Midi files from PSR-K1

[bri]

Hiya everyone
I wonder if anyone out there can help me. I have a PSR-K1, which apparently is supposed to be able to load midi files to and from a computer. Can anybody tell me how??
I've plugged it into the computer, opened the Songfiler and that's really as far as it gets. The computer will recognise the songs (midi files) that are stored on the keyboard - it tells me what songs are there - but I just cannot get them to load onto the 'puter, or vice versa. So, I'm left with a number of backing tracks that are basically being wasted. Shame, 'cos I think there are some good ones.
I can of course record them onto the computer (along with backing vocals) and save them as MP3's. Unfortunately, MP3's apparently aren't acceptable, due to copyright laws. I can also download MP3 files from MidiMart to the computer, but I just can't get the keyboard itself to download or upload any midi files, which it is supposed to be able to do.
I know I must be doing something wrong, but what? Can anyone out there in Cyberland please help? Please, if you answer, don't get too technical, because I'm a novice at all this. 'Puters scare me...I know if I press the wrong button, I'll bring about the end of the world, so all explanations must be simple to understand.
Thanks in advance,
Bri (me being embarassed 'cos I'm stuck)

[Emerald Midi]

bri said:

Hiya everyone
I wonder if anyone out there can help me. I have a PSR-K1, which apparently is supposed to be able to load midi files to and from a computer. Can anybody tell me how??
I've plugged it into the computer, opened the Songfiler and that's really as far as it gets. The computer will recognise the songs (midi files) that are stored on the keyboard - it tells me what songs are there - but I just cannot get them to load onto the 'puter, or vice versa. So, I'm left with a number of backing tracks that are basically being wasted. Shame, 'cos I think there are some good ones.
I can of course record them onto the computer (along with backing vocals) and save them as MP3's. Unfortunately, MP3's apparently aren't acceptable, due to copyright laws. I can also download MP3 files from MidiMart to the computer, but I just can't get the keyboard itself to download or upload any midi files, which it is supposed to be able to do.
I know I must be doing something wrong, but what? Can anyone out there in Cyberland please help? Please, if you answer, don't get too technical, because I'm a novice at all this. 'Puters scare me...I know if I press the wrong button, I'll bring about the end of the world, so all explanations must be simple to understand.
Thanks in advance,
Bri (me being embarassed 'cos I'm stuck)

Bri, how's the going?

I don't know what you're doing wrong but I had a K1 a while back and did finally manage to get it to accept files via the supplied cable, etc, [can't recall how] but I feel you you are wasting your time. When it works it will only allow you to upload some files. It will very, very often refuse to accept perfectly professional made ones for no apparent reason.

My advice is do not go down that route, it takes forever and limits the files you can use.

The best, easies and quickest thing to do is put any files you need directly onto a Smart-media card directly from your PC which you then place into the K1.

If your PC does not have a card reader get one of those cheap 5 -in 1 types that can be picked up for a few quid in the likes of Maplins or PC World.

You then simply connect this card-reader to a USB port on your PC. Now just transfer the files you need directly to the smart-media data card.

Couldn't be simpler

By the way, if you are successful in downloading directly to the K1 from the PC [which is what you said you wanted to do] you will highly disappointed and limited in what you can do.

Believe me it just isn't worth the hassle.

I wish you luck.

[bri]

Hi Pat,
Thanks for your reply. Well, if that's the way of things, I probably won't bother with trying to upload files from the keyboard to the computer. I'd probably end up chucking the K1 through the window. Your reply does raise another question though.
I don't have a card reader so I would have to buy one. However, if I can then download files directly onto the SM card and plug it into the K1, does that then mean I can also load files directly onto the computer from the K1's SM card i.e. take the card out of the keyboard and put it into the card reader and transfer midi files which I have done on the keyboard via that route, or is it still not worth bothering? Will the results still be dreadful?
Mind you, if I buy a card reader, I can find out for myself, can't I?
Thanx again for your help Pat.
Take care
Bri

[Emerald Midi]

Yes bri, anything you "record" onto your smart media card from the K1, such as making your own files using the excellent on-board recorder, etc can then be transferred back to your PC for additional editing, etc.

It takes a little time to get the complete hang of things but soon enough you will be swapping and changing files for sport!

Good luck to you young sir.

[bri]

And many thanks to you, kind sir. Young? Have a look at my comments on Two New Tunes regarding "September."

No doubt I'll know what I'm doing sooner or later...or not???

[oldsage]

just a quick note smart media cards are now as scarce as hens teeth,i know cos i use them.one alternative is to get a smartmedia to xd card adapter which you can get from maplin stores.you plug the xd card into the end ,and just plug it into the slot.hope that might help you or others.you might still be able to get smartmedia cards from maplins but they are running out quite fast. all the best oldsage

[bri]

Thanks for that, oldsage. I'm glad I saw this...just happened to be passing and saw your post.
Regards
Bri