It's said that bad things come in threes - and here the proof.

First my pc was infiltrated with spyware then hacked and cash illicitly taken from my bank account. Then the pc crashed. (money was restored by the bank).
Secondly, a power failure, and pc crashed again.
All the work in restoring programmes etc was nothing compared to the following.
After reading the thread on "kn7000 version number" and particularly that updating corrected the "add9" chord problem, I downloaded the update and tried to install it. And nothing happened. I'd carried out updates in previous Technics models, so downloaded from the site again using new floppies this time and tried these,and they seemed to work. Screen disk check showed OK, but after installation, only the blue strip light on the keyboard worked. Screen was unlit and so was everything else. Tried an initialization which didn't do anything.
I've approached some ex Technics dealers who can't help so am asking if there is an unknown combination of buttons to press to restore to normal?? The alternative is either find a used 7000 or go for a Tyros2 or whatever..

Desparately Peter

Hi,
to me it sounds like "a murder", and that the update did not end well.
Hopefully some of the experienced KN7k users around will come to rescue
and guide you about how to get it work again.

Good luck, I know how frustrating it is when such things happen.

Cheers,
GJ

Btw,

forgot to mention that this tread here at SZ have lots of useful info:
http://www.synthzone.com/ubbs/Forum25/HTML/004145.html

Read the info from "technicsplayer" (Alec Pagida) carefully. What he don't
know about the Technics KN's are not worth knowing.
Hopefully your problem are caused by a faulty update, and will be cured by
a new update?

There is already written some treads about the update issue, so maybe you'll
find some useful tips in other posts too.

Again, good luck.
GJ

Peter,

I have the 7000 Service Manual. I purchased it for an electronic service mans use as I know nothing about it. Alec mentioed some combinations some time ago but urged caution, if I remember correctly. The only key combination in the manual is for service: Hold C#3, D#3 and C#4 and turn on power. A series of screens allow tests of various sections of the 7000. Sure hope you can solve the problem.

Fran in SC

Fran,
Just tried the C#3 etc combination but nothing happened. Screen stayed unlit.
I got some life into the screen when I had another go at applying the update. The site provides up dates 1.4 and 1.6, and when I tried the first disk on 1.4 this showed up. The check (again) proved ok and the second disk was satisfactorily loaded, but the keyboard stayed dead afterwards. I then tried the 1.6 up date and again the first disk checked out ok but when applying No 2 disk it stopped loading about 3/4 way through, and the disk drive kept buzzing away without finishing the loading for several minutes until I turned it off. Keyboard still dead. Oh Alec, wave your magic wand!!

Peter

Hi Peter
1. The disc head may be dirty, so pop down to your local computer store and get a Floppy Disc Cleaner.
2. The data on the Floppy Discs may be corrupted, so see if you can get a copy from another KN user.
3. The Floppy Drive may be faulty, and may need replacing.
Try the above and see how it goes, it may or may not solve the problem.

Bill

Hi Bill,

Tried all the above but still no joy.
The fact that the upload disks showed up on the screen would indicate to me that the disk drive etc is operating normally.
I would guess that all the data in the keyboard has been wiped off and would need to be re-loaded and also the micro chips have been wiped and need to be replaced - if any are still available....
As I say, I'm only guessing. Ho Hum....

Peter

Hi.

Sad story indeed, but maybe something went wrong during the first update, bad
sector on a diskette or wrong button pushed, or whatever caused it...

Someone told me that it also could be that the Bios is empty, and needs to be
flashed, a factory flash.
How to get this done, I don't know, but even if Technics is "out off business"
there most be someone who can repair the unit, it's a excellent keyboard and
will last for many years, even compete the new ones coming for a long time.

Good luck in your search and effort to get it fixed.

Cheers
GJ

As a test I just now downloaded the 4 disks yet again and ran them through the 7k and they all passed so there is nothing wrong with the download. There is no mention of the version you were upgrading from. Try running disks 3 and 4 first then disks 1 and 2. A failure is most likely a corrupt disk, thus use new disks and format them in the 7k for safety even though this is not strictly necessary. There is nothing lost and everything to gain in doing the checksum several times for safety if using older disks. Switching off or not finishing during an actual upgrade run is a very bad sign.

