Appendix Bpc3Le Bootloader; Using The Bootloader Menu - Kurzweil PC3LE6 Musician's Manual

Appendix B
PC3LE Bootloader
The Bootloader is the program that runs when the PC3LE is first turned on. Its job is to check
that hardware is functional, initialize the digital systems, and load the main synthesizer
program. Under normal circumstances you might not even notice that the Bootloader is there at
all, since the PC3LE will start up on its own without any problem. However, if you want to
update your unit, or perform maintenance on it, you may need to interact with the Bootloader
program itself. This appendix describes what the Bootloader can do and how you can use its
functions.
The first thing to understand is that PC3LE executable programs and all object data reside on a
file system contained inside the instrument. This file system is based on flash memory
technology and will persist across power cycles. When the PC3LE starts up, the Bootloader
copies the synthesizer program into memory and executes it - just like a PC "boots up" when
you turn it on. The PC3LE also stores its factory-defined objects, and all of your own customized
user objects on the file system. The Bootloader program itself is not found on the file system.
Instead, it resides in a ROM chip that cannot be erased, and therefore is permanently installed in
your PC3LE.

Using the Bootloader Menu

Normally the Bootloader program will do its tasks and hand over control to the synthesizer
program automatically. If you want to interact with the Bootloader itself, hold down the Exit
button (to the right of the display) while turning the power on (while the message "Loading..."
is displayed on the front panel). Instead of completing the boot process, the Bootloader will
display its main menu page on the screen:
Use the soft buttons underneath the display to choose an action.
RUN PC3LE
UPDATE IMAGE
RUN DIAGS
SYSTEM RESET
FILE UTILITIES
This will boot the system in its usual way. This is useful if you've updated
the synthesizer program and want to try it out.
This offers a menu of choices to you for system update.
This will run the PC3LE diagnostics which can help determine if there's a
hardware error on your unit, and if so what it is.
This will clear out all user-defined objects and return the PC3LE to its
default "Factory" state.
This offers a menu of file system functions that can be useful in
maintaining your system or diagnosing software problems.
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