Post your questions, opinions and reviews of the MPC1000. This forum is for discussion of the OFFICIAL Akai OS (2.1). If you wish to discuss the JJ OS, please use the dedicated JJ OS forum
By 73* Wed Apr 01, 2009 8:10 pm
My MPC1000 is stuck in boot block. I'm sure many users that are familiar with this problem have seen it happen for a couple of reasons (transport keys stuck, bad expansion ram). But it looks like my problem is a bit unique.

Boot block ver.1.03
Boot on Sodimm memory check
Total mem 16mbytes
Check memory...
Pass 1: failed (88000004)
The problem was found in memory
Please check memory
System halt...


It looks like the on-board ram is at fault. I've tried booting into update mode (with both the latest AKAI OS and the JJOS1 v4.99), no luck. I've also tired to do a factory reset (holding erase) with no luck. My unit is less than 2 years old and has never suffered from any other issues.

I've spoken with Akai in the US, they indicated that the main CPU board assembly probably needs replacing. They also pointed me in the direction of the only official servicer in Canada. Now after a conversation with their Akai repair technician he suggested that prior to me shipping it across the country and likely having to pay nearly $500CAD to have it fixed, that I could try a "Hard Reset".

The instructions he gave seem pretty clear and easy. All I need to do is short the on-board ram to ground (with the power off). The on-board Ram is located on the Main CPU board (IC17 & IC18), and the ground pins are # 54.


Anyone have any experience with this procedure? I'm hoping for a picture tutorial or some you tube type thing, or at least some words of advice. In either case I'll update this post as things progress.
By 73* Thu Apr 02, 2009 1:27 am
Well, a hard reset had no change....

I bought this is June of 07, and it's lasted less than 2 years and now it needs a new Main CPU Board assembly??? WTF...

Looks like I'm going to have to seriously consider biting the bullet and getting a 4000.
By 73* Mon Jun 22, 2009 2:14 pm
The procedure is pretty simple. Once you crack the beast open you can see the Ram chips are clearly marked as IC17 & IC18 printed on the board, and if memory serves me correct so are the pins.

However the "hard reset" didn't do anything to help, and in a greater touch of absurdity I had a Long & McQuade in Edmonton bring in a used MPC4000 that was also just TRASHED (needed a new screen and would not output any audio)... So I'm back to be MPCless but will at some point drop the cash on the new PCB assembly for my 1000 some time this summer or in the fall.
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By poundaproblem Mon Jun 22, 2009 3:23 pm
before you proceed, have you removed the CF card for any reason? If so how do the pins look? Reason I asked is because I recently had the boot block come up after I changed my LED's and when I checked, my card wasnt all the way in and a few pins were leaning, I straighted them out, pressed the CF card in all the way and never saw the boot block again
By 73* Thu Oct 29, 2009 3:51 pm
I bit the bullet about a month ago and shipped the unit to Fleet Pro Sound & Lighting (the only authorized guys in Canada).

Turns out that the main board did not need replacing. Apparently there was an issue with the power supply (some poor soldering I believe) and a few of the ROM chips weren't seated correctly.

Cost me $200 CAD to get her fixed up like new!
By 73* Sun Dec 13, 2009 1:04 am
Another update.

The problem came back, I had to ship the unit back accross the country again. The labour was under warranty, but it costs me $450 in parts (the main board needed replacement). The unit seems to be working fine. Just makes me a bit sick that I had to spend nearly $700 to get it fixed.