SCORE!
A while back I acquired a Korg MicroX digital synthesizer that was destined for the trash. The previous owner had blown up the internal power supply board while trying to fix the power input connector. He also managed to destroy a couple of small cable connectors that connection some smaller user interface boards. After sitting on my stack of gear needing repair for a few months, I finally decided to see if I could repair it.
The original power supply/voltage regulator board was gone and it took some time to locate a schematic for this synth. From the schematic I was able to determine the synth needs three voltage rails: +11.5 V, +5 V and +3.3 V. I dug around for parts and found enough stuff in my parts collection to build a new regulator board for the required rails. I had to add a new power switch and power input jack since those items were mounted on the original regulator board I didn't have. I added a fancy LED lit metal latching pushbutton for the power and a panel mount barrel jack for external power input. I located the appropriate voltage rail inputs and wired the three rails in from my new regulator board. Some quick checks with the multimeter and all looked good.
It powered up just fine with no smoke or snap, crackle pop sounds. Success! I then fixed the damaged cable connectors and replaces some shredded wires. A final test shows all systems are go now. Woot! Time to figure out where I'm going to put the Korg MicroXin my studio. I'm seriously out of space and this thing is too large to simply stack on top of other gear. First world studio problems...
I'll see if I can get the MicroX in on an upcoming song recording session. It's kind of a quirky synth but it has some interesting sounds and capabilities so it should be fun.
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