Kaoss Pad 3 KP 3 - touch pad issue

eeclark · Post by **eeclark** » Wed Oct 14, 2009 11:05 pm

The unit works really well but it does stick in one place on the pad. It doesn't really affect how you use it and it still does everything that it's designed to do, it just returns to that one place when you lift your finger.

When you plug the unit in and use it, you notice that when you move your fingers on the pad the effects change like they should. However, when you let go, the pad returns to an area slightly below center and to the left rather than the center.

Korg's response was:
Ok, that would be indicative of a problem with the touch pad itself. We’d recommend having it looked at by an authorized service center. If you are within the first year of owning the KP3, you will need a legible copy of the original sales receipt for warranty coverage. To find the nearest location, please consult http://www.korg.com/support.aspx. If you have any further questions regarding parts, warranty or the service process, please contact our Customer Service department at 631-390-6800.

Since the unit is no longer under warranty, any ideas on how to troubleshoot it myself? I would hate to take it to a service center and have him just do a calibration of some sort...

Does this sound like it is a calibration problem to you?

salamanderanagram · Post by **salamanderanagram** » Thu Oct 15, 2009 12:51 am

sorry, but i don't think that anybody here can help you fix this problem.

eeclark · Post by **eeclark** » Thu Oct 15, 2009 12:58 am

salamanderanagram wrote:sorry, but i don't think that anybody here can help you fix this problem.

ok. So not even a suggestion on calibration or anything? Sad that you are so quick to say that no one here has any ideas on it.

didjeko · Post by **didjeko** » Thu Oct 15, 2009 12:11 pm

There is a calibration procedure. I don't have it with me by now, but I wrote it on my manual.
I will post it as soon as I have it under my eyes, or you can search the web to find it.

eeclark · Post by **eeclark** » Thu Oct 15, 2009 5:54 pm

didjeko wrote:There is a calibration procedure. I don't have it with me by now, but I wrote it on my manual.
I will post it as soon as I have it under my eyes, or you can search the web to find it.

Thanks. I have been searching and here is what I found:

Possible solutions I have yet to try:

Solution 1 (Mine): Upgrade the OS to 2.0.

Solution 2 (Web forum): Calibrate by holding down #7, #8 + the sample button simultaneously while turning the power on.
You will now calibrate each of the 4 corners by pointing to the middle point between the 4 LEDs that make up each corner. Use a stylus or pencil eraser to tell it precisely where each point is, starting with bottom left and going clockwise.

CALIBRATION

I found a calibration guide but its only available in Japanese or something

www.korg.co.jp/Product/Dance/KP3/KP3_Calib_J1.pdf

Procedure:

Hold down 'PROGRAM MEMORY 7' PROGRAM MEMORY 8' and 'SAMPLING' while putting power on
Cal 1 will appear on screen

You just have to follow the picture in the Japanese pdf in other to calibrate properly. It automatically switch to next corner when you press the pad.

Solution 3 (from Korg): Hold 3, FX and HOLD buttons while turning it on. L appears in screen. Then press 1,3,5,1,3,5.

Solution 4 (Web forum): I found that there is a cable inside that connects the pad to the actual processing board inside. If that cable is loose or dirty it will cause a problem.

In the meantime, I ordered the replacement touchpad for $30 just in case the above does not work. I also ordered the Service Manual for $15.

salamanderanagram · Post by **salamanderanagram** » Fri Oct 16, 2009 3:44 am

let us know if you are able to fix it!

eeclark · Post by **eeclark** » Fri Oct 16, 2009 3:46 am

salamanderanagram wrote:let us know if you are able to fix it!

Will do. Hope to have it in my hands tomorrow.

didjeko · Post by **didjeko** » Fri Oct 16, 2009 9:02 am

I cannot see any relationship with upgrading to OS. V2.
Nevertheless, I don't understand why this point is... pointed, since OS V2 is now quite old, and the Kaoss sold since OS. V2 was released still have it.

The Kaoss was not really playable before OS V.2, and I always assume that all posters use it
You mentionned the calibration procedure I found, but it seems like there are some others ; I will have a closer look at your post on Saturday

eeclark · Post by **eeclark** » Fri Oct 16, 2009 5:26 pm

eeclark wrote:
salamanderanagram wrote:let us know if you are able to fix it!
Will do. Hope to have it in my hands tomorrow.

The seller neglected to mention that the glass was cracked on the touch pad so once I got it in my hands it was obvious what I needed to do. As stated earlier, the part has been ordered and I should have this up and running in about 3 weeks.

Also, while I have it open, I cleaned the inside. Looks like some soda pop may have been spilled in there a bit.

Prior to opening the case, the unit did work except for the problem with the pad, so no internal damage was done due to the soda pop. Looks like the rubber buttons held it while it dried. Cleaned off the sticky residue.

When all is said and done, it should be a great unit.

salamanderanagram · Post by **salamanderanagram** » Fri Oct 16, 2009 5:33 pm

wait, you can get replacement boards for $30?
and they are easy to replace? how much soldering? the contacts aren't so small as to make it impossible?

sorry, i've yet to see or hear of anybody succesfully fixing one of these things, but i've got some mods i'd like to try if it's easy to take apart. take some pics?

eeclark · Post by **eeclark** » Sat Oct 17, 2009 3:14 am

salamanderanagram wrote:wait, you can get replacement boards for $30?
and they are easy to replace? how much soldering? the contacts aren't so small as to make it impossible?

sorry, i've yet to see or hear of anybody succesfully fixing one of these things, but i've got some mods i'd like to try if it's easy to take apart. take some pics?

We'll see if it is the right part when it gets here (might be as long as 8 weeks), but the touch panel was $30. It is not a board, but the actual glass. It has a 4-wire ribbon cable attached. It is Korg part number 500-415-004-302
You have to be really careful when opening it up. I have an electronics background so I have some experience with this but I'd say that it is an easy to easy-medium repair job. Just have to make sure that you do not force anything.

If anyone reads this and your KP3 is still under warranty (like you just bought it at an authorized Korg dealer), do not do this. Just take it / send it to an authorized repair shop.

I plan on shooting some video and taking some stills once I get the part. I also ordered the Service Manual and that was a lifesaver since it has an exploded view of the unit and you can see where everything goes.

Here is the bad touchpad:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/eeclarkjr/4017862527/

eeclark · Post by **eeclark** » Fri Oct 23, 2009 12:43 pm

Need to wait 2 months for the part, will update around Christmas.

salamanderanagram · Post by **salamanderanagram** » Fri Oct 23, 2009 5:42 pm

bummer.
from the pic you posted it looks like it should be easy to replace. good luck!

wallstreet · Post by **wallstreet** » Sat Jan 09, 2010 11:44 pm

any updates on replacing the board? have you got the part yet?

I need to do this myself and am wondering if I'll be able to manage!

wallstreet · Post by **wallstreet** » Thu Jan 28, 2010 7:53 pm

Just took one of my KP3s in to a korg dealer in town. Looks like they should be able to order a new screen and put it in.