Maintenance and Troubleshooting
 
Power Problems and Solutions
 
28-4
 
 
Finally, magnetic Þelds can be a source of interference. The area surrounding the K2vxÕs Alpha 
Wheel and alphanumeric pad is sensitive to Þelds from large transformers in power amps; keep 
them at least a foot away from the K2vxÕs front panel. Smaller gear like drum machines and 
hardware sequencers can also cause interference.
 
Power Problems and Solutions
The K2vx is quite tolerant of voltage ßuctuations, noise, and transients in the AC power it 
receives. The input line Þlter and grounded power cable will protect against even large 
amounts of noise from motors and the like while the built-in Þlter coupled with the fuse will 
protect against all but the largest transients. If your installation is actually suffering from line 
noise or transients, most likely your other equipment will be suffering more than your K2vx.
Very low line voltage or severe voltage dips are a problem for any computer-based instrument. 
When the K2vx is set for 120 volt input (the normal North American setting), it should function 
down to 90 volts. If the line voltage drops below 90 volts, a special circuit halts all activity to 
protect against software crashes or damage. When the line voltage returns to and stays at an 
acceptable level for at least one second, the computer will automatically restart. The net effect is 
just as if you had performed a soft reset. Continuous low line voltage or transient dips will 
never produce symptoms other than unexpected soft resets as just described. Any other 
problems such as distortion, disk errors, or lost data are caused by something other than line 
voltage ßuctuations.
Soft resets from line voltage dips are most common. These are easily identiÞed because the 
reset occurs coincident with the building lights dimming, stage lights or power amps being 
switched on, or air-conditioning equipment starting up. The solution in all cases is to get a 
more direct connection between your K2vx (and any other computer-based equipment) and the 
buildingÕs power. Floodlights, large power ampliÞers, and motor-operated devices should use 
a separate extension cord; preferably they should be plugged into a separate outlet. 
Chronic low line voltage is best conÞrmed by measurement. Readings below 100-105 volts 
mean that even small dips could cause resets, while readings below 95 volts (accounting for 
meter inaccuracies) are a deÞnite problem. Again, the best solution is to separate your heavy 
lighting and ampliÞer loads from your K2vx and other synths on separate extension cords or 
separate circuits when possible. If the actual building voltage is that low, use of an external 
step-up transformer or voltage regulator is recommended. We DO NOT recommend changing 
the line voltage selector to 100 volts (or 220 volts in Europe) because overheating or blown fuses 
may occur if you leave the K2vx at the lower setting and use it later at a normal voltage level.
 
Troubleshooting
Naturally, weÕve done everything possible to ensure that your K2vx arrives free of defects. And 
thereÕs a good chance that thereÕs nothing wrong, even if youÕre not seeing the proper display 
or hearing the sounds. Carefully check the following things:
Make sure that your power supply is at the right voltage, and is functioning properly.
Make sure the power cable is connected properly. 
Adjust the display contrast if necessary (with the Contrast parameter in Master mode). If for 
some reason you have trouble reading the display, even after adjusting the Contrast parameter, 
you can also adjust the contrast by holding down the ENTER button and turning the Alpha 
Wheel. If this improves the contrast, immediately return to the Contrast parameter and adjust it 
slightly. This will cause the K2vx to remember the current display contrast level, and should 
take care of any difÞculties you may have been having. If this procedure doesnÕt work, itÕs time 
to contact your dealer.