Kronos wifi+3G - cheapest solution!

[alex_none]

Hi everybody,
after reading some posts on this wonderful forum I decided to go for a mod on my K61 to install a wifi-router.
I searched a lot and I ended up with a really cheap TL-WR703N mini wifi + 3g router shipped with a modified firmware.
It costed just $ 17 dollars brand new on ebay with dd-wrt already installed.
You can also buy a plain stock unit and install the modified firmware (dd-wrt or open-wrt) by yourself.
I installed and configured the router in a breeze, it works really good!
Now I can exchange data on my K61 with FTP in my home wifi network.

I did't install any 3G usb key to the router (I really don't see any useful scenario for that) but in any case there's always this option available...

For 17$ is really not bad!

[Saxifraga]

The question is: Why didn´t Korg include WLAN access in the first place?
Why no webshop (as part of the Kronos OS) for sounds and samples? Why no OS autoupdate ?
Even my Nintendo DS is able to do that.
Will Korg be able to do it in the future? I doubt it.

[Sharp]

The question is: Why didn´t Korg include WLAN access in the first place?
Why no webshop (as part of the Kronos OS) for sounds and samples? Why no OS autoupdate ?
Even my Nintendo DS is able to do that.
Will Korg be able to do it in the future? I doubt it.

Why does Saxifraga always take the negative approach to everything.

[Sharp]

Alex
Good for you. I was quite interested in that mod myself the first time I saw it on the forum. Personally, I didn’t have the neck to go ahead with it, so I went for the Apple USB connection to an external Wi-Fi extender.

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/UweCzUnwCjY?rel=0" frameborder="0"></iframe>

It's a simple safe way of getting your KRONOS on Wi-Fi.

Regards
Sharp.

[Shakil]

The question is: Why didn´t Korg include WLAN access in the first place?
Why no webshop (as part of the Kronos OS) for sounds and samples? Why no OS autoupdate ?
Even my Nintendo DS is able to do that.
Will Korg be able to do it in the future? I doubt it.

Why doesn't every laptop and desktop computer come with bulit-in WLAN access? Why why why?!
Autoupdate? Thanks, I don't want to get a pop-up in the middle to say updates are availalbe and start downloading.... restart to apply updates.. Unlike computers, you don't get updates every other week on KRONOS.

Are you serious comparing KRONOS to Nintendo DS??!!!!?!?

[Comrad_Durandal]

Why doesn't every laptop and desktop computer come with bulit-in WLAN access? Why why why?!
Autoupdate? Thanks, I don't want to get a pop-up in the middle to say updates are availalbe and start downloading.... restart to apply updates.. Unlike computers, you don't get updates every other week on KRONOS.

Are you serious comparing KRONOS to Nintendo DS??!!!!?!?

Yes, he seriously went there. I'd have to say that is more insulting to him than to Korg though - no offense.

I'd imagine if you wanted to Frankenstein up your Kronos - you could drill a bulkhead hole into the back, fit a nice USB wireless dongle to the inside USB ports, mount the antenna on the back, and you'd be ready to roll - assuming the Kronos' operating system just looks for any eth0 device to connect to the internet.

Totally deep star six your warranty - but if your MacGyver, and have a unit outside of warranty, go for it.

[Saxifraga]

...
Will Korg be able to do it in the future? I doubt it.

Why does Saxifraga always take the negative approach to everything.

I don´t. It´s just the Kronos obvious inferior OS that is a negative.
(Would you buy Win95 today? Oh! You do! It´s called Windows 8 )

So much potential wasted. I really would like to buy the sound engines AL-1 and HD-1, MOD-7 and run them on my Mac. But Korg just produces either retro ware like mini MS20, recycle ware like KROSS or heavy 95 style tankers like Kronos. Ok. The King Korg is a nice sounding keyboard.

Why don´t they bring more stuff like the KLC suite? I don´t see any innovation by any objective criterion at the moment. (And I don´t talk about the sound quality.) They even cripple their new machines (Krome) instead of giving free tools to compile and load your own samples into that machine. We all know and have seen on youtube that it´s possible. And why can´t you load new egines into the Kronos if Korg uses the OASYS system?

