Pearl Expert upgrade to Expert Pro

[brianlights]

Hello all,

I have an early Pearl Expert from 2009, and i'm curious as to the feasibility of upgrading to a more up to date Pro version. Now, i am aware of the possibility of firmware updates, getting the touch wing upgrade kit and such, but i'm talking about a more "invasive" upgrade.

As the newer consoles have some different button layouts, etc, is there any possibility of doing a complete overhaul that would obviously include the new software and addition of the touch wing, but also going further. So far as to replace the motherboard with the current spec, and even to replace the top surface with a new white version with proper legends, etc.

Is this something that is even possible? Yes, i am suggesting removing all the guts of the desk, and installing in a new chassis. At least the guts that are attached to the top surface.

Has anyone ever discussed such a thing, or am I simply out of my mind for even thinking this up?

I'm sure that the cost would probably outweigh the difference in selling the console in current form, and purchasing new, but I can't find anyone interested in purchasing the console without at least the wing and latest software revisions, so if I'm already stuck with that cost outlay...

You get the idea. Any and all thoughts are welcome.

Regards,

Brian

[niclights]

Firstly, just in case you weren't sure, the software is compatible with either configuration.

The wing card can also be added to the old motherboard if you only wanted to do that. Similarly, spinning HDD's can be changed to SDD - just make sure you use the ones approved by Avolites as they have important custom firmware.

As far as I am aware there is also a kit to change the motherboard and PSU which will give you the faster processing and UPS. I'm not sure about the laminate although I think that's unlikely as it would require removal of the old one and then the application of the new one which I imagine would be very difficult. However, only a few of the buttons have changed/moved. This could be solved with either swapping key caps and/or a magnetic strip (for the function keys), much like the attribute banks have if you have a very early Expert. It may be that these things are included in the kit.

Obviously depending on the age/wear of the existing console and after weighing up cost of the parts and the time cost of the upgrade work it may make more sense to purchase new and sell on/part-exchange the old one.

Contact your local distributor or UK sales for more details.

[Beast]

Just to put our 2p in.
We also have a PE Black version, with the magnet keylayout Nic mentioned. Have only run Titan and with the development and possibilties of the software, we ran into ressource problems after ver.6. specifically when pixelmapping and having many picture legends. We then decided to spring for the Sapphire Touch, which we haven´t regretted, and have also just got the hardware upgrade for the PE. This solved any issues we had and are very satisfied with it. With regards to buttonlayout and so, i haven´t noticed any differences, and to be frank: the Pearl in black is a little more "rock´n roll", isn´t it.
Anyways, really satisfied with the upgrade, even though our kit didn´t include UPS in powersupply, don´t know if this is optional, our supplyer made the upgrade.

Sincerely

Beast DK

[ciuf]

Hi everybody!
we own 2 Pearl experts Black.
I was wondering till wich software version is smart to upgrade without changing hardware.
One is at v5 and the other one v6.1 Would 7.4 be too much for the hardware??
Now It already looks like the 6.1 boots twice when i turn it on!