Pa3X Sample RAM backup battery

[RichF]

Hello all,

We have discovered an unusual problem affecting a very small number of the Sample RAM backup batteries in both models (76 key and 61 key) of the Pa3X, which requires these batteries to be replaced. In certain very extreme conditions, the faulty battery pack may not be protected against accidental short circuits, leading to possible extensive damage to the Pa3X and maybe even surrounding areas. Because the vast majority of batteries are not defective, and because the circumstances required to cause the problem are so extreme, our regular QC tests and outside certification companies only discovered this problem in April 2012. Since we have no way of tracing which Pa3X have the faulty batteries, all the batteries installed in units manufactured before April 2012 must be replaced as a precautionary measure.

To identify whether or not your Pa3X was produced before April 2012, please refer to the list at the end of this message. Please check only the last FOUR (4) digits of the serial number on the back panel of the Pa3X. Any Pa3X that were corrected at the factory will have a sticker affixed, indicating the correct battery is fitted.

Fortunately, changing the battery is easy to do. The Pa3X was designed so that users could easily replace the battery at any time. Instructions for battery replacement are on page 257 of the owner’s manual, and also included in the new battery pack. Because this is done at your own risk, however, it can also be changed by your Korg Pa3X dealer or authorized service center if you are uncomfortable with the procedure. Korg will be dispatching replacement batteries to all distributors in mid-May. Until the replacement batteries are available, we strongly recommend that you remove the existing battery from your Pa3X. Its main purpose is to speed up the start time, and the battery does not affect any other aspect of the performance of the keyboard. With the battery, the Pa3X starts in under a minute. Without the battery, start‐up time is between 2 and 3 minutes, depending upon the amount of USER PCM installed. You can keep performing with and using your Pa3X without the battery.

What you should do:
1. Check the serial number of your Pa3X, and refer to the list below to determine if your Pa3X was produced before April 2012.
2. Remove the battery from your Pa3X according to the instructions on page 257 of your owners’ manual.
3. Please refer to: http://www.korg.co.jp/English/Distributors/index.html, and contact your local distributor to arrange an exchange. For USA-based customers, please visit http://www.korg.com/pa3xbattery, scroll to the bottom of the message, and fill out the replacement request form.
5. We will need ALL of the replaced (defective) batteries returned. For USA-based customers, the replacement batteries will include materials for a prepaid return shipment. For customers outside the USA, please contact your local distributor for instructions.

We apologize sincerely for any inconvenience that this will cause, and wish to assure you that the likelihood of any users experiencing a problem is extremely remote.

Pa3X 76 produced from April 2012 (serial numbers starting from 5108 as the last four digits) plus the following serial numbers for Pa3X 76 were fixed before leaving the factory, and do not need a replacement battery:

3144, 3145, 3147, 3148, 3149, 3150, 3151, 3215, 3218, 3219, 3220, 3221, 3222, 3223,
3224, 3225, 3229, 3249, 3250, 3251, 3252, 3253, 3254, 3255, 3256, 3257, 3258, 3259,
3260, 3261, 3262, 3263, 3264, 3265, 3266, 3267, 3268, 3269, 3270, 3271, 3272, 3273,
3274, 3275, 3276, 3277, 3278, 3279, 3280, 3281, 3282, 3283, 3284, 3285, 3286, 3287,
3288, 3289, 3290, 3291, 3292, 3293, 3294, 3295, 3296, 3297, 3298, 3299, 3300, 3301,
3302, 3303, 3304, 3305, 3306, 3307, 3308, 3309, 3310, 3311, 3312, 3313, 3314, 3315,
3316, 3317, 3318, 3319, 3320, 3321, 3322, 3323, 3324, 3325, 3326, 3327, 3328, 4189,
4190, 4191, 4192, 4725, 4728, 4738, 4739, 4740, 4741, 4742, 4743, 4744, 4745, 4746,
4748, 4753, 4761, 4763, 4764, 4765, 4766, 4767, 4768, 4769, 4770, 4771, 4772, 4781,
4789, 4931, 5003, 5008, 5030, 5031, 5032, 5033, 5034, 5035, 5036, 5037, 5038, 5039,
5040, 5041, 5042, 5043, 5044, 5045, 5046, 5047, 5048, 5049, 5050, 5051, 5052, 5053,
5054, 5055, 5056, 5057, 5058, 5060, 5061, 5062, 5063, 5064, 5065, 5066, 5067, 5068.
5069, 5070, 5071, 5072, 5073, 5074, 5075, 5076, 5077, 5078, 5079, 5080, 5081, 5082,
5083, 5084, 5085. 5086, 5087, 5088, 5089, 5090, 5091, 5092, 5093, 5099, 5100, 5101,
5103, 5104, 5105, 5106, 5107,

