When I turn on my Kurzweil PC2X, the LCD screen shows the message 'Scanner is dead!' followed by 'battery voltage low (0.0 volts).' The lights on the keyboard flash at me and the keyboard won't make any sound. I have changed the battery but I still get the same messages. I haven't had any previous error or warning messages, and have had no problems up to this point with it other than replacing 2 keys last year (I've had it for about 11 years). Can it be fixed?

Hard reset procedure

1. Turn the Kurzweil off
2. Hold down the KEY START, KEY STOP, and LAYER VOLUME buttons for 5 seconds while powering the unit up, then release
3. Select RUN DIAGS
4. Press the UP arrow until the display reads RAM TEST
5. Press the START/STOP button to run the test
6. When the display reads SUCCESS, turn the unit off and back on. The unit is now reset.
If your Kurzweil still does not come up to the normal screen after this procedure, it will require service.

To change the battery in a Kurzweil PC2x, follow these steps:

1. Power off the device and unplug it from any power sources.
2. Remove the screws on the back panel of the device to access the battery compartment.
3. Carefully remove the old battery, taking note of its orientation.
4. Insert the new battery in the same orientation as the old one.
5. Replace the back panel and screws.
6. Power on the device to ensure that the battery change was successful.

There could be several reasons for your Kurzweil PC2x keyboard resetting to factory presets and purging all user data. It is possible that there is an issue with the keyboard's internal memory, or there may be a problem with the battery or power supply. Another possibility is that there is a software issue with the keyboard, such as a bug or a conflict with other devices or software. In order to troubleshoot the problem, you could try resetting the keyboard to factory settings and then reloading your user data to see if that resolves the issue. You could also try using a different power source or battery to see if that makes a difference.

http://kurzweil.com/content/migration/downloads/pub/Kurzweil/Pro_Products/PC2/DOCS/PC2V3MAN.ZIP

It could be your internal battery. Do a search on keyboardforums.com for additional support or Kurzwil website. good luck!

When you turn a device on it is usual for it to test all lights. The three lights left on is an error code. It could be that one of the keys has got stuck down or that the instrument see it as stuck. There might be debris in the keys. Try shaking out any crumbs. Try vacuuming. Check all controls are in default position. Check noting stuck in any of the ports. The manual may have the error codes listed.

The scanner is LIKELY the scanner that scans the keyboard matrix. The scanner sends out a strobe to a particular portion of the keys and reads that portion then moves on to the next. The keys are in a big matrix with disconnect diodes to avoid reading crossing in the matrix when multiple keys are presssed at once. Each keky has two contacts whcih allow them to measure how fast a key is pressed because one contact closes before the other.

The "scanner" MIGHT be on a seperate board that has cables to the actual keys area AND a cable to the main processor. OR the scanner could actually be included on the circuit board with the key switches. I would open the unit and look for a cable that has come loose between the scanner circuit board and the main board. Beyond that this will NOT be a DIY repair.

You have to remember that the voltages coming out of the power transformer are A.C. and the voltages used by the devices in the keyboard are D.C. Check for voltage rectifier I.C.s between the transformer and the rtest of the circuits. They should look like squares with 3 pins coming out of the bottom of them and metal backs that protrude above the top of the black squares. Use a volt ohm meter on direct current range and clip the black lead to a circuit ground such as a ground on an output jack. Touch each pin one at a time taking note of the voltage. If you find one that has the same voltage on all 3 pins it is probably shorted. I think the voltage should be about 12volts direct current positive or negative depending on the circuit. Each one will have a code that you can cross reference on the net to find the pinouts and specs. The same thing goes for all the I.C.s If you can find the pinouts for any that you suspect look for the power supply pins and check what the voltage is. Some will have two supplies, one negative and the other positive. If you find an I.C. with power at all pins or ones that should have no power only signal then it is likely shorted. Go slowly and don't bridge two pins at once by accident and you might be able to find the problem without the schematic or a service manual. There is a memory battery (CR2032) that power the memory that might be dead but that should only affect the programmed sounds not the LED or the amp chip. Hope this helps. Do not measure A.C. with the D.C. range or you'll burn out your meter. Use safety precautions with a live device.

Check the voltage provided by the cells. Each cell should be above 3 volts. Make sure they are installed with correct polarity and the contacts are making. Brand new cells CAN be bad and some holders may not contact properly.