Re: [AH] Long shot: Linn LM-1 firmware

From Steve Lenham
Sent Wed, Sep 26th 2018, 08:46

Just to tie up this matter for posterity and the archives:

I eventually tracked down a supplier of the vintage RAM used by the LM-1 
and confirmed that one of the original devices had failed. Since the RAM 
block is used for the microprocessor's stack as well as stored drum 
patterns, this understandably sent the firmware somewhat screwy.

With that and five other unrelated faults cleared, the unit works quite 
nicely now!

FWIW, this particular Linn apparently used to belong to Elvis Costello, 
and is now in the hands of the very nice chap who produced the first two 
Keane albums.

Cheers,

Steve L.
Benden Sound Technology


On 19/08/2018 15:43, Steve Lenham wrote:
> Thanks Tim.
> 
> AFAIK (and it is hard to know, since one tends not to encounter a large 
> number of LM-1s) there is no external indication of the firmware 
> revision. It is necessary to pop the lid and look at the EPROM labels.
> 
> cheers,
> 
> Steve L.
> 
> 
> On 17/08/2018 02:34, Tim Curtis wrote:
>> Is there a way to check the revision without cracking the unit open? 
>>  I have a pair of LM-1s and access to a third, but it would be easier 
>> if there is an external way to see which firmware I’m running
>>
>>
>>
>> Sent from my iPhone
>>
>> On Aug 16, 2018, at 5:23 PM, Paul <xxxxxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxx.xxx 
>> <mailto:xxxxxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxx.xxx>> wrote:
>>
>>> Bruce Forat could of course help if no one else does:
>>>
>>> 818-763-3007
>>>
>>> xxxxx@xxxxx.xxx <mailto:xxxxx@xxxxx.xxx>
>>>
>>> *From: *Steve Lenham <mailto:xxxxx@xxxxxxxxxx.xx.xx>
>>> *Sent: *Thursday, August 16, 2018 9:58 AM
>>> *To: *Analogue Heaven <mailto:xxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxx.xxx>
>>> *Subject: *[AH] Long shot: Linn LM-1 firmware
>>>
>>> Hi,
>>>
>>> Very long shot, but might anyone have access to EPROM images for v2.1 of
>>>
>>> the Linn LM-1 firmware?
>>>
>>> I have a unit here that is playing up and it would be great to be able
>>>
>>> to check the ROMs. I have v3.1 on file, but that requires twice the
>>>
>>> amount of vintage RAM to be fitted and I don't have the requisite parts
>>>
>>> on hand.
>>>
>>> Any assistance hugely appreciated!
>>>
>>> Steve L.
>>>
>>> Benden Sound Technology
>>>
> 
>