About to buy a Yamaha CX5M with SFG-01, but I want a SFG-05 instead

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By Denus

Expert (120)

Denus's picture

30-03-2014, 14:15

I'm looking for a CX5M set, and found one for a good price (spoke to the owner):

CX5M Music Computer
Philips Monitor
Yamaha YK-10 keyboard
FM Music Composer YRM-101
FM Voicing Program YRM-102

Everything seems to be in a mint condition, and he's asking 75 euro.
The problem is: the CX5M is equipped with the SFG-01, and not the SFG-05.

My question: should I still take this set, and is the SFG-05 available somewhere (nothing on ebay atm)?

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By Denus

Expert (120)

Denus's picture

30-03-2014, 14:23

Yep, and I'm referring to the first one.

By Denus

Expert (120)

Denus's picture

30-03-2014, 14:25

The second link is a well equipped CX5M, with the SFG-05, floppy drive and many cartridges but the guy is asking 250 euro and is not willing to sent the products, even if he's offering the service in the add: it will cost me almost a day to get there and come back.

By Grauw

Ascended (10699)

Grauw's picture

30-03-2014, 14:28

Well, consider it like this, at least you’ll be sure it won’t get damaged in the mail, and you’re getting a pretty complete set Smile.

By Denus

Expert (120)

Denus's picture

30-03-2014, 14:29

True Smile

By Denus

Expert (120)

Denus's picture

30-03-2014, 14:37

But my question here is more like: is it still a great value, even with a SFG-01 installed, or should I forget about that one?
I mean: there's a huge difference between 75 and 250 euro.

By maxis

Champion (512)

maxis's picture

30-03-2014, 15:05

Hello, Denus,

This is not difficult to DIY your SFG01 to SFG05! Here is how:

SFG05 has 32KB ROM and SFG01 is only equipped with 16KB. But, AFAIK, the schematics is almost identical for both SFGs.

Also there are 2 different versions of SFG01. One has the PCB marked as YMX-FX LC5607 and another YMX-FMEX LC56390. To upgrade - you may need to unsolder the mask ROM, install the socket, cut short the pin 27 (shouldn't make a contact to the PCB) and re-wire it to the A14 (pin 35 of the edge connector). Program 27c256-15 or faster (-12 or -10 is better) with SGF05 binary image, and voila.

Just for info: SFG05 has almost the same BOM, but PCB is marked YMX-FMCX LC56520 and could have either a 256Kbit mask ROM or a piggyback with 2x27128 UV EEPROMs and 74LS00.

By Denus

Expert (120)

Denus's picture

30-03-2014, 17:08

Thanks maxis: so it's possible, but not without a mod.
On the other hand: the hardware is obsolete anyway, so does the SFG05 give me much more features to play with?
I mean: for the real work, I use Logic pro on my iMac, the CX5M is more for fun.

Got a headache since I'm brainstorming about this since yesterday...

By maxis

Champion (512)

maxis's picture

30-03-2014, 17:30

Debus,

So if you use the external sequencer then the deal is the following:

SFG-01 - MIDI IN - NO RESPONSE !!!!!!!

SFG-05 - MIDI IN - up to 4 notes polyphony

Even though SFG01/05 is a 4 operator FM 8 voice polyphonic synth, YAMAHA, IMHO, cut the features down to make sure, that people would still buy FB01, and SFG doesn't become the ultimate answer to live, universe and everything Wink

So, when using with an external sequencer, make the upgrade to SFG05, otherwise - no SOUND from MIDI IN.

By Grauw

Ascended (10699)

Grauw's picture

30-03-2014, 17:31

In other words, you can not use MIDI IN to play the SFG-01. Originally, the MIDI was only used for the monitor and editor / librarian software (e.g. YRM-103 for the DX7). It is described here http://www.eiriklie.no/CX5MFAQ.html

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