Share your knowledge on these two classic MPCs
By alexxx Fri Jul 15, 2011 5:38 pm
Hey All,

I have been on this forum for some time reading your thoughts and comments, and they are very helpful...

I recently bought an MPC 3K that I knew had some issues, but I got a great deal on. I want to make some beats on it, however, it has issues!

So I was wondering if there is a great troubleshooting guide for semi-total noobs?! I have the manual and I am looking for the service manual right now...

But, I wonder if more seasoned MPCers have a quick fix!

The 3k powers on, and lights up, but the screen doesn't come on so much, and then gets dark boxes and is a bit strange. I have a 1.44mb disc in it, and I tried to load but I am moving and have had little time to mess with it. Any suggesstions?

(the guy I bought it from said to replace the lcd inverter, however VST says something else is wrong and should be sent in for service)

thanks!
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By b.read Fri Jul 15, 2011 6:27 pm
Do you mean the backlight? The service manual is floating around here somewhere...have you read the sticky?
By micb Fri Jul 15, 2011 6:49 pm
First thing to do is to replace the back light as it is the cheapest option, and the most common to play up. Some guy sells them on ebay. You can't miss them.
By Manilla Mon Jul 18, 2011 1:41 pm
first thing id do is take the power supply out and check for bad solder joints (re solder them and power on). if that dont work then next thing id do is change the resistor on the main board (it floats above the board its not mounted flush) .
By alexxx Wed Jul 20, 2011 7:59 pm
Hey Gents,

Sorry, not being clear. The backlight does NOT turn on at all... The screen comes on and there are some strange boxes, it gets dark and the contrast wheel changes slightly...

The seller of the unit told me it needs a new lcd inverter, however vst told me this is not the case and I should send it in and pay lots of $.

There is some kind of hum, when the headphones are plugged in and unit is turned on, and that seems promising

I will check power supply and joints, would the backlight not working affect the entire unit in this way?

The link is great, however those service documents are no longer valid links...

thanks!!!
By alexxx Thu Nov 10, 2011 6:23 pm
So, I had some time to play with it some more..

All the lights turn on, when it is turned on, I do not hear any disc loading or anything. I cannot get anything to display on the screen other than dark contrast, when I change the knob. I have been looking at the manual, but it is not helpful... I have been using my 60 a bunch, so I guess I will have to figure out something.... I could sell the 3k, but I think it will be cheaper to try to fix it. I am scared to pay an hourly rate tho.... any ideas?

thanks!