Thank you, that gets me much closer, it works perfectly via usb, but not through the midi ports. i have tried using key conversion software like coyote midi and it allows me to record midi commands from the 10 footswitches, but not from the toe switch. i know i'm missing a setting somewhere.
my goal is to allow one laptop with HX Edit to be controlled with usb and a second laptop with Cakewalk controlled via midi outs.