Step Recording/Preset drum patterns

I have a korg triton, which I've had for about 4 years. The majority (actually all of) my compositions are written in real time, with some RRPG. The problem is, I'm tired of using the preset drum patterns, even dicing them up. I'd like to step record, but I can't figure it out from the user manual how to use it. I obviously don't read music, so the measures mean nothing to me, and I don't care to use the sampler. Also, to make things more complicated, I feel that recording in real time while trying to either use the loops or record a drum track manually doesn't sound like decent, it sounds like a dude pushing notes on a keyboard to emulate drum sounds. What I'd like to do is somehow figure out if I can use the keyboard as a drum machine to get a reliable drum track without sampling.

any thoughts?

In pattern mode I will choose the number of bars, set resolution, and hit record. I check the 'remove data' box to try things out while sequencer is still running. You may try a midi controller with pads which may be more comfortable for drum programming. I use imported drum samples sometimes for more inspirational sounds. There are drum loops available as midi files on the web too.

Thanks for the tips! I'll try them out.

I forgot to ask you-what does checking the remove data box do?

If the sequencer is running in pattern mode with the remove data box checked it will erase notes you play instead of recording them. So if you've already laid down the bass/snare pattern and want to experiment with hi hat patterns check the box and try hi hat stuff while sequencer is still running. You'll hear it along with the bass/snare you recorded but it won't be added. Uncheck the box to add the hi hat when you've got a pattern you like. If you make a mistake and the open hat is on the wrong beat check the box again and hold down the open hat key as the mistake comes round again. It will erase the open hat. This way you build your pattern in several passes.

Yesterday I was doing the above for fun when my wife came home with my one year old son. I sat him in my lap and let him bang away on the keyboard. The sequencer was quantizing everything so he couldn't mess it up. Then I turned it up and we all started dancing. YAY- baby's first drum loop!

Kewl! It probably sounds better than the stuff I came up with lately

That is awesome! A budding composer in the works