I posted this issue several weeks ago. Trying again. I have had an Ensoniq SQ2 for many years. It just recently has been shutting down on me. It just freezes up - no sound and can't change presets. Window is also stuck. I finally figured it was the unit gone bad (old) and since there was no one around that worked on them I found a replacement through Musician's Friend. Same model. Worked great at home when I got it. But at the first gig with it, again it started freezing up - usually in the middle of a song. As with the old one, I would have to turn it off - wait - and turn it back on to get it working again. Starting to think that maybe it has something to do with the placement. I always set my keyboard on top of my Hammond B3. Could there be something that would cause that? Maybe something from the tone generator? Am at a loss. Any thoughts would be much appreciated.
Keyboard crash
- Thread starter Robert Wikstrom
- Start date
Quickest way to tell whether the Hammond is affecting it would be to place the keyboard someplace else and play it for a while, see what happens. It would be interesting to learn that the Hammond affects the keyboard in some odd way.
Having two of the same model of keyboard that failed in the same way wouldn't be unusual.
Having two of the same model of keyboard that failed in the same way wouldn't be unusual.
happyrat1
Destroyer of Eardrums!!!
The thing is decades old. Caps are drying out and failing. Wouldn't make a difference if you parked it on Christina Aguilera's ass. Needs recapping. 
The thing is decades old. Caps are drying out and failing. Wouldn't make a difference if you parked it on Christina Aguilera's ass. Needs recapping.
And actually, not all that hard to do for someone with a bit of an electronics background.
happyrat1
Destroyer of Eardrums!!!
Repair the both of them and celebrate a twofer.
happyrat1
Destroyer of Eardrums!!!
And actually, not all that hard to do for someone with a bit of an electronics background.
Actually if it's built with surface mount technology he has his work cut out for him.
Rayblewit
Love Music / Love Life
What do you suggest for someone with a very limited electronics background? I wouldn't even know where to find "caps" or what they look like or where to find replacements.And actually, not all that hard to do for someone with a bit of an electronics background.
I found it relatively easy to replace 74 SMD caps on one board. They can be twisted off without heat then the solder pads need to be cleaned up. It's not necessary to replace them with SMD's, although I did use them but for someone with limited soldering experience, short wires bent at 90 degrees would be easier to connect.
There are many good videos on YT which would help. Mouser Electronics is a good source for components.
Before you dive into that, though, do both of the keyboards work okay at home? If it only happens at the same gig venue, there might be an issue with the supply voltage not being stable. A Furman power conditioner might be a big help if that is the case.
Maybe see if you have a friend that might be more up to the task.
YouTube might be helpful but it would be good if you had at least some minimal skills.
Good luck!
Both keyboards only "crashed" at a Ballroom that my band plays frequently. Tried surge protectors. Also tried plugging the unit into a different circuit not being used by other band gear. No difference. I have never been able to force the crash. It just happens randomly - unfortunately often in the middle of a song. The keyboard just freezes - no audio and can't change the sounds, screen is frozen as well. If you think that may be the problem would you recommend a unit like the following:
Furman M-8x2
Power line conditioner and surge protectorItem #: 756M8X2
Thanks again for your input.
Surge protectors only protect against a sudden increase in voltage levels whereas power conditioners provide a constant voltage to your equipment. It's possible that the ballroom's power supply is not too stable and dips below acceptable levels, perhaps when A/C or some other power hungry equipment kicks in. I take it you don't have any issues at home?
The Furman model you referenced should be ideal but check it out here at Amazon and save some cash.
https://www.amazon.com/Furman-M-8X2...&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4584138858146732&th=1
The Furman model you referenced should be ideal but check it out here at Amazon and save some cash.
https://www.amazon.com/Furman-M-8X2...&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4584138858146732&th=1