Don´t you own a Roland Integra-7 Sharp?
So what do you think. Which machine is more up to date OS/UI wise?
Which has the better DAW integration and can be used faster.
Have you tried the Editor and Librarian Apps?

@Shakil: I didn´t ment autoupdates that interrupt you while playing, but updates via WLAN without the hassle of starting unix scripts from USB stick wich are not allowed to reside in subdirectories, if I remember correctly.
And yes: Nintendo DS is much better in that regard. You can even sync two DS with 2 DS10 cards. In regard to the OS the Korg Nintendo DS platform is more enhanced than the Kronos.
Btw.: Which modern computer or device has not built in WLAN? Are there any left without it?
I at least have a WLAN router at home, and I guess Sharp has at least one too. So why loading updates and sounds to my hd, transfering them to USB drive and do some akward installation on the Kronos? Not very comfortable for a "gamechanger" thing.

I will stick with the M3/Radias until Korg does it´s homework and writes a new OS that is up to modern times. So 2600,-..3000,- € less they get. For me the Kronos was an utter debacle.

Ok, enough of that. Rant mode off.
Have a good week.

[alex_none]

Hi,

if somebody is interested in the same mod, here you are some photos:

Material needed:
http://postimg.org/image/v6mu9bdsl/

Putting the router in place:
http://postimg.org/image/7puzajs7p/

http://postimg.org/image/xk4s0bs7p/

Putting cables (usb + Cat5):

Pay attention to the ethernet cable, for inserting it in the K61 you need to take out the left side of the keyboard (just some screws to remove)

http://postimg.org/image/tqbbr6avp/

http://postimg.org/image/pc2ufc0b9/

Fixing the router:
http://postimg.org/image/zant1t9qt/

And that's it! Invisible mod but really useful!

For Sharp:
I saw you video before, really interesting and nice solution, clean and without the need to open the K. Anyway I preferred an invisible and totally cable free solution to korg usb-ethernet adapter, it's cheaper and if you want to go wifi you don't need extra stuff.

The Tp-Link is smaller and cheaper than the ASUS router!

Regards,

Alex

[Sharp]

I don´t. It´s just the Kronos obvious inferior OS that is a negative.
(Would you buy Win95 today? Oh! You do! It´s called Windows 8 )

You do, and you just did it again.

So much potential wasted. I really would like to buy the sound engines AL-1 and HD-1, MOD-7 and run them on my Mac. But Korg just produces either retro ware like mini MS20, recycle ware like KROSS or heavy 95 style tankers like Kronos. Ok. The King Korg is a nice sounding keyboard.

But KORG is mainly a hardware musical “Instrument” manufacture. Currently one of the leaders in the world too. So, it's not wasted potential. They are doing pretty well for themselves.

If your needs are mainly virtual / software solutions, then you need to satisfy your needs with a company that produces the products you need. There are more than enough solutions on the market to satisfy anyone.

There's no point in being all depressed KORG don't offer what you want when you can get what you need elsewhere.

Why don´t they bring more stuff like the KLC suite?

I've no idea. Personally, I'd buy a 01W, Trinity and Triton VSTi in a heart beat in addition to what I already own. That being said, I'm not going to get all upset that they don't.

Like every company, they only have X amount of resources. For every day they don't make a new KSC suite, they are making something else. So it's not like they are doing nothing.

I don´t see any innovation by any objective criterion at the moment.

Really ?
I paid 8,500 Euro for my OASYS and in the space of a few years, KORG managed to greatly improve on that and release a KRONOS for half the cost.

Don´t you own a Roland Integra-7 Sharp?
So what do you think. Which machine is more up to date OS/UI wise?
Which has the better DAW integration and can be used faster.
Have you tried the Editor and Librarian Apps?

KRONOS wins hands down, no question about it in those area's.

Roland never released the Windows Editor they said they were working on. Which leaves the people who use the far more popular OS hanging.

That being said, there is a saving grace here because a user over on the Roland clan forums who got fed up waiting wrote his own PC editor which is super great.

That all being said, either way I would simply take it as it comes regardless. I love the Intergra-7 for it's most important factor, which is that it's a musical instrument that has fantastic sounds.

