Kawai Synthesizers

Hi David,

I could be totally wrong on this...  but it may be worth a try:

Replace the internal lithium memory backup battery.  

K4s were manufactured in the early 90's and the chances that the 
internal battery is nearly dead (now, nearly 15 years later!) are 
pretty good.  The battery will likely be some "coin cell" (like a watch 
battery) that you can readily find a replacement for at Radio Shack, 
etc..

As I said, I have *no idea* if this suggestion will help you, but low 
power and scrambled memory can make computers do weird things.  So, a 
battery change might be something and cheap and easy to try, and will 
cause no harm -- your K4 will simply be ready for another 10 years of 
service! :-)

If a fresh battery doesn't help, and you're good with electronics, next 
I would suggest seeing if you can spot any bad connections or other 
problems on or near the LCD circuit board.  Perhaps it's just a loose 
cable or cracked solder joint that can be repaired.

Failing that, you might try looking for someone selling a broken K4 (or 
even K4r) simply so you can canibalize it's LCD display board for 
yours!  I don't know if this is the case with the K4, but many of these 
types of devices have detachable cables running between boards, and it 
might be a completely non-solder job to swap out.

If the problem turns out to be deeper than battery, connections, and 
simple replacements, then I'm out of suggestions.

But, good luck!

- Matt

DISCLAIMER:  I make no representation that any of what I've advised is 
risk-free.  You may be well capable, but if you are unsure, I'd hate to 
see you damage your rare K4...  find a friend of someone knowledgeable 
to help if needed.


--- In kawaisynths@yahoogroups.com, "David Sagan" <polishplayer246@...> 
wrote:
>
> I just purchased a used K4 and something's wrong with the LCD. I turn 
> on the synth, and 16 solid black squares are displayed in the top 
row, 
> nothing in the bottom row. However, the buttons and sounds work fine. 
> I downloaded the manual from the Kawai website, but couldn't find 
> anything. Has anyone had a similar problem, or does anyone know how 
to 
> fix this?
> 
> Any help would be greatly appreciated!
> 
> David S.
>