Hi, I'm wondering what I should do about this VK-7. When I plug it in and switch it on, nothing happens. I haven't a clue why it's not working - has anyone had this problem before? And given that it's quite an old instrument do you think it could be repaired? I'd really like for it to be fixed but it could be any number of things that have gone wrong.
Thanks for replying, sorry I wasn't as clear as I could have been. Sometimes when I plug it in and switch it on there is no light or any sign of life. Other times it does go on, but after about 20 seconds of playing, the fuse blows in the iec lead (this has happened twice). So the two problems it seems to have are: the iec lead does not always make the connection, and when it does its fuse is blown. Is this just a matter of the keyboard's slightly old power unit? Can I just send it off to be replaced?
I am very concerned that a mains fuse is blowing.
It's a sign of a major fault, it sounds very much like a short circuit.
When you say it's blowing the fuse, are we talking of the plug top fuse (assuming it's a UK type 3 pin plug), don't under any circumstances be tempted to put a bigger fuse in it. The current draw of the VK is small, so it shouldn't need more than a 3A fuse fitted.
Sometimes a fuse is fitted within the IEC socket, the manual doesn't show one, but I'm wondering if yours has. Again fit the same type and value of the fuse.
I assume you have tried a different IEC mains lead.
As to repair centres, where are you based?
With this apparent power supply issue, it might be worth asking local TV/audio repairers if they could check it.
Main fuses blow for a reason, for your safety.
Well I've tried the wall socket in question with a lamp whose plug has a 3A fuse and it works fine. Both the IEC leads I used with the VK-7 had 5A fuses which both blew (the fuses in the IEC lead's plugs). So I'm pretty sure the keyboard is blowing the fuses on the IEC leads and the wall sockets aren't the issue. I'm based in Dundee, Scotland.
I wasn't referring to the wall socket. I was referring to the socket on the back of the VK.
Sorry for the confusion.
The fact you have tried 2 IEC leads on it, both having 5A fuses, both blowing says to me there is a serious short or fault somewhere.
I recommend not attempting to power it up any further.
I think this guy is the closest for you:
http://www.singingcatservices.co.uk/index.html
As I said before, a TV / audio repair centre could deal with the power supply issue. It's only when the keyboards are faulty that they may get stumped.
http://www.ancrumelectronics.com/
There's a good guy located in Crieff, which is a bit closer to you. His name is Dennis Marshall. I'll try to find a phone number for you.I knew him years ago when he was the service engineer in my shop in Edinburgh. He did great thigs with older gear, so could be just the man for you.
It's not a normal thing Benny. In fact it is very unusual, however, it is potentially very dangerous if that is what has happened. Please don't muck around with mains voltage if you are not sure what you are doing. It could cost you more than cash. Safety first!
Anyway, I have found Dennis's contact details on his website, but it would appear he has relocated to Dunfermline. See his website here for contact details http://www.dennismarshall.co.uk/contact.htm
