Alesis Fusion Service Key What is it & How Does It Work?

[Jesse]

Alesis Fusion affectionately known as "The Beast"

I just ordered enough parts to build (4) key adapters, I figured if I am going build one I might as well make it worth my time and build four.

Might take me awhile, but I'll let you know when they are completed.

Thanks to parametric, it sounds like it is just a hand scanner, probably used to scan the serial number on the bottom of the keyboard into the main PCB, but would it have more functions than that?

Would you use it with the Fusion turned on or turned off?

Alesis Fusion Service Key Cable Schematic by B. Schmanski

Link to FusionZone topic Alesis Fusion Service Key What is it & How Does It Work?

[Jesse]

Alesis Fusion affectionately known as "The Beast"

I received the parts and have started the process of making (4) Service Key Adapter cables

The MIDI connectors are male and so is the DB9 connector because the scanner has a female DB9 connector, provided the scanner is the service key.

I may also provide male to female DB9 & DB9 to USB adapters.

I ordered (2) 6 ft. DB9 cables both ends male so I will cut them in half, that gives me (4) 3 ft. DB9 connectors to connect to the MIDI cables

I ordered (6) 6 ft. MIDI cables so I will cut them in half, that gives me (12) 3 ft. MIDI cables to connect to the DB9 cables

(3) MIDI connectors for each DB9 connector, enough for (4) service key cables.

I will tag each of the (3) MIDI connectors OUT, IN & THRU respectively

Wow each cable has (9) wires plus a bare copper wire ... tiny little wires ... bummer
I have started tracing the wires to each pin to see which color goes to which pin

Stay Tuned

[Jesse]

Alesis Fusion affectionately known as "The Beast"

After reading in the service manual it appears that being able to scan in the serial number can only be done with the use of a service key which gives you Privileged Access to upgrade the boot ROM, Scan in the serial number and who knows what else, possibly modify the OS, but without a service key and documentation on how to properly use it we are doomed to live with what we have

The service key is probably similar to an ILOK USB key used to protect software.

We know we can turn the clock off & on, change the time & date without a service key, but it is unknown if we can input the serial number without a service key by simply using the RL scanner ... I guess we will see.
I will finish making (4) service key cables, but without a service key they may be worthless

Take Care everyone

[Jesse]

Alesis Fusion affectionately known as "The Beast"

"Amanda Gonzalez" on the FusionZone

Alesis Fusion Service Key is a software key that allows users to access hidden service functions and diagnostic tools on the Alesis Fusion synthesizer. The key is used to unlock features that are not typically accessible to regular users, such as the ability to perform firmware updates, test and troubleshoot different hardware components, and access advanced system settings.

The Alesis Fusion Service Key must be entered into the synthesizer by connecting it to a computer running the Alesis Fusion Remote Editor software, which allows the user to access the service functions and make the necessary changes or updates. Once the key is entered and the service functions are accessed, the user can perform a variety of tasks, such as checking the status of various hardware components, running diagnostic tests, and updating the firmware.

It's important to note that the Alesis Fusion Service Key is intended for use by authorized service technicians, and should not be used by regular users without proper training or guidance. Misuse of the service key can cause damage to the synthesizer or result in other problems.

"Jesse Smith" on the FusionZone

Thank you for the information Amanda and welcome to one of the Alesis Fusion Forums

Sincerely, Jesse Smith

[jokeyman123]

Amanda-you seem to be the only one that has the knowledge we need to use this service key, I am glad to see this post! The service key is not described in the service manual, although the parts descriptions are (not completely) there. Thus jesse is trying to fabricate the midi connector described as necessary to use the service key. I have installed several mainboards (and other components) for the fusions and know of no technicians who will even attempt to work on these, let alone an authorized Alesis technician, one of whom I have communicated with personally at InMusic re the Fusions. I would be very pleased to be able to obtain a copy of the remote editor software for my own technical troubleshooting. I am not an authorized alesis service tech, but have tried to provide as much technical expertise as i can in this and several other music technology user groups.

if you have any other details please post as alesis has given up support for these many years ago, and I have 2 8HDs which I have to maintain myself and which i have restored. i have knowledge and training as a keyboard and would really appreciate any other details you can tell us. Your post is the first I've ever seen that describes the "Alesis Fusion Remote Editor" software. Several of us have been in touch with at least one of the fusion developers recently, and so far, no-one has been able to describe what you seem to know. Please visit us at the other user group-www.alesismusic.com where you can see the lengths several of us have gone to to try to solve this problem. Thanks.