How to Upgrade Akai S900 to OS V.4

I found a S900, i really want a S950... but it looks like i may have to settle for the S900. How do u upgrade the OS. so that it has the same features as the S950..except the memory and scsi. Can upgrade it to have scsi? i don't know! Any help i'd appreciate. Thanks in advance

There is a floppy image floating around somewhere on the net. I think you can boot from this floppy to upgrade it. The trick is finding it. I don't think you can add SCSI or RAM to s900 even with the OS upgrade.

I just copped a 900 and I'm wondering if anybody hse the disk image Mike mentioned?

i also would be interested in such a link or file.

I don't think the upgrade via floppy is possible. You have to get new EEPROMS with the OS. If I can get the OS I will offer them for my cost (probably around $20 for a set). I am working on it. Check back with me after the holidays.

Good lookin out Mike

I think the few options for the s900 included:

a) AKS(?)-90 8-input analog trigger board, or
b) Atari HD interface upgrade
(this is more rare than SCSI for the 950,
or the Atari HD interface for 950)

c) Marion Systems' 16-bit upgrade.

and then all the os updates...

I found this on the Akai maling list it seems to sum this up pretty well...

Had another look at the manuals, they say that you can't copy it, and
need to order any replacement from Akai.

The OS is only available on floppy disks (I think), so you need to
power up the S900 with the disk in the drive, or load it from the
menu.

It says your S900 needs to be V1.2 (1,2) first, before you can use
the new OS version.

Not sure if the floppies are still available from Akai, or if you can
upgrade an earlier OS S900 to 1.2 first with ROMs, and if these ROMs
would still be available.

Here is what the manuals say in the introduction sections...

If you would like info on any of the functions, let me know.

Simon
Canberra
AUSTRALIA



S9V2.0
SYSTEM DISK FOR S900
Thank you for your purchase of the Akai S9V2.0 System Disk,
exclusively for use with the Akai S900.
The S9V2.0 was developed to increase the number of functions of the
S900. The operation of the S900 must be fully understood when using
the S9V2.0.

Attention
The S9V2.0 can only be loaded on the S900 V1.2 or V1,2. Also, and
error message may appear when edited software made without using the
S9V2.0 is loaded.
The S9V2.0 cannot be copied. If the disk is damaged during normal
usage, contact your store of purchase, and Akai Service Center, or
the Service Department at Akai Headquarters.

Introduction
The S9V2.0 System Disk adds the following functions when it is loaded
onto your S900 V1.2 (V1,2):
[1] PRETRIGGER RECORDING
[2] Special ONE SHOT mode
[3] CROSSFADE LOOPING
[4] DYNAMIC FILTERING
[5] AUTOMATIC FINDING of START POINT
[6] VELOCITY RELEASE for note on
[7] Combine two samples for VELOCITY CROSSFADE
[8] Changing the VELOCITY MIX CURVE for velocity crossfade type samples
[9] TIME SKEW for velocity crossfade
[10] KEY GROUP COPY FUNCTION
These functions give your S900 greater possibilities for musical expression.
The basic operation of the S900 must be fully understood when using
this new system software. Read this manual and the S900 Operator's
Manual for instructions on using the new system software.



S9V4.0
SYSTEM DISK FOR S900

INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing the S9V4.0, an exclusive system disk for the
AKAI S900.
The S9V4.0 has been developed to augment the functions of the S900.
By loading this system software onto your S900 V1.2 (1,2), you can
obtain the following additional functions and upgrade the musical
expressiveness of your S900.
1. Pre-trigger recording
2. Special one shot mode
3. Crossfade looping
4. Dynamic Filtering
5. Automatic locating of start point
6. Velocity release by note on
7. Combine two samples for velocity crossfade type samples
8. Changing the velocity mix curve for velocity crossfade
9. Time skew for velocity
10. Key group copy function
11. Disk mode: Compression of sampled data
When using S9V4.0, please make sure you have fully mastered the basic
operation of S900.

WARNING
* The S9V4.0 cannot be loaded unless your S900 is V1.2 (1,2).
* The S9V4.0 cannot be copied. If you have trouble with your disk
under normal use, please consult the Service Division of AKAI's Head
Office through the store where it was purchased.
* Because of the augmented MIDI exclusive function, you may get an
error message if you load an editing software which was not created
by this system software. Please be sure to load this system software
before using editing software and sample data created by S9V4.0.


>I bought a second hand s900 a while ago, it came with the disks for
>S9V2.0 and S9V4.0. I don't know if this is what you mean.
>
>The manuals say that you need an S900 V1.2 to load these OS floppies.
>
>Have not even fired up the S900, so don't know if it or the disks work.
>
>If they do work, and if it is possible to copy them, I could do
>that. I don't know what the format is, and if it could be read onto
>computer for download.
>
>Or, maybe you could try Australis Music, the Aussie Akai distributor.
>
>Simon
>Canberra
>AUSTRALIA

bringing this thread back to life...

does anybody have a copy of these disks?

Fo free....

http://wiw.org/~meta/s2k.php

even better.

Sorry to resurrect this old thread, but has anyone ever succesfully installed OS4 using the disc image editor from the link above?

I am working on getting a floppy working in my pc and then i will try it . Let me know if you get it to work. My s900 still have 1,2

/
I'd just say be careful. I have some friends who know a lot about computers who are going to help me if I decide to do this.