A real-time effects processor/sampler with touch-pad interface. The flagship model of the serie KP3 that appeared in 2006 (later updated with features as Kp3+). Around 100 effects ideal for DJ mixing and musician including filters, modulations and a basic internal sampler.
I already had several KP like Kp1, mini and a Kp3+ and various kaoss oscillator (find out my special SAMPLE PACK). Although very fun I always sold them back to get different stuff, less dj-oriented.
However I had very good bargain in the city of Milan, in BAGGIO neighborhood - I could not miss. I was used to go to Baggio some time ago, there were a lot of Cats shelter on the streets, but they told me they removed them during the COVID as no one could take care of the pets... sad.
Anyway, I went to the rendez-vous with an ex-dj, very nice that could not tried it because the PSU had a broken wire. But It assured me it was working.
Once I fixed the PSU (the Kp3 has a weird connector type, not very common barredl) I switched on the KP3 and seems to be working, but the HOLD button did not work and the touch pad not really acting well, sometimes working partially on some zones.
I was about to call the guy to return the item, but I was wondering if it could be possible to fix that. I read on the net and saw a lot of vids suggesting to reflow the pad with an hair drier... was not really convinced, so It was better to open up the KP3 and check it out.
UPPER The kp3 is quite easy to open, 4 silver screws on the back, 3 on the connector side (black). Remove all buttons and caps. To access the pad you have to remove 2 boards: the connector one and the card-jack (KLM2736). The BOARD 1 (KLM 2735) s connected to the third board (KLM 2734) with another flat cable. You can detach it, but you can work with it with no problem, just move it slowly, those flats are quite easy to break.
UPPER This 3 stripes ribbon to CN2 must be removed with great care! try to bend it less as possible. This ribbon is connected to the resistive pad with 2X-2Y axis. If you want to check continuity to CN pins, you have to peel of the plastic film on the ribbon. Up to now all ok, continuity was good and pins goes to KLM 2735.
You can Ohm test the ribbons between axis, I had some value. On the microscope some minimal damages near on the pad surface, but this should not create troubles: I immagine a dj making a concert should have a reliable machine, maybe not beer-proof, but at least supporting some pressure and scratches.
UPPER: Time to clean with great care with alcohol of the touchpad, especially where it "stucks". You can real-time see if it's working with switched on KP3. After cleaning it was quite good. Just a bit of pressure to the ribbon connector. For the HOLD button , just clean the golden contacts with Qtip.
And working. I did not had need for reflow. But who knows in the future?
You may need to calibrate the pad:
Turn on the power while pressing the PROGRAM MEMORY 7, PROGRAM MEMORY 8 and [SAMPLING] buttons
GET SERVICE MANUAL
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