Summary

This document explains the differences in memory tuning file types and organization across SAT models, with a focus on the SAT IV series. While SAT II and III use only .sat files, SAT IV employs both .sat and .lib files to support an expanded memory system that more than doubles its storage capacity. The SAT IV organizes memory into banks of pages, allocating .sat files for the lower memory region and .lib files for extended memory, thereby enhancing flexibility and capacity.

SAT IV Memory File Types and Organization

Introduction

This section provides essential preparation for watching the referenced video. It details the file types used for memory tunings in different SAT models and describes how memory is structured and managed within the SAT IV series.

File Types for Memory Tunings

For the SAT II and SAT III models, memory tunings require only a single file type: the .sat file. In contrast, the SAT IV introduces an extended memory system, which necessitates two types of files for storing memory tunings: .sat and .lib files.

The extended memory capability of the SAT IV leverages library (.lib) files. This enhancement means the SAT IV’s memory capacity is more than double that of the SAT III.

Memory Organization in SAT IV Models

The SAT IV organizes its memory into ‘banks’ of pages, with each bank containing 140 pages. The lower memory region (Pages 1–140) in both the SAT IV Standard model and the SAT “980” continues to use the .sat file type. For extended memory—Pages 141–980—the .lib file type is employed.

SAT IV Standard Model

  • The first 140 pages use a .sat file.
  • Pages 310–589 are divided into two banks, each containing 140 pages, and each bank uses a .lib file:
  • Bank 310–449 (.lib file)
  • Bank 450–589 (.lib file)

SAT “980” Model

  • The first 140 pages use a .sat file.
  • Pages 141–980 represent extended memory, organized into six banks of 140 pages each. Each bank utilizes a separate .lib file.

Protected Memory and Inventronics Tunings

The Standard SAT IV contains a protected memory area, which stores Inventronics Generics Pre-Stored Memory Tunings. These tunings are protected—they cannot be changed, erased, or modified—but they can be copied into lower memory for various SAT IV features.

In the SAT “980,” these Inventronics tunings can also be pre-stored, but they reside on pages in extended memory that are not protected. This allows users to organize, modify, or erase them according to their needs or to make space for other tunings.

Using Piano Manager with SAT IV Models

Working with .lib and .sat files in Piano Manager is identical for both SAT IV models. When the SAT is connected to a computer and Piano Manager is launched, the program automatically detects which SAT model is in use (Standard or “980”).

Upon clicking the Xmem button, users are presented with options to send or read data, as well as view the available banks and their corresponding page ranges. For the Standard Model, two options appear for pages 310–449 and 450–589. For the SAT “980,” six banks are displayed, labeled Bank 1 through Bank 6. In both models, each bank must be managed individually in Piano Manager.

The illustration below shows the Xmem tab in Piano Manager when connected to a SAT “980”:

(Click to Enlarge)

Managing Library Files in Piano Manager: Instructional Video Overview

Introduction

This section introduces a comprehensive 25-minute instructional video designed to guide users through the process of managing and organizing piano tunings using Library files within Piano Manager. The focus is on utilizing the SAT IV’s Extended memory to efficiently store, access, and organize tuning data.

Understanding File Formats: .sat vs .lib

The video explains the key differences between the two primary file formats used in Piano Manager: .sat and .lib. By clarifying how each format functions within the SAT IV system, users will gain a clear understanding of the best practices for organizing their tuning files.

Transferring Tunings Between Files

Guidance is provided on transferring both individual tunings and groups of tunings between .SAT and .LIB files. The video demonstrates the process of moving data from a .SAT file to a .LIB file and vice versa, allowing for greater flexibility and control over tuning organization.

Working with Extended Memory

Once the banks and pages of tunings are installed into either model of the SAT IV, users will experience seamless navigation through the extended memory. The SAT IV reads the banks as though they are combined into a single file, streamlining the process of scrolling through pages of stored tunings.

Video Overview

This 25-minute instructional video provides step-by-step demonstrations on how to use and manage Library files in Piano Manager. Viewers will learn how to store and retrieve tunings within the Extended memory of the SAT IV, understand the distinctions between .sat and .lib files, and efficiently move tunings between different file types.

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