F6 Button Broken

Hey all. Let me start off by saying that this is a great forum. Now to the issue at hand. I bought a used MPC 2000 from someone on craigslist for $200. I was told that the price was low because the screen needs to be replaced eventually. Anyway, on my way back from the purchase, my girlfriend slammed on the brakes with the mpc in the backseat, hurling it against my seat.I didn't even think to test it when I got home, so I let it be. The next day when I started to work with it, is when I discovered that the F6 button was not working. I took the case off and tried depressing the small black button underneath the plastic button, and it didn't do anything. So, my question is: should I go about sending it to VST and get them to replace the motherboard? Or should I do it myself? Thanks guys.

P.S. Would VST charge me for the motherboard on top of their hourly labor charges? Would that apply to the screen replacement as well?

You just need to replace the switch. If you experienced with soldering it shouldn't be a problem.
The screen will be a more serious problem cause there is no place in the world where you can get a new screen.
peace

Thanks for the tip, pete. But I don't have any soldering experience. And doesn't MPC Stuff sell screens for mpc 2000/XL's?

os`kar wrote:

peterpiper wrote:there is no place in the world where you can get a new screen.

It always makes me wonder how people dont get infos BEFORE they buy stuff.
There are many threads about this issue here on mpc forums and MPC Stuff is clear too "This item is currently out of stock!". Even it it were available I dont understand why someone pay 299$ for the display when a used MPC on ebay (with a functional LCD) goes for the same price. Buying a broken MPC for 200$ and a display for 299$ is .......hm....not very wise

Its so weird. We're living in a nearly worldwide connection and its so easy to get information but at the same time people dont try to get these informations.

To the OP. If you know someone with the soldering skills, tell him about your problem. You could also learn how to do it by watching some youtube vids bout desoldering / soldering. Then practise with some old electronic junk that you dont need anymore.
But always pull the powerplug before opening a device!!

peace

This is a link to for a replacement tactile switch ALPS SKHHAMA010

http://www.mouser.com/Search/Refine.asp ... SKHHAMA010

If you don't already have a soldering iron, any electronics repair shop should be able to take care of this for you for a fee. It's about a 5 minute job to remove and resolder the new switch in -- it takes longer to get the case open and the board out.

Getting it done professionally may be cheaper than going out and having to buy a soldering iron, desoldering wick and solder. If you live close to someone on the forums here, someone may be feeling generous and might help you out.

Where are you located?

As for the screen, peterpiper is right, it's no secret that they are currently unavailable. The LCDS were custom made for Akai so they are not an off the shelf item. Call MPCStuff, VST or Forat to see if they have any plans or a waiting list for new screens. They may be able to point you in the right direction. Or just buy a used 2000/2000xl off eBay that has a good screen and cannibalize it for parts.

Thank you, all of you for the generosity and the great info. . I live in Mesa AZ (a suburb of Phoenix). If anybody close by could teach me how to solder, that would be great! Also, thanks again for the info on the screen. I guess I'll just have to deal with it when the time comes.

Check out youtube...plenty of of soldering tutorials on there.

abarus wrote:Would VST charge me for the motherboard on top of their hourly labor charges? Would that apply to the screen replacement as well?

VST does do a great job , but they are costly with labor charges.

As for your #6 button, it's probably a solder contact that broke loose from the jolt. Soldering it back is easy peasy. Opening up the MPC is probably the only hard part.

JUKE 179r wrote:
VST does do a great job , but they are costly with labor charges.

Their prices are actually in line to most other electronics repair places.

Like auto and appliance repair, if you have the tools, parts and the knowledge, it's much cheaper to do it yourself than to take it somewhere.

What a debacle I had yesterday. Went to three different Radio Shack locations, and none of them sold tactile switches. Was refered to a cicuit specality place, and even they didnt carry it. So, I'm going to order the part online, and I met someone who can solder it on for cheap. Hopefully this'll be the end of my heartache. Haha

i am having a similar problem with my MPC500 i just got off craigslist. i was in great shape till a drunk douche bag friend started screwing around with it. now the note repeat button is stuck/ broken. i have open the MPC and got it unstuck but the plastic is bent and has a creese in it that causes for it not to read well and also continue to get stuck. does anyone has any suggestion on fixing it? can you order replacement buttons and install new one?