Electro 3 HP Error (err, kbd, rea)?

[VintagePianoMan]

Hey there, long time professional keyboardist, but new-ish to the world of high end electronic keyboards.
So... I bought a used Nord Electro 3 HP with 73 keys around early October last year, and now I absolutely can't live without it.
The problem at hand is, as of late this July, almost every time I turn on my Nord, the display reads ERR, KBD, REA and is unresponsive until I press any button on the panel, after which it appears to work fine.
Now, I've reloaded all my pianos and NSMP's thinking it's a few damaged files, but alas, the problem persists.
I've done hours of research, and have found other enquires about similar errors, but all the threads end with no report of a solution ever being found.
My biggest fear is that the error evolves over time into my Nord being unplayable, and since I live in rural Canada, there aren't any Nord technicians at all.
Additionally, being in rural Canada, used Nords seldom come up for sale, and I definitely can't afford another Nord after investing all I had in this one. So I would be Greatly appreciative of anyone with information on this strange error.

Thanks.

[Lee Batchelor]

Hi Vintage, from a fellow Canadian. I just bought the Electro 5D brand new. I can't stop playing it either! I love it!

I'm no expert but it sounds like there is a corrupted operating system file. Is there a factory original operating system file on the Nord website? If so, I would sacrifice your current files and revert the 3 HP to factory settings. After that, don't load any saved programs, that is, build everything from scratch. I know it may take a while, but obviously something has gone wrong with the file system. Perhaps the previous owner did something out of the ordinary.

I'd like to think it's not a hardware issue. Hardware either works or it doesn't. Any other opinions out there??

[VintagePianoMan]

Hi Vintage, from a fellow Canadian. I just bought the Electro 5D brand new. I can't stop playing it either! I love it!

I'm no expert but it sounds like there is a corrupted operating system file. Is there a factory original operating system file on the Nord website? If so, I would sacrifice your current files and revert the 3 HP to factory settings. After that, don't load any saved programs, that is, build everything from scratch. I know it may take a while, but obviously something has gone wrong with the file system. Perhaps the previous owner did something out of the ordinary.

I'd like to think it's not a hardware issue. Hardware either works or it doesn't. Any other opinions out there??

I'll give it a shot in the next few days, when I get a chance. I prey it's not a hardware issue, but If I press a button on the panel, then it starts working like normal with no apparent problems.
My playing style can be fairly heavy on the keys at times, if that makes any difference.
Also, I recall there being a lightning storm a few days prior to my first experience of the error, though the outlet is connected to a wall switch and all power (including the wall switch) was off at the time.

Unlike past threads regarding this error, if I, or anyone, finds a definite solution, I will be sure to post it here for anyone else with the problem.

[VintagePianoMan]

VintagePianoMan, please disregard your fellow Canadian's post. Completely.

It is definitely NOT a software issue. Do NOT destroy all your custom programming and rebuild it all from scratch.

Your problem almost certainly arises from an irregularity with the ribbon cable connecting your keybed calibration module to the mainboard. Here's the deal:

Some years ago Nord determined that the Fatar keybeds they use do not have velocity response which is perfectly even from note to note. They developed their calibration technique whereby each HA, HP and SW keybed they install into a Nord instrument (not including dual manual organs) has the velocity response tested and adjusted on a note by note basis. This adjustment data is written onto a chip which is then mounted to the underside of the keybed and essentially the two become one in an eternal marriage until death do them part. When the instrument is powered on, this calibration data is scanned during the boot process.

The error message you are seeing is an indication that the waking instrument is not able to find the calibration data it is seeking. It can happen that oxidation on the ribbon cable pins is blocking the normal transmission of the data. Or perhaps the cable itself has become partially and completely detached. Even if it does appear correctly connected upon opening the instrument and inspecting it, disconnecting and then reseating it is likely to restore normal function.

In the meantime, as you have discovered, pressing a button on the front panel effectively acknowledges that you have seen the error message, allows the boot process to complete, and the instrument is completely functional in every respect, except of course for the calibration.

Where in Canada are you located? Please contact me at my regular work contacts as shown below to discuss specifics on correcting this.

Bless, Pablo

pablo.mastodon@americanmusicandsound.com
800-994-4984 x3030

[VintagePianoMan]

VintagePianoMan, please disregard your fellow Canadian's post. Completely.

It is definitely NOT a software issue. Do NOT destroy all your custom programming and rebuild it all from scratch.

Your problem almost certainly arises from an irregularity with the ribbon cable connecting your keybed calibration module to the mainboard. Here's the deal:

Some years ago Nord determined that the Fatar keybeds they use do not have velocity response which is perfectly even from note to note. They developed their calibration technique whereby each HA, HP and SW keybed they install into a Nord instrument (not including dual manual organs) has the velocity response tested and adjusted on a note by note basis. This adjustment data is written onto a chip which is then mounted to the underside of the keybed and essentially the two become one in an eternal marriage until death do them part. When the instrument is powered on, this calibration data is scanned during the boot process.

The error message you are seeing is an indication that the waking instrument is not able to find the calibration data it is seeking. It can happen that oxidation on the ribbon cable pins is blocking the normal transmission of the data. Or perhaps the cable itself has become partially and completely detached. Even if it does appear correctly connected upon opening the instrument and inspecting it, disconnecting and then reseating it is likely to restore normal function.

In the meantime, as you have discovered, pressing a button on the front panel effectively acknowledges that you have seen the error message, allows the boot process to complete, and the instrument is completely functional in every respect, except of course for the calibration.

Where in Canada are you located? Please contact me at my regular work contacts as shown below to discuss specifics on correcting this.

Bless, Pablo

pablo.mastodon@americanmusicandsound.com
800-994-4984 x3030

Thank you so much, this information really sheds a light on the situation!
I'm located in the Okanagan valley in British Colombia, but I do know a local fellow who specializes in digital keyboard repair. He's fixed a number of Rolands and Korgs for me, and usually charges only 10 or 20 bucks for simple fixes like contact cleaning and reattaching disconnected parts.
Sometimes his waiting list gets long, so is it still safe to play my Nord until I get an appointment with him?

PS. Thanks for saving my custom programming, I'm quite obsessive with tuning the settings to sound like actual antique pianos I own.

[VintagePianoMan]

Please do not use your instrument in this condition. If you do irreparable damage is likely to occur. In some cases these instruments have been known to explode into a fiery mess.

Just kidding. As I said in my last post: the instrument is completely functional in every respect, except of course for the calibration. Go ahead and play away!

Bless, Pablo

[VintagePianoMan]

Please do not use your instrument in this condition. If you do irreparable damage is likely to occur. In some cases these instruments have been known to explode into a fiery mess.

Just kidding. As I said in my last post: the instrument is completely functional in every respect, except of course for the calibration. Go ahead and play away!

Bless, Pablo

Ha ha ha, Thanks for the input, it's really appreciated, and is super helpful. Guess I can stop worrying and get back to playing!

[Lee Batchelor]

Fellow Canadian here - thanks for chiming in Pablo! I would have hated to see Vintage reset everything only to have the same issue!! Glad you worked it out. Vintage, please keep us posted after the repair. This is of interest to all of us.

Pablo - is the Electro 5D prone to the same issue down the road? Thanks.

- Lee

[pablomastodon]

These incidents are exceedingly rare. Across all calibrated Nord models (Electros, Stages and Pianos), I only reports of this happening about once a year, if that. Very, very minimal.

Bless, Pablo

[maurus]

Please do not use your instrument in this condition. If you do irreparable damage is likely to occur. In some cases these instruments have been known to explode into a fiery mess.

That made my day.
Great to have you on board, Pablo.