problem with RAM

I followed the installation instructions for the memory expansion that came with the MPC and now i have the ' blue screen of death ' = totally ferked. I am annoyed because i followed their directions to the letter. I think Akai should place suitable markings on the memory board and change the printed installation procedure because it is WRONG. They cover their asses with a disclaimer on the page - now i will have to pay for their confusing instructions. I am sick ... USERS BEWARE - its easy to totally destroy the board on the MPC with the fitting of the memory upgrade..

I've bought the expansion and now reading this, I piss my pants putting it in...

Putting more ram into a machine is usually no big affair - so I think correct step by step will break nothing!

What about a correct(ed) guide in the forum??

^^^ I can't see what's incorrect about the instructions provided by Akai. Can you be more specific about what is incorrect. I followed those instructions and my RAM installation worked first time. There does seem to be a few people having this issue lately though. I wonder if Akai have changed the instructions in any way from the ones I originally used, which I found to be straight forward. Just to be clear; could someone quote the actual incorrect information contained within Akai's instructions?

I don't have the instructions in front of me at the moment ( I handed the installation suppliment to the dealer to digest ) but it says something along the lines of ' align the lettering on the RAM card with the front of the machine' I did this and it led catastrophe...
Incidently , I looked for the memory fitting instructions on the Akai website ( to give an exact quote ) but they were conspicuous by their absence...

psiagarik wrote:I looked for the memory fitting instructions on the Akai website ( to give an exact quote ) but they were conspicuous by their absence...

Puh, then there is a "must" for right instructions at least here in the forum.

Yep perhaps someone should write an 'Idiot's guide'?

Alternatively, you could follow the instructions supplied in the box by Akai, which I found to be 'correct'.

Maybe Akai should post those instructions on the Akaipro website.

But, if you're in doubt about carrying out the upgrade yourself, get an approved Akai Service Centre to do it for you, it may save you some agony if you get it wrong.

Ps. For further reference.... Here's an extract of the instructions I have previously published on the forum regarding user installation of the EXM-E3 RAM module, where I also mentioned to make sure you look closely at the tabs and notches to help you allign the module correctly into the expansion board, as it's keyed to only go in one way.

NorthernElite wrote:INSTALLING THE AKAI 128MB RAM EXPANSION (EXM-E3)

Note: Akai includes a seperate 'Instruction Sheet' in the box with the 5K, which covers this subject.

If all you want to do is upgrade your RAM then simply remove the cover off the RAM Slot on the under-side of your 5K.
That'll give you the access you need to install your memory module

The RAM Slot cover can be seen near the middle of the unit (refer to the next picture), it's the small rectangle with 2 standard screws, which are not highlighted in yellow.
If you only want to upgrade your RAM then that's all you need to remove.

Be aware when installing the RAM, at first glance, it looks like the connectors will let you install the RAM module any way, but look closer at the connectors and you'll notice that there's small tabs on the RAM module and notches on the sockets, these need to be alligned and will only allow it to go in one way - pay attention to that.

Caution: Hold the EXM-E3 only by the extreme edges and don't touch the pins in the sockets on the MPC5000 board or you could cause damage!

Press the EXM-E3 firmly into the Sockets, applying even pressure to both sides of the module.

Replace the cover to the RAM Slot and you're done.

Now, when you switch on your 5K it should be reporting your RAM as 192MB - Nice!!

First question :
If the RAM was ' keyed to only go in one way.' then why is it possible to fit it both ways ?
Second question :
is everyone that does not succeed at fitting the RAM an idiot ? OMG - I am an idiot ! ( along with several others )
Third Question :
Is it a pre-requisite for users that have succeeded in fitting the memory to be condescending and patronising to others that have not ?

