then set midi in to the tech driver in options, initialise the KN to get right 1 on channel 1, click record on track 1, channel 1 of cakewalk, and play some piano.

I have a little sysex program from years ago for which I entered the codes to switch the 6500/6000 mode from NX to GM, GM2, XG and GS and back again from the computer. This naturally tests that the connections are working. It will easily zip in a mail if you are interested.