Just like my old AKAI S5000 with it's 256MB of RAM. I still use that for sampling over other gear I own because it simply sounds better at sampling. I don't know why, but it does. It's a pig to use compared to other items I own, but it's all about the sounds and music to me. I don't mind if I have to deal with a difficult interface if the end goal is more gratifying.

Regards
Sharp.

[Saxifraga]

I don´t. It´s just the Kronos obvious inferior OS that is a negative.
(Would you buy Win95 today? Oh! You do! It´s called Windows 8 )

You do, and you just did it again.

Sorry for being a negative bloke. I come from the UI/OS developers world and selling me a system that is basically from 1995 with some modern additions feels like a personal insult to me.
I did not have any Korg synth from the time before Kronos and felt betrayed by all that "gamechanger" talk that could not live up to the hype.
No customer these days would buy such a UI from me, Only government organizations or SAP customers. But I will drop that issue now.

If your needs are mainly virtual / software solutions, then you need to satisfy your needs with a company that produces the products you need. There are more than enough solutions on the market to satisfy anyone.

There's no point in being all depressed KORG don't offer what you want when you can get what you need elsewhere.

That´s why I gave it back and took another road. I should obviously stop caring about the way Korg goes on. And yes, I found out that GEForce and Arturia synth do the trick for me.

I don´t see any innovation by any objective criterion at the moment.

Really ?
I paid 8,500 Euro for my OASYS and in the space of a few years, KORG managed to greatly improve on that and release a KRONOS for half the cost.

I don´t think that´s because of Korgs innovation but because of Moore's law.

Don´t you own a Roland Integra-7 Sharp?
So what do you think. Which machine is more up to date OS/UI wise?
Which has the better DAW integration and can be used faster.
Have you tried the Editor and Librarian Apps?

KRONOS wins hands down, no question about it in those area's.
...
That all being said, either way I would simply take it as it comes regardless. I love the Intergra-7 for it's most important factor, which is that it's a musical instrument that has fantastic sounds.

Just like my old AKAI S5000 with it's 256MB of RAM. I still use that for sampling over other gear I own because it simply sounds better at sampling. I don't know why, but it does. It's a pig to use compared to other items I own, but it's all about the sounds and music to me. I don't mind if I have to deal with a difficult interface if the end goal is more gratifying.

Regards
Sharp.

I am still undecided on buying Komplete 9 or an Integra.
My Mac is now full to the brim with virtual synths and I could use the Integra with the Physis Piano (which is great by the way!).

Thanks for your thoughts and advice Sharp!

[Sharp]

Sorry for being a negative bloke. I come from the UI/OS developers world and selling me a system that is basically from 1995 with some modern additions feels like a personal insult to me.
I did not have any Korg synth from the time before Kronos and felt betrayed by all that "gamechanger" talk that could not live up to the hype.
No customer these days would buy such a UI from me, Only government organizations or SAP customers. But I will drop that issue now.

I've no idea what your exceptions are of a workstation. The KRONOS is streaks a head of every workstation on the market right now. Adding some snazzy eye candy GUI is not going to make it sound any better than it does now.

Every hardware manufacture has their own “system” and “way” of doing things. Yamaha don't even use touch screen on their workstation yet I believe. This is just how things are.

All guitars look and sound the same to me yet I have friends who will only play a specific brand because of things they can't even explain.

I think the same must be said of workstations. You as musician with specific need to find what suites you and you have to love it for what it is. The good and the bad.

That´s why I gave it back and took another road. I should obviously stop caring about the way Korg goes on. And yes, I found out that GEForce and Arturia synth do the trick for me.

Buy what makes you happy and make music. It's a far better way to spend your time than being pi$$ed at KORG because they didn't build the product you would have hoped for. There is no such thing as a one keyboard that pleases all, which is why we all here have different keyboards from different manufactures.

I don´t think that´s because of Korgs innovation but because of Moore's law.

Moore's law applies mainly to circuits and transistors doubling. It doesn't take into consideration wages to pay programmers and manufacturing costs of key beds, cases, screens, and everything else inside the box. Diesel for the truck that delivered the KRONOS, or the electrical bill it cost to produce it.

Everything costs more now from the time the OASYS was released. Yet KORG still managed to give us more for half the price. I consider that pretty darn innovative.