Pa3X 61 produced from April 2012 (serial numbers starting from 5380 as the last four digits) plus the following serial numbers for Pa3X 61 were fixed before leaving the factory, and do not need a replacement battery:

5043, 5044, 5045, 5046, 5047, 5049, 5050, 5051, 5158, 5162, 5195, 5202, 5203, 5205,
5207, 5208, 5209, 5210, 5211, 5281, 5282, 5285, 5286, 5287, 5288, 5289, 5290, 5291,
5292, 5293, 5294, 5295, 5296, 5309, 5310, 5311, 5312, 5313, 5314, 5315, 5316, 5317,
5318, 5319, 5320, 5321, 5322, 5323, 5324, 5325, 5327, 5328, 5329, 5331, 5347, 5367,
5368, 5369, 5370, 5371, 5372, 5374, 5375, 5376, 5378, 5379

Thanks,
-Rich

[paul]

Thanks Rich...for taking an active role in this forum.
Much appreciated.
cheers

Paul

[Bob H2]

Thank you, Rich.

Is this problem related to the internal clock losing it's time when the keyboard is switched to the standby mode?

[RichF]

Hi Bob,

The short answer is "maybe." The longer answer is, we can't diagnose the issue you're having with the internal clock via email, forums, or over the phone... But I can confirm that the battery pack does also regulate the internal clock, so it's definitely possible that the replacement will solve the problem (update: see note below).

EDIT: We have created an online form for USA-based users to request a replacement battery pack. Please visit http://www.korg.com/pa3xbattery and scroll to the bottom of the message to fill out the required information.

EDIT 2: Sorry folks, I've received some updated information, and need to correct my previous statement: The sample RAM battery does NOT regulate the internal clock. if you are experiencing issues with the clock, it is unrelated to the battery mentioned in this post. I apologize for any inconvenience.

Hope this helps,
-Rich

[liongold]

Thanks, Rich, for the prompt response to the battery issue. Now, if your compadries at Korg Italy will be as timely and efficient with the new OS(which we all know will be great), everyone will be happy campers! Thanks again.
Liongold

[Vex]

With the battery, the Pa3X starts in under a minute. Without the battery start‐up time is between 2 and 3 minutes depending upon the amount of USER PCM installed.

That is not true,and we discussed about it. So, is bad battery problem with this issue?

http://www.korgforums.com/forum/phpBB2/ ... hp?t=68437

[Dikikeys]

Should this post not be a 'sticky'?

Seems pretty important...

[Sharp]

Should this post not be a 'sticky'?

Seems pretty important...

Yes, but I don't live on the forums 24/7.

Regards
Sharp.

[Sharp]

Thanks Rich.
It's pretty painless. I removed 4 batteries so far tonight in a blink of an eye. Dead easy to do.

I'll tie in with Tom Baylor Music Store here for replacement batteries. All the KORG users in my area are a tight bunch, so I'm automatically volunteered to look after the guys.

This is great. I will get paid in Pints of Guinness.
Everyone will owe me a pint. It's the local currency when it comes to favours.

Regards
Sharp.

[sam pa3x ort]

ok i get my pa3x from Lebanon and i live in USA so can i change my battrety in any local dealer ?????

thank you

[RichF]

Hi sam pa3x ort,

Dealers in the USA will not have the replacement batteries, and Korg USA can only supply them for Pa3X that were purchased in the USA. You would need to contact the Lebanese distributor. According to the list at http://www.korg.co.jp/English/Distributors their information is:

MUSIC GEAR
HAZMIEH, BEIRUT, LEBANON
TEL : +961 5454875
FAX : +961 5455499
info@musicgear.ws

Thanks,
-Rich

[sam pa3x ort]

tank you Rich

[taletdk]

Who is Macedonia where to turn? Now when he had to check my serial noticed a strange thing. On my Korg pa3x 61-k is a serial that reads Korg pa3x 76-k. Do the same battery of 61 76-ki-k. Thank you in advance. Greetings

[neverkorgagain]

MACEDONIA
ADRIATIC REGION DISTRIBUTION D.O.O.

Milosev kladenac 11a, Belgrade 11000 Serbia
TEL : +381.11.3444500
FAX : +381.11.3460110
info@adriaticregiondistribution.com

[steve m]

I got a call out of the blue yesterday from the Australian importer/ditributor 'Musiclink' 500 miles away in Melbourne. As soon as the guy said where he was from, I asked "are you calling about new batteries formy PA3X ?" he said YES !

He was amazed that I knew what the call was about. I reckon that's pretty good service from Korg, the batteries are in the post already.