FR-8X — Quick Change Of User Programs Using Chin Switches

[John M]

Many of you may be aware of this capability, but I thought it was worthy of a thread on how I use the Chin Switch Up/Down functions.

I have my favorite User Programs In Bank 1 Registers 1-14. I have Programs (Registers) 1-14 Chin Switch 1 set To User Program Up (UPG Up) and Chin Switch 2 Set To User Program Down (UPG Down) .

Now, I can go to any of the User Programs without using any of the 14 Register switches. I just “tap” Chin Switch 1 or 2 the number of times equal to the number of Programs I want to “jump” to. For example if I am at program No. 8 and I want to go to No. 10, I would “tap” Chin Switch 1 two times. Similarly, if I want to go to No. 6, I would “tap” Chin Switch 2 two times. Obviously, if I was at program No.1 and wanted to go to program No.14, I would just press Register switch No. 14 (or “tap Chin Switch 1, thirteen times).

I have grouped my “Accordion”, “Organ”, and “Orchestral” tones in specific areas where I know I have the next Program I want to use close, so it takes just a few “taps” of a Chin Switch.

NOTE: The (UPG UP) and (UPG Down) must be programmed in each of the 14 User Programs. This is done from Menu item No 13.5 where the functionality of the three Chin Switches is selected. Don't forget to do a "Write" or the Chin Switch function won't be saved.

John M.

 

[JerryPH]

It's really amazing what you can do with those 3 switches. I use them to change registers in some songs. In other I use them to enable/disable the drums, while in others I use them to give me different variations in my BK-7m. There are around ~35 functions that can be assigned to each button... its one of those buttons that can be very effective tools if used right!

What most people don't know, or I have never seen used anywhere is that the TOP row of bass buttons can also be reprogrammed on an 8X.

 

[Dingo40]

A lot of wear and tear on your chin??

 

[JerryPH]

Nah, no more than other accordions. . The Roland has 3 switches, there are other models that have as much as 7... and the newer Hohner Morino models have 3 or 4-way adjustable switches, so that each button represents 3-4 registers... lol
At first they are all incredibly awkward to use, later the become indispensable.

 

[Thomas N]

I disabled them. Apparently I play somewhat violently and I would constantly be in the middle of the song and then all of a sudden there's a completely different register playing. Extremely annoying.

I did program the bass buttons at one point but found them very cumbersome to select. It was back to the footswitch for me.

 

[Valski]

I disabled them. Apparently I play somewhat violently and I would constantly be in the middle of the song and then all of a sudden there's a completely different register playing. Extremely annoying.

I did program the bass buttons at one point but found them very cumbersome to select. It was back to the footswitch for me.

Your must also be shorter because at 6'4" it's never been an issue. I've tried using the chin switches while standing and they seem to be out of reach for me.

I really appreciate everyone's contributions to these discussions because they save me time and reassure me that I'm following the instructions in the manual properly. Modern manuals tend to use language that's not quite English and can be difficult to interpret.

 

[Valski]

Many of you may be aware of this capability, but I thought it was worthy of a thread on how I use the Chin Switch Up/Down functions.

I have my favorite User Programs In Bank 1 Registers 1-14. I have Programs (Registers) 1-14 Chin Switch 1 set To User Program Up (UPG Up) and Chin Switch 2 Set To User Program Down (UPG Down) .

Now, I can go to any of the User Programs without using any of the 14 Register switches. I just “tap” Chin Switch 1 or 2 the number of times equal to the number of Programs I want to “jump” to. For example if I am at program No. 8 and I want to go to No. 10, I would “tap” Chin Switch 1 two times. Similarly, if I want to go to No. 6, I would “tap” Chin Switch 2 two times. Obviously, if I was at program No.1 and wanted to go to program No.14, I would just press Register switch No. 14 (or “tap Chin Switch 1, thirteen times).

I have grouped my “Accordion”, “Organ”, and “Orchestral” tones in specific areas where I know I have the next Program I want to use close, so it takes just a few “taps” of a Chin Switch.

NOTE: The (UPG UP) and (UPG Down) must be programmed in each of the 14 User Programs. This is done from Menu item No 13.5 where the functionality of the three Chin Switches is selected. Don't forget to do a "Write" or the Chin Switch function won't be saved.