Gunnar - thanks for your kind words, and Alec, I can't format disks in the 7000 cos the only time the screen lights up is when I run the download disks. I'll try downloading the updates again using new disks and see what happens tho' I'm not very optimistic cos with both sets of downloaded disks 3,4, and 1 seemed to run normally but with 2 after the deletion phase the disk just kept running, and running, and running ........

Oh had 1.3 before I started updating.

Peter

Formatting in the 7k is not necessary, just safer if using older disks, a pc format will be just as good, make it full rather than quick.
Unfortunately upgrading from 1.3 required that software table 1.4 (disks 3 and 4) went in before disks 1 and 2, the 1.6 update.
I shall mail you 2 disks as an experiment with my own self extractors. Using known good floppies CHECK the download disks and then make and CHECK mine.
Install download disks 3 and 4, then install my 2 disks, then install download disks 1 and 2.
No guarantees, and at your own risk as always mentioned in these threads, but it's worth trying.

Hi Been following your troubles and very interested how you have got on after Alec's last post??. Hope you are doing well regards JOHN.

You mention in your initial post that your computer had become corrupted with spyware. Is it possible that it (or something else) is still on your computer and has affected the download?

(My own normal (hidden) computer partition is non-functioning at the moment - ironically, after running an antispyware programme which has conflicted with the notorious Norton antivirus. Hoping my brother will come up and fix it !)

Good luck!

Hi,
This is just a quickie so say beenb trying to reply but my broadband connection keeps failing. Trying again while it seems to be ok at the moment.

Peter

Well that one worked so here goes.

Sadly Alec's disks failed to kickstart the kn into life so after failing to find local dealerswho could fix it I contacted what was left of Technics at Panasonic, Bracknell who said they hadn't the facilities to repair it but gave me the name/phone number of someone who may be able to help. Technics mentioned that I may need a new motherboard, eproms etc and so did the prospective repairer. When I enquired about likely cost of all this - sharp intake of breath- and can't possibly say until we see it (understandable I s'pose) but if it's beyond repair it's seems it might be a bit expensive just to find this to be the case.
Am also pondering that with a now obsolete keyboard, and a disappeared provider of spares whether reluctantly go for another make, perhaps a Tyros 2 ?

I suppose the lesson behind all this is avoid all updates unless provided by the maker..
Peter

Sorry to hear that it is still not working.
I am however still suspicious that there may be a fault with the Floppy Drive, is there any other way to load the data in?
Most manufactures usually use standard PC Floppy Drives in their instruments, (Although some have their own custom versions) with new ones costing between £5-10 it may be worth swapping it just to see.
I notice from your profile that you are in the UK, are you anywhere near Torbay? As I have a working Floppy Drive from my old computers which could be dropped into the KN to test the theory, before buying a new one.
Hope this helps

Bill

Dont know where you are but if in the uk
have you tried http://www.wdgreenhill.com/

Since EMID ceased trading in 2004 and at the time it was stated publicly that component support was promised for 7 years from product introduction which for the 7k would have been 2002 (I believe this is probably European Union law) it would seem they are remiss in no longer having the equipment or skill to effect a re-flash. I would certainly press that point with them.

Doubt that the floppy is at fault Bill. The only time the kn shows signs of life is when going thru the update procedure when the screen shows the checking process and then updates.

Looks like a useful site which may well come in handy. Thanks Gerry.

And finally Technics Player - I'll give them a shout and will let you know the response.

Nice to have friends.......


Peter

Well, man at Technics/Panasonic he say, yes, promise was made that Panasonics would support Technics keyboards for the period quoted but is not obliged to do this under European Law. The promise is being kept by referring requests for repairs to W.D.Greenhill and Co. who have a chain of service engineers.
I would personally have preferred to have the work done by Technics themselves but I suppose that as recommended by Technics the firm should be OK work and price wise. For anyone needing work done the contact (in UK) is Bill Greenhill, 01702 546195. Forgot to thank you for your kind offer Bill. I have a separate floppy drive on my laptop and could use this as suggested.

Peter.

Afterthought. Just looked up Greenhill on the web - wdgreenhill.com. Looks promising for source of spares and repairs of all makes of organs/keyboards..

Peter