Strange problem with some keys on Analog Keys

jox · 2017-05-18T16:00:14.492Z

So, I’ve recently bought myself a second hand AK. But I seem to have an issue with a couple of the keys turning silent once in a while (I think specially after I change/adjust sounds, but not always). It’s the 8 or so keys to the very left of the board. There is no Multi Map, or other button pushed (as far as I can see) that could cause this. I can solve it by pressing on some of the keys a couple of times. Anybody know what the issue could be? Is there some kind of functionality that does this…

that?

Doordevil · 2017-05-18T16:16:20.430Z

Yes, thats it.

awendt701 · 2017-05-18T16:39:40.338Z

I should add - Lately I’ve been using my AK as a midi controller/cv-module and skipping the internal sound (sad I know.) I can say with certainty this is not the case of the oscillators/filters acting up - it’s something that also happens in midi mode.

Ryan · 2017-05-18T16:42:39.895Z

Have you tried a factory reset?

jox · 2017-05-18T16:44:43.331Z

Does it get better when you play longer, or does this happen randomly? I guess it’s time for a support ticket anyway.

jox · 2017-05-18T16:57:05.790Z

I watched the video in the other thread. When he hits the keys - Also the little leds are not blinking. Looks like bad contact, loose ribbon cable or like something only the good people from Sweden will know what to do.
I myself would hit the failing keys honky donk piano style for a while - that’s good against anger and desperation and maybe something loosens up… good luck

awendt701 · 2017-05-18T17:02:07.012Z

I concur. Seems like a minor connection issue. Also I do start banging the keys and the set starts to work again, all at once, after about 5-10 seconds.

Edit; seems totally random to me.

Tenderlash · 2019-01-14T02:07:01.741Z

Hi! I’m bumping this as I have the same problem. Did anyone find a solution? I submitted a support ticket. It’s just so unpredictable! Sometimes those keys will work after 5 minutes, sometimes they’ll work after I bang on them, or tilt or jiggle the synth. But, we need to rely on these keys working every time! I was hoping to take this on tour with me in April but I’m hesitant to trust it on the road!

JamesM · 2019-01-14T06:57:10.875Z

Just out of interest, can you tell me it’s production date. Should be on the serial number sticker.

I’m trying to sell mine, and was asked by the buyer if I had this issue too; which I don’t.

Tenderlash · 2019-01-14T15:55:07.388Z

07-2014
I’d be interested if others with this issue have similar manufacturing dates

Tenderlash · 2019-01-14T16:00:16.817Z

They got back to me and said I would have to replace the keybed and since it is out of warranty I would have to pay for repairs, which would be $50 per 30 mins, plus $88 for the keybed, plus the shipping costs.

lemons · 2019-01-14T16:04:21.571Z

Tenderlash:

$50 per 30 mins

Man, that’s steep for fixing a hardware fault that shouldn’t have occurred in the first place…

Tenderlash · 2019-01-14T16:11:27.934Z

They said that it’s been “only a handful” of people who have had this issue, so I’d be curious to get a head count of how many units were faulty and what the manufacturing date is on them.

chiasticon · 2019-01-14T17:42:55.838Z

did they give you the option of just purchasing the keybed? I would imagine it’s not super difficult to swap them; though I’ve never opened mine up, so I could be wrong…

Tenderlash · 2019-01-14T17:57:10.468Z

I wrote them back to ask that. I think it would be so counterproductive to ship it back and forth. As long as there’s not a whole bunch of soldering, I think I could handle fixing it myself if they could give a little bit of instruction.

Tenderlash · 2019-01-14T18:00:35.010Z

Yesterday when I had the issue, I tilted the synth and gently patted it (like burping a baby lol), then the keys worked again. This leads me to believe it’s just a connection that comes loose.

chiasticon · 2019-01-14T18:12:41.366Z

years ago, when the joystick failed in my SFX-6 and it was out of warranty, they sent me a new one. replacement involved a bit of soldering work, but wasn’t super difficult. and well before that, they similarly sent me a Machinedrum pot to replace myself. so they are open to the idea of letting customers do their own repair work. because, as you say, the shipping is what kills you. both of the instances above, they had zero US representation, so I would’ve had to ship to Sweden.

Chinchilla · 2019-01-14T18:24:20.602Z

They have sent me new pots for my MD and separately my OT… totally free of charge Dawg bless’em!!

JamesM · 2019-01-15T01:24:06.732Z

Thanks. At least I can now assure that this issue came years before mine was manufactured in 2017.

On the bright side, the keybed they use is too heavily sprung anyway. So you can get it replaced locally and pick the keybed that suits you best.

Tenderlash · 2019-01-16T19:35:43.609Z

Elektron have offered to do the repair! But now, the funniest thing - suddenly, the keys are working again every time I turn it on This is after they were consistently NOT working for days and days. Maybe tapping it and gently shaking it did the trick? lol. I’ll keep testing…