Nord User Forum

Hello, everyone. After a gig, my keyboard started acting weird—not in terms of sound, but regarding the LEDs. Some LEDs turn on at different intensities when they should be off, and the percussion on/off LED doesn't work anymore. Check the pictures for reference. What should I do since I am out of warranty? I have already opened it and cleaned the circuit board, but it still won't work.

Check the connections between panel board and mainboard (unplug and replug the flat cables on both sides, if you want you can also to use some contact cleaner on the connectors before replugging)

Already done it. Still the same

Nords control their LEDs using a matrix (that is, the LEDs lie at the intersection of control lines, so 8 X 8 control lines drive up to 64 LEDs). This means a failure or short circuit on one line affects 8 LEDs. Check if you're seeing weird behaviour in multiples of 8.

If the problem is not the cable connection:
Best case, some debris fell on a circuit board and caused a short circuit. Removing the debris could fix the issue.
Worst case, the integrated circuit (IC) driving the line failed, and needs replacement.

If you have your 6D open, post some high resolution pictures of the visible circuit boards. We can point out likely ICs to inspect.

Remember to touch the chassis of your Nord before you touch and circuit board to lessen the chance of damage from static electricity.

pterm wrote: 18 Nov 2024, 23:07 Nords control their LEDs using a matrix (that is, the LEDs lie at the intersection of control lines, so 8 X 8 control lines drive up to 64 LEDs). This means a failure or short circuit on one line affects 8 LEDs. Check if you're seeing weird behaviour in multiples of 8.

You are right, I was counting them everytime one of the 8 leds is needed all of them light up

If the problem is not the cable connection:
Best case, some debris fell on a circuit board and caused a short circuit. Removing the debris could fix the issue.
Worst case, the integrated circuit (IC) driving the line failed, and needs replacement.

The board was cleaned by a professional but I will try to post some pictures tomorrow

Images here

Hi, Thanks for posting the pictures.
These are the bottom side of the panel PCBs, so there's little to see here. The only things that look strange are the amounts of white residue, and the washed-out label. This suggests the panel board has been serviced but perhaps not properly cleaned (or had liquid spilled into it). This might be part of the issue. I will review the photos in detail on the weekend to see if any of the residue might affect LEDs.

If you still have your 6D open, please photograph the main board (mother board). The ICs that drive the panel LEDs usually reside on the main board. --Nord does not make their schematics available to the public, so I am basing my assumption on the schematic for the NE2 (this is available on the internet).
[Edit] I reviewed the NE2 schematics. The panel board contains integrated circuits to drive the LEDs. Assuming the NE6 follows a similar architecture, these must reside on the reverse side of the board you photographed. I don't recommend disassembling your NE6 further unless you have experience diagnosing and repairing electronics. If your NE6 remains under warranty, I suggest taking it in for repair.[/Edit]

It occurred to me that a failed LED might cause this issue too. If possible, try to activate all the LEDs. If you find any that never illuminate, please identify their location.

Thanks and good luck with this!

>The board was cleaned by a professional<

Curious what this means and how you found this person. And what they charged you.

Googling "Professional Circuit Board Cleaner" brings up adverts for cans of compressed air.