Ensoniq KT88 won't boot up

[Jon Baumgartner]

Hi. Purchased KT88 six months ago because it was SO inexpensive and it ALL worked. I was an Ensoniq dealer in Arizona in the early '90s so I knew what I was getting. The sounds absolutely blow me away. This morning I turned it on, the display lit up correctly, but none of the buttons worked. Powered down, powered back up, the display does not appear. I'm heartbroken. Does anyone know a keyboard repair service with knowledge on Ensoniq, or is this marvelous piece now a parts car? Many thanks. Jon

 

[delaware dave]

Open her up, unplug all connectors, and tightly reseat. Oxidation after 30+ yeqrs most likely the culprit. Spray connectors with DEOXIT before reconnecting.

 

[Jon Baumgartner]

Open her up, unplug all connectors, and tightly reseat. Oxidation after 30+ yeqrs most likely the culprit. Spray connectors with DEOXIT before reconnecting.

Thank you SO MUCH! I have a can of D5 on my bench and will get after it first thing in the morning.

 

[happyrat1]

Check the output of the power supply caps and the filter caps internal with an AC VOM to see if there's excessive ripple on the power bus.

Also, inspect the caps with close attention to bulges and leaks.

Noisy power can make a CPU go catatonic.

 

[Jon Baumgartner]

Check the output of the power supply caps and the filter caps internal with an AC VOM to see if there's excessive ripple on the power bus.

Also, inspect the caps with close attention to bulges and leaks.

Noisy power can make a CPU go catatonic.

That sort of work is beyond my pay grade but I know a tech that can help me with that, so thank you for those comments!

 

[happyrat1]

Is the power supply internal (line cord?) or external (wall wart?)

Swapping an external PSU is easy peasy.

 

[delaware dave]

Is the power supply internal (line cord?) or external (wall wart?)

Swapping an external PSU is easy peasy.

Kt88 has an internal power supply.

 

[Jon Baumgartner]

Hit all the contact blocks with D5 and letting it dry for awhile before reassembly. I'll post the results.