Yamaha SHS500 Sonogenic Keytar Red

My primary use for the SHS-500 is as a wireless MIDI controller. I am a classroom music teacher who is tired of being stuck behind the piano. I use Linux. I configured my laptop to pair with the SHS-500, which sends data for notes, the pitch wheel, the mod wheel and channel select. I have extended the range of options from these controls by mapping MIDI messages on my computer. That includes advancing slides on a projector. I'm disappointed at Yamaha for not assigning MIDI messages to all the other controllers on the SHS-500 (even though I have everything I really need). I assume the transport buttons on the SHS-500 send some sort of message (because of the Chord Tracker App), but I haven't figured out how to capture and remap those messages. One of the greatest attributes of the SHS-500 is its slender shape. My left hand technique involves reaching around the back of the SHS-500. It's a different technique altogether, it doesn't really facility technical playing in the LH, but it makes the overall ergonomics work better for two hands. I don't spend much time reaching for the controls on neck of the instrument. I do an occasional octave change. I remapped the mod wheel to volume and assigned a mod-wheel value of zero to an all-notes-off message (MIDI users will understand why I did that). The SHS-500 has great battery life, especially when the internal speaker is shut off and it's sending Low Energy MIDI messages to the computer. I tested the range of the transmission, and it should work in any room as large as a gymnasium. The key-bed is the same as the Reface series. Great quality and feel. I like mini keys. I have no problem with only 30 sounds. Some of them are quite good. I particularly like the EP sound. The SHS-500 is incredibly lightweight, even with the batteries installed. I am having a blast playing it.