This page explains how to change the flash microcontroller of your beloved BitStream Pro.

INTRODUCTION

Hi! BitStream OS1.3 introduces the possibility to upgrade your BitStream Pro through software - via sending the OS down the ole' MIDI stream.

The capability to receive a new OS via MIDI and burn it into the Flash ROM resides in a special region in the Flash ROM - the bootloader. This bootloader is part of OS1.3, which is the reason, why older operating systems can't be upgraded via MIDI.

So - to get this new flash routine, buyers of older hardware must change the chip. You can let WaveIdea do this or do it on your own, but beware: You lose your warranty when opening the BitStream Pro. When you don't have experience in changing a socketed chip on a printed circuit board, then DON'T DO THIS! Neither WaveIdea nor me are responsible for any damage you do to your system!

THE PROCEDURE

You're still with me? Fine, the let's start. Prepare yourself with some space on your table and some tools to loosen the screws.

Step 1 - Remove the knobs and slider caps

This is without question the most awkyard step. Prepare to have aching fingers after removal of 35 knob caps - the slider caps are no problem, but the knob caps hurt. If you removed them, you can fool around with them, but this is no must and surely no requirement for the second step. However, It will definately help to get your girlfriend to brew you a cup of coffee for the next steps...

Step 2 - Remove the six enclosure screws

The six enclosure screws are not "normal" screws, you have to have a specialized tool for this job - or you can try again with your fingers, but mine hurted to much after performing step 1. So I used a tool which I surprisingly found in my toolbox.

After removing the six screws, remove the back cover of the BitStream Pro firmly from the front cover - take care, there are some cables which connect both sides.

Step 3 - Remove the six PCB screws

To get to the front side of the printed circuit board, you have to remove six screws again. Be careful, there is one screw which is very near to some soldering points. You probably want to do this with your fingers, not with my kind of tool.

After removing the six screws, remove the printed circuit board firmly from the front cover of the BitStream Pro. You now have access to the front side of the PCB.

Step 4 - Remove the old chip

There's only one chip in a socket on the printed circuit board, so it's not hard to find it. Remember the orientation of the chip! You can insert it the new chip in two orientations, but if you get the false one, you will fry it! Hint: There's a half circle on the left side pointing to a switch component.

This switch component is also responsible for the fact that it's not a nice task to get the chip out of the socket. It would be good to have a specialized tool for this - otherwise you risk to bend or even break the pins. Be careful, 'cause even if it contains old software, the chip is still useful and can be recycled by WaveIdea. You will want to send the old chip back to them.

Step 5 - Insert the new chip

Insert the new chip with the same direction as the old chip. Again, do it firmly, because the pins are very fragile. Congratulations, you have completed the most difficult step.

Step 6 - Reassemble the BitStream Pro

Attach the PCB to the front cover, attach the front cover to the back cover and put the caps on the knobs and sliders. Voilá, you now have a BitStream Pro with a flashable operating system V1.3.

Step 7 - Be Happy!

Oh - one thing I forgot... hey WaveIdea, where is my serial number ? :-)