John M.

Thanks for the suggestion John. While I love the features on my FR8X, it's daunting to actually try to make these things work and you have inspired me to use the switches more productively.

 

[John M]

Thanks for the suggestion John. While I love the features on my FR8X, it's daunting to actually try to make these things work and you have inspired me to use the switches more productively.

You really need to give it a try Valski. You will get to appreciate the power that is available in the programming as you get to "know" your 8X more. The 8X can be very particular in the detail and sequence of making a change--"The devil Is in the details". Here is step by step, how I programmed the chin switches. Give it try. If you have trouble contact me (on Forum or PM) and I will help you get through it.

1. Go to User Program mode, select the User Program (Register 1-14) to be changed.

2. Deselect User Program mode. This puts you in the 8X work area (WA) set that is the basis of the User Program.

3. Press the "Menu" button and go to 13.5 where you will see the chin switch1, 2, 3 choices. Pick your choice (UPG Up or UPG Down).

4. Hold the "Write" button until you get to "User Program" (If User Program is not the default, Rotate the DATA/ENTER knob until you get to User Program)

5. Press "Write" again. Select the Bank and Number that you want. The default is where you are at.

7. Press "Write" again. This is the screen to change the name. The default will be what you have.

8. Press "Write" again. You will get the prompt "Operation Complete".

9. The chin switch change has now been implemented.

NOTE: This is for one UPG. Chin switch designations must defined in every User Program. For example, if you want to have Chin Switch #1 select the next "down" program and Chin Switch #2 the previous "up" program, you need to do this for each User Program (like incrementing up or down the 14 register switches).
The Chin Switch functions must be defined in each of the 14 User Programs.

John M.

 

[Valski]

You really need to give it a try Valski. You will get to appreciate the power that is available in the programming as you get to "know" your 8X more. The 8X can be very particular in the detail and sequence of making a change--"The devil Is in the details". Here is step by step, how I programmed the chin switches. Give it try. If you have trouble contact me (on Forum or PM) and I will help you get through it.

1. Go to User Program mode, select the User Program (Register 1-14) to be changed.

2. Deselect User Program mode. This puts you in the 8X work area (WA) set that is the basis of the User Program.

3. Press the "Menu" button and go to 13.5 where you will see the chin switch1, 2, 3 choices. Pick your choice (UPG Up or UPG Down).

4. Hold the "Write" button until you get to "User Program" (If User Program is not the default, Rotate the DATA/ENTER knob until you get to User Program)

5. Press "Write" again. Select the Bank and Number that you want. The default is where you are at.

7. Press "Write" again. This is the screen to change the name. The default will be what you have.

8. Press "Write" again. You will get the prompt "Operation Complete".

9. The chin switch change has now been implemented.

NOTE: This is for one UPG. Chin switch designations must defined in every User Program. For example, if you want to have Chin Switch #1 select the next "down" program and Chin Switch #2 the previous "up" program, you need to do this for each User Program (like incrementing up or down the 14 register switches).
The Chin Switch functions must be defined in each of the 14 User Programs.

John M.

Wow! That response was very helpful and I really appreciate the step by step instructions.

 

[JerryPH]

On the 8X? Just open the editor, and change all 3 there, its more intuitive and easier.

 

[Valski]

On the 8X? Just open the editor, and change all 3 there, its more intuitive and easier.

I use the editor but primarily to create and edit sets. Totally forgot about this function. Thanks for the help.

 

[John M]

I use the editor but primarily to create and edit sets. Totally forgot about this function. Thanks for the help.

O.K.; Just realize that my detailed procedure uses the 8X screen. I haven't tried the PC Editor, in this case, the 8X screen worked fine for me. For some things I use the 8X screen editor and other things I use the PC editor. There are many ways to "skin the cat".

John M.

 

[Valski]

O.K.; Just realize that my detailed procedure uses the 8X screen. I haven't tried the PC Editor, in this case, the 8X screen worked fine for me. For some things I use the 8X screen editor and other things I use the PC editor. There are many ways to "skin the cat".

John M.

Absolutely John. Thanks again for your generous guidance.

 

[Simon Max]

What most people don't know, or I have never seen used anywhere is that the TOP row of bass buttons can also be reprogrammed on an 8X.

This is true for the 7x too.