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What is it? Microprocessor-controlled equipment, like the BR-8, uses operating system software to control things such as what event is triggered by pressing a button on the front panel, compressing the audio signal onto the zip disk, reading the compressed data off the disk, computing remaining disk time, etc. What is the current version? According to the Boss web site, it is 1.04, issued August 8, 2001. Why should I use it? Boss has issued at least two system software updates since the BR-8 was released. Manufacturers issue these updates for a reason. Many times they fix minor glitches in the operating system. Once in awhile they even add functionality. In any event, your system will run better if you use the latest version. And unlike many manufacturers, Boss offers the BR-8 update for FREE. I have paid as much as $100 from other guitar gear manufacturers for software upgrades (and $349 for a synth upgrade). The fact that Roland/Boss offers them free on their web site speaks volumes about their after-sale support! What version does my BR-8 have now? The only way I know of is to run the internal BR-8 diagnostic utility. Here's how: With the BR-8 power OFF, press and hold the Undo/Redo button with your R thumb and the Track 1 button with your L middle finger. With your R middle finger, reach around the back of the BR-8 and turn on the system power. You will see the CPU version and the ROM version on the display. Next you will be prompted to press every button on the BR-8 to check that it is working properly. You can power off at any time to exit this, or at the conclusion of the routine after being prompted to use the time/value wheel, you can press EXIT. On my system, before I ran the update, the CPU ver was 1.00 and ROM 1.02. It is the ROM version that indicates what operating system software you have. In my case, I needed to install the upgrade. What do I need to obtain the update? You will need a Zip 100 or Zip 250 drive and disk, plus a computer with Internet access (mac or IBM compatible). You will also need a program that can uncompress ZIP archived files. Hint: you can find lots of free unzip utilities at ZDNet. I don't have a Zip drive on my computer. What now? This is a good time to consider buying one. They're not expensive, and you'll have the benefit of being able to copy Zip disks to your computer hard drive (or burn them onto CD-R) for backup purposes. The music store where you purchased your BR-8 may upgrade your BR-8 for you. While this is a guitar effect, ask someone in the keyboard department for help, since they are often more savvy about electronics gear than the guitar guys -- and they may have more time to help you! Where do I get the update? The Roland website has the software in two different versions (mac and IBM PC). Download the one that's right for you. How do I perform the update?
What bugs does the new OS fix? Roland/Boss doesn't mention this information on their website or in the README.TXT file. I took it on faith that they wouldn't bother releasing any update unless it was beneficial for me, so I went ahead and upgraded my BR-8. Can I reuse the Zip disk after the upgrade? Yes. Just remember to use your computer to delete the files on the Zip drive before using it with your BR-8. If you don't delete these files, the BR-8 will think you wish to reinstall the software upgrade. You cannot delete the file with the BR-8: you must use a computer to do it. Final Note: Please obtain the software directly from the Roland/Boss web site. I would hate to ruin my BR-8 or my computer by installing a corrupted or virus-infected upgrade from a non-official site. Play it safe!
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