Alesis Photon X25 firmware?

[merlyn]

I understand the procedure for updating the firmware is to be done in XP but prior to that, I can't erase the actual firmware which is 1.3

The firmware in the zip file linked to above is v1.04, so if you have 1.3 it seems unlikely v1.04 would fix it.

i have the same problem with the Alesis photon 25, but i can't find the firmware for this model, does anyone have it? pls send help

Here is the Photon25 firmware :

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/ ... sp=sharing

It's worth bearing in mind what @BillB pointed out : both models will still work with MIDI via a 5 pin DIN. An X25 is a 25 with a built in USB 1.1 audio interface -- I imagine Alesis were thinking it could be a one box solution for using a laptop -- keyboard, some knobs, the AXYZ dome and audio output in one package via one USB cable.

The X25 works on Linux because it's a class compliant device. Does Windows not do that? I'm kind of surprised, but at the same time not.

[Gerson]

Hi i´m new!

Use Linux : This is what I did using the utility dfu-util through the command line. You could make a bootable USB stick with Linux on it and use that..

How did you did this ? Any Tutorial ?

Thanks!

[Gerson]

I solved by making a portable Win XP pendrive and then installing de DFU drivers! thanks for the information! Your posts were very usefull!

[BillB]

I solved by making a portable Win XP pendrive and then installing de DFU drivers! thanks for the information! Your posts were very usefull!

Welcome to the SOS Forum, and thanks for sharing your solution, Gerson. Did you follow any particular guide to create the XP drive that you could share with us?

[psycmos]

Hi guys!
I happen to have a dead Photon25 (not the X version) on my desk that I want to use with W7.
I understand the procedure for updating the firmware is to be done in XP but prior to that, I can't erase the actual firmware which is 1.3 either by the two octave buttons nor by global+octave down.. v1.3 remains lit whatever combination I press. Can someone please help me with this? I don't want to throw it to trash, yet.

I flashed my Alesis Photon25 1.04 successful, using the windows 10 and windows XP mini VMWARE image.

Guide described at MANUAL for Photon25 is not the same of PhotonX25, is not the same way to get the message: "1.USb".

From manual to photon25:

If, after having performed the operation above, the screen still shows
its firmware version (i.e. the screen did not change when you pressed
the two OCTAVE buttons), do the following:
1) Hold down the GLOBAL button and press the OCTAVE DOWN
button at the same time. Then release both buttons.
2) Hold down the OCTAVE UP button and press the LAYER
button at the same time. Then release both buttons.
3) Hold down the CONTROL ASSIGN button and press the clear
VALUE encoder next to the screen at the same time. Then
release both buttons.
- If the screen still does not read “1.USb”, try both erasure attempts
again.

[psycmos]

Hi guys!
I happen to have a dead Photon25 (not the X version) on my desk that I want to use with W7.
I understand the procedure for updating the firmware is to be done in XP but prior to that, I can't erase the actual firmware which is 1.3 either by the two octave buttons nor by global+octave down.. v1.3 remains lit whatever combination I press. Can someone please help me with this? I don't want to throw it to trash, yet.

I forget the USB 1.04 FIX for alesis Photon25
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/ ... 3t8ga9mfOI

[Neo-Classical Guitar Man]

If you can afford it, it is worth going for something better that can expand with you a little e.g. this
https://www.gear4music.com/Recording-an ... Stock/3EZR
.

Just popping back here to add a note of caution. I just got around to testing this SubZero 4x4 and it is all over the place. MIDI is being corrupted when in standalone mode. I have not looked at a HEX message readout , but my trusty old Studiomaster MIDI Analyser is showing some very strange results, and simple note data is not passing through intact. I’ll take it up with Gear4Music .
Also the G4M website now points out that the B-Stock units have a design error - it means a labelling error. The MIDI Ins are marked as Outs and vice-versa. Don’t recall seeing that notice when I ordered... Not a major problem as long as you don’t take it at face value like I did, until I compared it to my older MIDIBOX unit, then realised the labelling error.

Altogether not a great start. I’ll confirm if a replacement fixes the MIDI issues.

I was looking at this earlier and thought it looked the same, so I checked and sure enough this one on Amazon is a rebranded model, but with the ports correctly labelled.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/CAMOLA-Interface-Keyboard-Controller-Computers/dp/B08T676P1F/ref=sr_1_12?dchild=1&keywords=usb+midi+host&qid=1624628943&sr=8-12

[BillB]

Yes, that looks fine. And don’t forget that I reported back to say it was working fine, it was just my USB cable that was dodgy.

[xenoncodex]

Thanks Bill!

That worked and my X25 is fully functional again. I've uploaded all the X25 files to Google Drive :

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1CKgR2 ... YOd_2Dsucy

The pdf describing controller recalibration has a warning about certain button presses that wipe the firmware.

For anyone who has an X25 -- if it's working there is no need to update the firmware. The fix is only to be used if your X25 isn't working, or appears dead.

On Linux flashing the firmware was straightforward using dfu-util.

On Windows the procedure described in the readme requires XP. In other words something to be avoided unless you absolutely have to.

THANKS SO MUCH , as far as i know , the photon is the only XY-"Z" AXIS , MIDI ,controller , (ie;- AIR Controlled ) keyboard , and is also extremely well built , full rotary , heavy rubberised vol/mod , and incremental backlit wheels , for dim-light / LIVE environment , I've owned my device , since virtual release date , and , actually was reluctant to go to Win 10 , from 7 , solely because of the photon's UNIQUE xy-z axis , however , it still shows up in Live 10/11 , and Win 10 , so "100 percent IS still, supported " ... which is all great news for all us Photon Users ... but , I lost my support CD , with the ASIO and USB Firmware fix/solution , lest to say I was distraught , as for all the above reasons , it is vital to have the software/firmware back-up.
So , thanks again , AND , to S-O-S , THE BEST ABSOLUTE BEST , source of audio-tech , in the world , great to have found it in the absolute most appropriate place too.

[merlyn]

You're welcome.

It was @BillB who saved the day and shared the X25 firmware with me. Thanks again Bill!

[BillB]

No problem - I don’t recall exactly where I got it from. Possibly the Alesis site many years ago, maybe a support forum... shame it is not on the Alesis website right now.

My view is that manufacturers have a moral obligation (and reputational incentive) to support all of their old gear with manuals, firmwares etc. I don’t expect to be able to call their support desk to know why a decade-old bit of kit isn’t working. But they should, at the very least, be able to host all previously-produced digital information and support files for their legacy products.



Rant over!

[blinddrew]

My view is that manufacturers have a moral obligation (and reputational incentive) to support all of their old gear with manuals, firmwares etc. I don’t expect to be able to call their support desk to know why a decade-old bit of kit isn’t working. But they should, at the very least, be able to host all previously-produced digital information and support files for their legacy products.



Rant over!

Rant may be over but it's very much supported!