Here is a message posted by Korg:

\Hello all,

We have discovered an unusual problem affecting a very small number of the Sample RAM backup batteries in both models (76 key and 61 key) of the Pa3X, which requires these batteries to be replaced. In certain very extreme conditions, the faulty battery pack may not be protected against accidental short circuits, leading to possible extensive damage to the Pa3X and maybe even surrounding areas. Because the vast majority of batteries are not defective, and because the circumstances required to cause the problem are so extreme, our regular QC tests and outside certification companies only discovered this problem in April 2012. Since we have no way of tracing which Pa3X have the faulty batteries, all the batteries installed in units manufactured before April 2012 must be replaced as a precautionary measure.

To identify whether or not your Pa3X was produced before April 2012, please refer to the list at the end of this message. Please check only the last FOUR (4) digits of the serial number on the back panel of the Pa3X. Any Pa3X that were corrected at the factory will have a sticker affixed, indicating the correct battery is fitted.

Fortunately, changing the battery is easy to do. The Pa3X was designed so that users could easily replace the battery at any time. Instructions for battery replacement are on page 257 of the owner’s manual, and also included in the new battery pack. Because this is done at your own risk, however, it can also be changed by your Korg Pa3X dealer or authorized service center if you are uncomfortable with the procedure. Korg will be dispatching replacement batteries to all distributors in mid-May. Until the replacement batteries are available, we strongly recommend that you remove the existing battery from your Pa3X. Its main purpose is to speed up the start time, and the battery does not affect any other aspect of the performance of the keyboard. With the battery, the Pa3X starts in under a minute. Without the battery, start‐up time is between 2 and 3 minutes, depending upon the amount of USER PCM installed. You can keep performing with and using your Pa3X without the battery.

What you should do:
1. Check the serial number of your Pa3X, and refer to the list below to determine if your Pa3X was produced before April 2012.
2. Remove the battery from your Pa3X according to the instructions on page 257 of your owners’ manual.
3. Please refer to: http://www.korg.co.jp/English/Distributors/index.html, and contact your local distributor to arrange an exchange. For USA-based customers, we will have an online form that can be filled out (this post will be edited with the appropriate information shortly).
5. We will need ALL of the replaced (defective) batteries returned. For USA-based customers, the replacement batteries will include materials for a prepaid return shipment. For customers outside the USA, please contact your local distributor for instructions.

We apologize sincerely for any inconvenience that this will cause, and wish to assure you that the likelihood of any users experiencing a problem is extremely remote.

Pa3X 76 produced from April 2012 (serial numbers starting from 5108 as the last four digits) plus the following serial numbers for Pa3X 76 were fixed before leaving the factory, and do not need a replacement battery:

3144, 3145, 3147, 3148, 3149, 3150, 3151, 3215, 3218, 3219, 3220, 3221, 3222, 3223,
3224, 3225, 3229, 3249, 3250, 3251, 3252, 3253, 3254, 3255, 3256, 3257, 3258, 3259,
3260, 3261, 3262, 3263, 3264, 3265, 3266, 3267, 3268, 3269, 3270, 3271, 3272, 3273,
3274, 3275, 3276, 3277, 3278, 3279, 3280, 3281, 3282, 3283, 3284, 3285, 3286, 3287,
3288, 3289, 3290, 3291, 3292, 3293, 3294, 3295, 3296, 3297, 3298, 3299, 3300, 3301,
3302, 3303, 3304, 3305, 3306, 3307, 3308, 3309, 3310, 3311, 3312, 3313, 3314, 3315,
3316, 3317, 3318, 3319, 3320, 3321, 3322, 3323, 3324, 3325, 3326, 3327, 3328, 4189,
4190, 4191, 4192, 4725, 4728, 4738, 4739, 4740, 4741, 4742, 4743, 4744, 4745, 4746,
4748, 4753, 4761, 4763, 4764, 4765, 4766, 4767, 4768, 4769, 4770, 4771, 4772, 4781,
4789, 4931, 5003, 5008, 5030, 5031, 5032, 5033, 5034, 5035, 5036, 5037, 5038, 5039,
5040, 5041, 5042, 5043, 5044, 5045, 5046, 5047, 5048, 5049, 5050, 5051, 5052, 5053,
5054, 5055, 5056, 5057, 5058, 5060, 5061, 5062, 5063, 5064, 5065, 5066, 5067, 5068.
5069, 5070, 5071, 5072, 5073, 5074, 5075, 5076, 5077, 5078, 5079, 5080, 5081, 5082,
5083, 5084, 5085. 5086, 5087, 5088, 5089, 5090, 5091, 5092, 5093, 5099, 5100, 5101,
5103, 5104, 5105, 5106, 5107,

Pa3X 61 produced from April 2012 (serial numbers starting from 5380 as the last four digits) plus the following serial numbers for Pa3X 61 were fixed before leaving the factory, and do not need a replacement battery:

5043, 5044, 5045, 5046, 5047, 5049, 5050, 5051, 5158, 5162, 5195, 5202, 5203, 5205,
5207, 5208, 5209, 5210, 5211, 5281, 5282, 5285, 5286, 5287, 5288, 5289, 5290, 5291,
5292, 5293, 5294, 5295, 5296, 5309, 5310, 5311, 5312, 5313, 5314, 5315, 5316, 5317,
5318, 5319, 5320, 5321, 5322, 5323, 5324, 5325, 5327, 5328, 5329, 5331, 5347, 5367,
5368, 5369, 5370, 5371, 5372, 5374, 5375, 5376, 5378, 5379

Thanks,
-Rich
_________________
Richard Formidoni
Technology Product Manager
Korg USA, Inc.

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Thanks Don. Mine fits into the list that needs a replacement. I wonder if this problem is related to the problem with the internal clock losing it's time when the keyboard is turned off . . .

I suppose it's possible and I hope it is!
DonM

I removed my battery. It is easy to do if you have a small Phillips screwdriver. Three of the screws are unique so you need to keep them separate. I also received a form from Korg that I filled out to get replacement a battery in the mail. The old battery has to be returned.

I neglected to mention that when you turn the keyboard over to get at the bottom, you should be cautious to have the end that has the joystick off the edge of the table or support you are using. Otherwise the keyboard will be resting on the joystick itself and could probably cause damage. When the keyboard is upside down it will be resting on the keybed in the front, so it's a good idea to have some sort of padding (I used a blanket).

I received and installed the replacement battery today. There is a current limiting device (I assume a thermistor) spliced into the red lead of the new battery.

Unfortunately, the clock problem still exists. I assume Korg is working on the problem as a part of the new software release scheduled for the next month or so . . .

Hi Don,

Thanks for posting the battery info. My PA3X61 & PAas is scheduled for delivery today.

The optional Hard Drive available for the 61 is yet to be ordered.

Other than the need for additional storage, Midi files, mp3's etc., Is the HD a really needed upgrade????

I would think additional files needed could be accessed with a Flash drive.....your thoughts?

Thanks.

Jim

When you open the compartment that holds the RAM backup battery, you have access to a 4 Gig USB drive that performs the Hard Drive functions when no hard drive is installed. Over on the Korg USA forum a couple of guys talked about having replaced that USB drive with 16 and 32 Gig drives. I have no idea what impact that might have on the Warrantee but it would certainly be cheaper than a hard drive.

With access to three USB drives (one in front, one in back, and one in the hard drive compartment) there is a lot of memory available.

I don't have a hard drive installed, and I've not needed one so far. I also heard of people replacing the on board memory with a larger USB drive.
4 gigs is a lot of memory unless you are loading a lot of samples.
DonM