I am still undecided on buying Komplete 9 or an Integra.
My Mac is now full to the brim with virtual synths and I could use the Integra with the Physis Piano (which is great by the way!).

From a sound point of view, your going to get far more bang for your buck with Komplete 9 considering you already have a Mac to run it all on. The Integra-7 simply can't complete on that regard.

But if you want a physical product you can touch, feel, throw into a rack, turn on and be playing in seconds, then the Integra is a joy. It's a keeper. Sounds more than good enough, and it's dead simple to use.

Regards
Sharp.

[Stipes Vigilo]

I doubt it.

Why does Saxifraga always take the negative approach to everything.

I was just wondering the same thing on another thread where he suggests buying a Roland instead. If it doesn't meet your standards then why use it?
(And the question is rhethorical.)

[Stipes Vigilo]

On another note, hardware (from any manufacturer) has the additional benefit of being its own computer and therefore taxes your system less until it reaches the audio portion in your mix. Many use their keyboard workstation as an idea pad to start from or as a tool to bounce tracks back and forth from their computer DAW, thereby increasing the capabilities of both.

Sometimes what we believe is a limit of the instrument is actually just a limit of our own imagination to utilize it.

[Ojustaboo]

I doubt it.

Why does Saxifraga always take the negative approach to everything.

I was just wondering the same thing on another thread where he suggests buying a Roland instead. If it doesn't meet your standards then why use it?
(And the question is rhethorical.)

I THINK I understand where Saxifraga is coming from.

He did own a kronos but found it didn't live up to his expectations. From what he says, he obviously loved part of it (hence his comments about the AL, HD and MOD engines)

I get the feeling he feels that it could have been so much better for very little extra outlay, better in a way that would make it the perfect machine for him.

Hence he feels the need to express how he feels, sort of frustrated with Korg.

So I do understand his comments even if the things he comments on don't bother me personally.

For instance, I personally like the user interface, i can find what I want and I have no problems with it. However, that doesn't mean Saxifraga is wrong, maybe if they had designed the OS in the way he suggests, then after 5 mins of using it, I would understand what he meant and see how dated this one is, who knows.

I have gone the same route as Sharp and it does the job fine with regarding to connecting my Kronos to the internet, every machine in my house that isn't portable is hard wired and I prefer doing that.

However, wireless (or an ethernet port) would have been nice if they had also integrated it with their licensing for sounds so we could log onto Korg with our Kronos and de-authorise a sound expansion and use it on another Kronos or sell it.

There's a couple of things I could find to complain about with my Kronos, mainly due to my health and me having to sit down most of the time, and wanting the Kronos at Piano height and angle.

I'm getting used to it now but trying to remember what each knob does when the height of the knob obscures the writing behind it, is frustrating (easy to get over, just create a template that fits over the buttons like someone did for the Poly 6 and MS20) and I wish they had added the function to allow us to plug a PC monitor in and use a PC mouse instead of the touch screen, only because I do really get a pain in my neck (honestly to the point where I have bought a soft orthopaedic neck brace to wear when using the screen a lot).

But when I look at my Kronos, see what it can do, see what I've yet to discover, I honestly think it's a superb instrument and is one of the best things I've owned.

I'm going to say my SQ80 was the best thing I've ever owned, sure the Kronos can run rings around it, but I also have Komplete Ultimate 8, cubase 7 etc. So while the Kronos is really the best instrument I've ever owned and hope to keep it for many many years, I have to say out of anything I've owned, the SQ80 had the biggest wow factor due to what else was available at the time (hope that makes sense, I'm not putting it across very well)

I'm rambling again

[Synthoid]

Hi everybody,
after reading some posts on this wonderful forum I decided to go for a mod on my K61 to install a wifi-router.
I searched a lot and I ended up with a really cheap TL-WR703N mini wifi + 3g router shipped with a modified firmware.
It costed just $ 17 dollars brand new on ebay with dd-wrt already installed.
You can also buy a plain stock unit and install the modified firmware (dd-wrt or open-wrt) by yourself.
I installed and configured the router in a breeze, it works really good!
Now I can exchange data on my K61 with FTP in my home wifi network.

I did't install any 3G usb key to the router (I really don't see any useful scenario for that) but in any case there's always this option available...

For 17$ is really not bad!

All I can say is: