Valve Force blue LED failing... problem?

danhewitt · Post by **danhewitt** » Thu Jun 19, 2008 6:47 am

The blue backlight for the tube on my EX61 has started failing recently. It flickers out after the keyboard has been on for just a few minutes. Also, if I try to turn the tube off and back on, then it usually won't re-light. Only if I power the keyboard off and on again, then it will usually light up. The tube itself works fine. Has anyone else had this problem?

I understand LEDs take many years to fail. My keyboard is mission-critical for my job in Asia... should I be worried about any possible larger issue with the power supply? I've been using a 220v-to-110v convertor. Thanks!

vectorsynth · Post by **vectorsynth** » Sun Jun 22, 2008 7:39 pm

Experiencing the same trouble here, so *bump*
Anyone advice, should we worry about it ?

RVNOak · Post by **RVNOak** » Sun Jun 22, 2008 9:29 pm

I'm thinking it's only the light and not the valve that drives the valve force. Other than that, not to sure.

Are you not getting any of the valve effect when you dial it in as an insert?

vectorsynth · Post by **vectorsynth** » Sun Jun 22, 2008 9:55 pm

Thanks for RE RVNoak. The LED is totally dead now, no flickering blue fancy light anymore. Guess it has just reached end of lifetime.
The valve effects however work fine as an insert in my case.
Same with you danhewitt ?

danhewitt · Post by **danhewitt** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 4:58 am

Yes, the valve effect itself works fine, it's just the blue LED that's not working.

From what I've been reading in the forums, the keyboard's power supply is universal. (I haven't confirmed this with Korg yet myself... and I definitely will before I try to plug it into 220v!) Anyway, if that's true, the converter shouldn't be a factor at all.

Right now, the LED works at the beginning of a show when the keyboard is cold but soon fails after the tube heats up. If I later slap that corner of the keyboard with my hand, the light flickers back on just a bit. At this point I'm thinking it's a cracked solder joint.

shrike · Post by **shrike** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 10:09 am

and I definitely will before I try to plug it into 220v

No need to, Extremes power supply device is universal. My city has power network grid at 220V and I have no problem.

RVNOak · Post by **RVNOak** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 2:14 pm

I can't remember where I read this but, it seems the blue light doesn't last that long. I know it can be replaced (though I have no want to enter into the Extremes vital organs anytime soon). Since the valve itself doesn't really produce any real light (a very, very soft glow), Korg added the blue led for aesthetics.

Good thing it's just the light!!

danhewitt · Post by **danhewitt** » Tue Jul 01, 2008 12:37 pm

My light is back on. I have no idea why. Will it stay? Who knows.

The problem was more pronounced when I used the power converter, but that's not gonna happen anymore since I plugged in successfully to 220V this weekend!

shrike · Post by **shrike** » Tue Jul 01, 2008 11:43 pm

I plugged in successfully to 220V this weekend!

Do use some UPS device or at least device with overpower protection.

In my country, 220V power network grid has noticeable oscillations in power output, not very welcomed by keyboards and completely avoidable with usage of UPS devices (Uninterruptible Power Supply, UPS).

blackmetalgodz · Post by **blackmetalgodz** » Thu Jul 17, 2008 9:15 pm

yeah i'm having the same problem. i just bought it yesterday from a guy who played it once or twice, is there any way you can replace the light?

danhewitt · Post by **danhewitt** » Sun Jul 20, 2008 11:43 am

Not sure how you'd replace the light. Anyone know if it's soldered in?

GregC · Post by **GregC** » Sun Jul 20, 2008 12:51 pm

I know this has been discussed in detail here before, possibly in the last year

try a search