OASYS I used to joke saying"My old DX7 will outlive your OASYS".
After my PC died I even considered selling the OASYS to replace it with a "saver" M3.
So this subject is very close to my own fears and worrys.
What do other OASYS owners think?

I think Kevin is right that hard drive replacement, etc. needs to be user serviceable. We all know that the OASYS is a computer. An M3 won't give me an OASYS, not even close. I doubt any workstation will touch the OASYS, for a while, unless it is built around a big computer processor, like the OASYS.

If I could easily put my own drive in (no service trip) and then load the recovery CDs, that would cool. Hardly any inconvenience. I know Elvis can do it.

I liked the Triton Extreme concept for the fact that you could plug in a USB HD and CD writer. If there was a sturdy little ROM/processor for the OS and OASYS fast sample/track loading that would be cool. As it is, other workstations are too slow with samples. Even the Fusion took long to load single programs.

Yes, I want something like the OASYS to last 20 years or more, like that DX7.

Hi Kevin,

Service information for Korg products is provided to authorized service centers, but not directly to end-users. The service centers get their information from the Korg distributor. For the OASYS specifically, this involves a large amount of detailed information (much more than you are asking about: schematics, detailed diagrams for parts replacement procedures, etc.), centrally maintained and distributed world-wide.

You write:

Kevin Nolan wrote:Without that support, there can be absolutely no doubt that OASYS users in ten or more years from now could be high and dry, where as current Triton and M3 users will still enjoy their workstations.

As long as Korg is around, the necessary information will be available to authorized service centers, who will be responsible for repairing OASYS and M3 alike. I don't see how there would be any difference between the two.

Replacing the hard drive means getting the OASYS to an authorized service center, who will have access to all of the service information, have access to full CD installer sets, and so on.

In re users obtaining the latest full set of CDs: I think that's a fine idea, and it should be easy to provide. As I wrote, you'd have to ask your Korg distributor, but I would hope that they would be able to accommodate such a request. They might need to charge a fee for media and/or shipping. We might also be able to put the disk images up on the website, though it would of course be a hefty download; I'll look into that.

In re compatible hard drives:

Hard drives are not a user-servicable part. That said, the OASYS uses a standard 2.5" IDE hard drive, like those used in laptops. I'm not aware of any compatibility issues outside of the form-factor (2.5") and interface type (IDE).

Best regards,

Dan

After spending a fair amount on an Oasys, I wouldn't hesitate to purchase a spare motherboard and a spare hard drive. Today, not a problem. In 10 years, finding an IDE drive will be much harder, and the mobo will be near impossible.

As for imaging the hard drive, it would be interesting to get a U3 stick with relevant softawre to see if you could clone the drive to CD via the onboard CD drive.

Hi Dan -

Thanks most sincerely for your very forthright and robust answer. I and no doubt others feel a lot more reassured by your pointing us to the state of affairs regarding detailed servicing, and the sense that Korg will provide such service as needed into the future.

Your references to the potential to buy the latest CD OS sets, and to compatible IDE Hard Drives is also very useful and appreciated. I had spoken to Korg UK about a year ago about a few other parts for the OASYS. Indeed, they were a little 'incensed' at the suggestion of OASYS needing new parts any time soon, but I mean incensed in a good mannered way (and indeed that gave me confidence in their belief in the quality of OASYS)! That said, they said they will be willing to sell parts for appropriate fees, so they were genuinely open minded on that (Synthia - that should be useful to you especially - if I believe correctly that you are in the UK?)

Anyway Dan - thanks again for your reply. I realise it can't be fun getting questions / requests like this put to you - you do not owe any of us anything; but your interest and expertise are always appreciated.

Cheers,
Kevin.

Kevin Nolan wrote: Anyway Dan - thanks again for your reply. I realise it can't be fun getting questions / requests like this put to you - you do not owe any of us anything; but your interest and expertise are always appreciated.

I'm glad to be able to help!

Best regards,

Dan