There should be no way to install the memory upgrade but the correct way. There is definitely a problem here.
Why do Akai supply their machines with 'parts missing ' ?
Its about time this tried and tested con-trick of charging the user for expensive ' extras ' is consigned to the bin of anachronistic sales tricks of the 20th century..
Akai encourage their customers to open the machiine to fit parts by providing instructions to do so.. ( alongside disclaimers that totally absolve them of any complicity )
I think the mpc500 is a great machine and i'm sick that this has happened - i posted a further warning to this thread that i have fallen victim to this user install - i don't need someone adding insults to my injury or acting in a sanctimonious manner after sharing my experience with this ( otherwise ) excellent forum..

just to clarify, if you can't follow the supplied instructions, then perhaps you need 'simplified' instructions. i certainly didn't call anyone an idiot. Don't take things so personally...lol
Akai do recommend that the upgrade is performed by an authorised service center, perhaps there's a good reason for that! Yeah, perhaps everyone who did manage to install the memory correctly - just "fluked it"!
i can tell you're a little bitter because you misinterpretted the instructions, but I was trying to help. Hope you get your issues fixed soon though.

NorthernElite wrote::D just to clarify, if you can't follow the supplied instructions, then perhaps you need 'simplified' instructions. i certainly didn't call anyone an idiot. Don't take things so personally...lol
Akai do recommend that the upgrade is performed by an authorised service center, perhaps there's a good reason for that! Yeah, perhaps everyone who did manage to install the memory correctly - just "fluked it"!
i can tell you're a little bitter because you misinterpretted the instructions, but I was trying to help. Hope you get your issues fixed soon though.

Please - don't give me the 'can't' word - misinterpreted perhaps but 'can't ' is close to what you are becoming - i don't really see how you were trying to help by quoting yourself from the forum or giving it the " I am the doyen of all things Akai ' approach. you're not dealing with novices here - so don't treat us like them..

psiagarik wrote:i don't really see how you were trying to help by quoting yourself from the forum or giving it the " I am the doyen of all things Akai '

Ok perhaps it's too late for you - it may help other 5K owners.

I was quoting the instructions which I had previously posted onto the forum some time ago in the hope that it may help others to avoid making the same mistake as you.

If it stops even one other person trying to put their RAM in upside down - then, Yeah I'd call that help!

But, the Akai instructions are quite specific in pointing out that the memory should be inserted into the expansion slot in a specific way; regardless of whether you think you can make it fit 'your way'.

So correct me if I'm wrong, but you're original post seemed to suggest that you'd like Akai to take sufficient steps to make the RAM Upgrade process 'Idiot proof'. Right? That's what I meant by 'Idiot's guide' it's a fairly common term that's not meant to be an insult. It maybe hit a raw nerve with you.

Forgive me for not automatically jumping right onto your 'Blame Akai' wagon!

Take it easy!

if you do it carefully...then theres no problem at all...you hust have to watch for ne little nipples at one side...

NO! wrote:if you do it carefully...then theres no problem at all...you hust have to watch for ne little nipples at one side...

Thank you - that wraps it up nicely

I have shown the instructions and the fitted memory to the dealer and the machine been sent back for repair. .The problem ( whatever it is ) will be diagnosed by Akai . I thought I should post an additional warning to users on the forum about potential problems in fitting the RAM yourself. Incidentally I have fitted RAM upgrades to many machines mpc500, 1000 2000 and yamaha A5000 ( to name a few ) and have no problems.There is a first time for everything however and I wouldn't wish any of my fellow mpc5000 users to experience that horrible sinking feeling of their machines metamorphosing from sequence / sampler to rubber and metal door stop.

peace

hi guys i am properly the first to get his mpc5000 blown by inserting ram just wish the picture was a bit clearer in the instructions and i think that the ram should be made so that it can fit 1 way only no matter what i did post my mess up to try to warn others lol some have had theres repaired free i payed 86 pound for mine and i still think its a shit hot machine .Even if i have just deleted all my loopmaster samples that came with it by accident so if any one can recomend some sample packs please let me know , what will i do wrong next lmao

You are not alone. I learned that 'Rock Star Games ' also had to return their MPC after another memory fitting debacle. (Rock Star cannot read printed instructions !!)
Akai provide these instructions ( in the box withe the manual ) so the user is encouraged to fit the ( overpriced ) memory module but cover their ass with a disclaimer...
Is this all a massive coincidence ??
( or a series of unfortunate events brought about by ambiguity and bad design ? )
mmm...


psi