Korg Forums

McHale

So I haven't turned on my Kronos 88 for months. In fact, it wasn't even plugged in. The last time I used it was months ago but it worked fine and it shut down properly.

Went to turn it on tonight to update it to 3.0.2 and nothing. It's dead. The screen doesn't show sign of life and I don't hear any noises when powering up.

Unplugged everything, tried a known good power cord (pulled from my trusty old Triton Pro). Nada.

I flipped it upside down and removed the bottom of the Kronos and verified that when the power switch is turned on, the green LED on the motherboard does turn on so the switch is good.

Anybody have any idea what to do or what to check before I have to take it to a service center and shell out a ton of cash? Does this thing have a fuse? Didn't see one on initial look.
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Current Korg Gear: KRONOS 88 (4GB), M50-73 (PS mod), RADIAS-73, Electribe MX, Triton Pro (MOSS, SCSI, CF, 64MB RAM), SQ-64, DVP-1, MEX-8000, MR-1, KAOSSilator, nanoKey, nanoKontrol, 3x nanoPad 2, 3x DS1H, 7x PS1, FC7 (yes Korg, NOT Yamaha).

mikeyd · Posted: Fri Dec 05, 2014 6:32 am Post subject:

I'd start with replacing the battery. I think (you'll know when you get to it obviously) it's a CR2032.
There is a lot of posts on the subject.
If your Kronos had been off for months I would think that'd would be where to start.

After that probably have to restore it.

Good luck and sorry! You contribute a lot to the forum and hopefully someone from Korg will see your post.

McHale · Posted: Fri Dec 05, 2014 7:04 am Post subject:

phenaste · Junior Member Joined: 16 Jan 2012 Posts: 60

Do you try to connect a monitor ?

I think that UPS would deliver +3.3V +5.0V +12.0V to the motherboard.

Are you sure that alimentation line-rails are good ?

Sorry for your Kronos Sad

.
Hope you'll find a solution for your issue.

michelkeijzers · Posted: Fri Dec 05, 2014 2:01 pm Post subject:

Sorry to hear that indeed. Hope Korg will help you with the problem (I'm afraid I don't have an answer).
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Developer of the free PCG file managing application for most Korg workstations: PCG Tools, see https://www.kronoshaven.com/pcgtools/

McHale · Posted: Fri Dec 05, 2014 2:48 pm Post subject:

Sharp · Posted: Fri Dec 05, 2014 3:06 pm Post subject:

Ouch, sorry to hear that.

As pointless as this maybe, I'd rather say something than nothing, so check to see if the Ram it's seated into it's slot correctly. My Desktop PC for example doesn't do anything, not even a beep if there's no RAM installed or the RAM is faulty.

I discovered this because one day due to mismatching pairs of SIMM's. I thought the motherboard was dead as all I could see was a light, but I couldn't get a geek out of it until I figured out the RAM was the issue.

Regards
Sharp.
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McHale · Posted: Fri Dec 05, 2014 3:20 pm Post subject:

Francois · Posted: Fri Dec 05, 2014 3:33 pm Post subject:

You're right, a single capacitor and you're screwed. If you have power, the mobo is very likely to be the culprit. I know at least 3 people who had to change the mobo on their Kronos. If this is something you can do yourself, big savings!
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Kronoscopie, tout sur le Kronos en français

http://www.kronoscopie.fr

lonelagranger · Senior Member Joined: 17 Feb 2009 Posts: 291

So very sorry to hear of your problem. What a bummer. My Kronos has also set for a few months before I took it out to do this update. it did start right up. I have let it set in the past for a few months and it always started when I brought it out again. The capacitor comment is certainly a valid one, but it seems to be to new for that. Not that it couldn't happen. I think I would also start checking the cable connections. Unplug them then plug them in again. A cable can look connected but not really making contact. I had this happen with a Korg Trinity. Another issue could be the power supply. Although they usually work or not work. Look for a cold solder joint. I had this happen in my Yamaha XS8. Cold solder joint in the power supply made it start sometimes and then not start other times. A bad solder joint will look dull and maybe flakey. I doubt, however, that is the problem. I would check the cabling as a first start. I wish you the best of luck and will be praying to the synths Gods to send you good Karma.

McHale · Posted: Fri Dec 05, 2014 5:27 pm Post subject:

All good suggestions. Keep 'em coming.

Good idea on the solder points. The caps looked good (none had that exploded or about to explode look) and I've had electronic components sit in a below freezing garage attic for years and come to life no problem.

I'm not happy it happened but if I can resolve the issue and it can help someone down the road it will be worth it. My real fear is what happens a few years from now? How repairable will these be?

-Mc
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Current Korg Gear: KRONOS 88 (4GB), M50-73 (PS mod), RADIAS-73, Electribe MX, Triton Pro (MOSS, SCSI, CF, 64MB RAM), SQ-64, DVP-1, MEX-8000, MR-1, KAOSSilator, nanoKey, nanoKontrol, 3x nanoPad 2, 3x DS1H, 7x PS1, FC7 (yes Korg, NOT Yamaha).

lonelagranger · Senior Member Joined: 17 Feb 2009 Posts: 291

McHale · Posted: Fri Dec 05, 2014 5:41 pm Post subject:

Francois · Posted: Fri Dec 05, 2014 6:26 pm Post subject:

A motherboard can always be repaired. The cost is always higher than buying a replacement, but this doesn't mean it is not possible. Same remark regarding the power supply. So 20 years from now, labour will not be cheap. but mobo and PSU will be repaired if they need to be.
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Kronoscopie, tout sur le Kronos en français

http://www.kronoscopie.fr

lonelagranger · Senior Member Joined: 17 Feb 2009 Posts: 291

I don't think he is talking about 20 years from now. Maybe more like 5 or 7. Just my take on the comment.