Create an Operating System Disk of your SP-808

22/11/2017 /

So, you’re the owner of a Roland SP-808 and you want to update it to the EX-version. Nowadays Roland provides the updates on their website and also with the necessary software to arrange it. Nice, Roland!

But there’s also another way to update and to save your Operating System to a Zip Disk but this is not supported by Roland.

In fact: you can easily create a back up from your system software with your own SP-808 without the use of a computer. And you can share this created Zip Disk with other SP-808 owners. How? Read along and good luck!

*******************************************************************
SAVE Operating System WITH ZIPDISK

IMPORTANT! Remember to format a ZIP disk to store backup on before
saving-it will not give you the option!! 
1)Power off. 
2)Push 1/[5] + CLEAR below 
LOCATOR at same time. 
3)Switch Power On. 
4)"SAVESYSPROG insert disk" is 
displayed. 
5)Insert New SP-808 Zip disk. 

This can be used to copy the operating system from a 808EX, and to
update the original SP-808. 

Use the tip below to install your OS via Zipdisk. 

UPDATE AT YOUR OWN RISK!!! ROLAND DOES NOT SUPPORT THIS!!!!! 

*******************************************************************
UPDATE OS WITH ZIP DISK

1)Power Off 
2)Push and hold the buttons:  [STATUS (TRACK SELECT)]+[EFFECTS
(BAL/EQ/FX)] above 
Track B at same time. 
3)Switch Power On 
4)"ZIP DISK UPDATE insert system disk" will be displayed. 
5)Insert system disk (Use this to update your 808 operating system to an
EX operating system) 

UPDATE AT YOUR OWN RISK!!! ROLAND DOES NOT SUPPORT THIS!!!!!

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2 Comments

  • Leonard Oliver

    21/07/2020 at 17:24

    Tempting, Roger I wrote to you months ago. I bought 3 808ex machines and a parts 808. After 1 good one got the dreaded ex death(powers up but doesn’t load) I took the 808 parts machine apart and got its motherboard out and its 100mb zip out and resurected an 808ex with those parts. I still am baffeled at what causes the 808ex to die like that. I have had 2 do it. I see people selling 808ex machines but know they have a bad unit if the pictures don’t show loaded saves.
    Anyway I just bought and restored an mc-909, which is great accept the tap temo button isn’t fixed yet.
    I spent 5 Hours doing internal cleaning. Tediuos job.
    I put in all new touchpads in and a new LCD from Scottland (a big improvement). Also gave it a DANCE card sbx-05 I think.
    And I gave it a new look with a full reface from styleflips.com. All black with white graphics.
    I haven’t seen you talk about mc-909s. Do you discuss them anywhere?
    I got a Roland D-2, which is fun also, and Alesis Air Synth and Air FX.
    But I don’t have everything in a set up to record due to space issues.

    • Roger, TMM

      28/07/2020 at 18:30

      Hi Leonard,

      3 machines! Amazing! Great that you’ve managed to resurrect one. I see people also selling SP-808s for too much. Well, that’s my opinion.
      More than 300€ can’t be, I think.
      The MC-909 is a beautiful unit. For me it’s not an addition because I focus on the MV, but the MC-909 is a beast, regarding the specs.
      I takes SRX-cards and I guess it has the XV-chip in it.
      Yeah, Styleflip. That’s something to think about for me too.

      The D2 is indeed a fun machine. Super retro looking. And the Air FX also seems nice.
      Thanks for sharing your experience with these units.
      We stay in touch!
      Grtzzz,
      roger

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