Kurzweil PC88MX Turn On Issue

[Deadwing67]

Hi! I recently inherited a Kurzweil PC88MX from my father who recently passed away. When I start it, all the lights flash red 3 times and then nothing happens. The display shows nothing but a band across it. Thought it might be the internal battery but I think that is just for saving settings? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

[Coker]

I think it is probably the internal battery. Get your screwdriver!

[Deadwing67]

Thanks Coker! Time to open it up.

[obxa]

I still use a PC88 in the studio it's a CR2032.  I made myself some notes and  made a copy of this below  because I have to do mine every couple of years.  Some of the instructions on the web tend to make it more complicated than it is.

 

 

 

The PC88 internal battery (CR2032) can be replaced MUCH easier than in the

    previous posts, with far less screw removal and no ribbon disconnection.

 

    The top cover of the PC88 removes very easily! You can do this entire

    repair without even taking it off the stand.

 

    Unscrew the screws along the back seam of the PC88 (the intersection of

    the top and bottom casing). Also unscrew the two rear screws that keep

    the side caps attached to the keyboard (2 per side, 4 total).

 

    The top of the PC88 (where all the buttons and display are) is held in

    place by 2 strong clips that clip it to the side caps. While sitting at

    the keyboard as if playing it normally, push the metal top away from you

    until the top slides off the clips. If you need more wiggle room, you can

    unscrew a couple more of the side-cap screws (the ones on the bottom of

    the case) to give you more play.

 

    The top will then slide off and you can flip it over like the hood of a

    car to replace your battery. No dealing with dozens of screws,

    disconnected ribbons or unscrewed controllers.

 

    To put it back together, slide the top cover back onto the clips and screw

    everything back.

 

 

 

[EasyBones]

This will work for a lot of PC88's but some of the newer models (my PC88MX for instance) have a metal frame inside that requires turning the PC88 over on to some padded surface (heavy, ain't it!) and removing nine screws from the bottom. Then, holding it together, flip it back over and follow the instructions to slide the control panel back and replace the battery.

If your model has the newer frame and you don't remove the screws, you'll be fumbling with the control panel forever wondering why it's sooo hard to slide it back.