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Home Forums Technics Instruments Repairs Note sometimes registers louder than pressed Digital Ensemble SX-PR305

Note sometimes registers louder than pressed Digital Ensemble SX-PR305

Hi, Just purchased a used, nice condition Tehnics Digital Ensemble SX-PR305 (probabably 20 years old). Our daughter will begin with piano lessons. Noticed one note often registers louder than it is pressed, but not every time, perhaps 75% of the time. …

Viewing 1 to 5 (5 Total) Note sometimes registers louder than pressed Digital Ensemble SX-PR305
Lorenjl Norway Total Posts: 3 Joined: December 25, 2016	Hi, Just purchased a used, nice condition Tehnics Digital Ensemble SX-PR305 (probabably 20 years old). Our daughter will begin with piano lessons. Noticed one note often registers louder than it is pressed, but not every time, perhaps 75% of the time. Is this similar to the problem and solution answered by Dave Tutt about a Technics PR-40 back in April 20, 2015? Ie, requiring first to check the mechanics of the keys and cleaning, next possibly a gate array chip directly under key on PCB, and lastly the main board itself? Hope I can get some guidance and pointer to manual that can be downloaded, helping perhaps with disassembly as needed. Thanks in advance for all needed help! -Loren Tags: Posted on December 25, 2016 at 8:48 AM
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jd5live United Kingdom Total Posts: 360 Joined: June 8, 2014	Re: Note sometimes registers louder than pressed Digital Ensemble SX-PR305 Hi Lorenjl, You may have already tried this , I know it may sound simple but have you given the keyboard a good clean using a vacuum. You have indicated the instrument has been moved recently so there may have been the possibility of dust etc. getting under the silicone contact pads. One other thing you did not tell us is that is the note that you play that is different in volume the same position every time or does it change across the length of the keyboard or maybe only an octave or two?. I f the note is just one fixed note it is more likely to be a contact problem, Unfortunately we do not have the PR305 service manual at the moment. but I will add it to my search list. Regards John. Posted on December 28, 2016 at 4:59 PM
davetutt United Kingdom Total Posts: 166 Joined: January 12, 2015	Re: Note sometimes registers louder than pressed Digital Ensemble SX-PR305 Hi This is due to a failure of the contact strips on the underside of the key frame and may not be repairable unless you know how to strip the key frame down and clean inside it. The issue will be that the second contact under the key is being closed without the first one closing. This results in the key sounding at full volume. Can I suggest that the first thing to try is to hold the key down and wiggle it from side to side gently. Not so much a rocking motion but a side to side movement. This may clear whatever is obstructing the contact. It can be as simple as dead skin..... dandruff and hair is a likely issue too! That may sound a little gross but having spent a very long time doing all manner of electronic keyboards you wouldn't believe the muck that gets below the keys! If this doesn't help then come back to me ASAP! Regards Dave Posted on December 29, 2016 at 11:24 PM
Lorenjl Norway Total Posts: 3 Joined: December 25, 2016	Re: Note sometimes registers louder than pressed Digital Ensemble SX-PR305 Hey John and Dave. Thanks for the tips. I have stripped down the keyboard carefully and vacuumed out all the debris and found out that the silicone/carbon contact strips on the underside of the key frame are worn out or actually decaying in some cases. Looks like a very simple fix if this silicone strips could be purchased somewhere, as they have little silicone nipples which are just simply just pressed into holes on the circuit board. Do you know where these can be purchased, or can they only be found on used keyboards? Thanks so much in advance! Posted on January 1, 2017 at 7:17 AM
davetutt United Kingdom Total Posts: 166 Joined: January 12, 2015	Re: Note sometimes registers louder than pressed Digital Ensemble SX-PR305 Hi Sorry but there are no spare parts available as far as I know for any of these keyboards. The last time I actually purchased any new ones was around 15 years ago so unless someone is doing a re-manufacture job it is unlikely you will find any new ones. Be aware that those you might find on internet sites are likely to be canibalised ones and may not be that much better than those you have. I have been looking over alternatives or repairs. Usually the rubber is perished which can only really be fully repaired by complete replacement but I have had some success with evostick adhesive in a thin coat on one side of the material to add some strength and if the carbon loaded rubber contact doesn't seem to do anything then a little dab of conductive paint can work here too. Make sure both have had 36 - 48 hours at least to dry before you reassemble though. You can shuffle the contacts around so that the heaviest used keys in the middle of the keyboard go to the ends. You can also cut out individual keys or groups of keys keeping the alignment with the through board blobs of course if you manage to find a replacement strip or two. Let me know how you get on. Regards Dave Posted on January 2, 2017 at 8:19 PM