How to upgrade the K3 OS chip!
2004-03-26 by travesty14850
Hey all--I just added some photos to the photo section to accompany this little tutorial--I have just replaced the OS chip in my K3 and is was quite easy! Here's how to do it, in ten easy steps. Good luck! HOW TO UPDATE YOUR KAWAI K3 OPERATING SYSTEM 1. To see if you have the latest OS, save your patches to your computer or an RC-2 cartridge. Then reset the synth to the factory patches by turning it on while the bottom three keys are pressed. Try patch 49. If it's the sound of a jet taking off, you've already got it! If it's a helicopter, you could use the upgrade. 2. Send an email to emitechnical@..., saying that you would like the latest version of the K3 OS. Give your credit card information and address; they will charge you $95, which will be refunded when you send the old chip back to them. BE CAREFUL not to damage the old chip--it has to be completely intact if you want your refund. They won't refund the shipping, but the upgrade is worth ten bucks, in my opinion. 3. When the chip comes, get out your K3. Unplug the synth and discharge any static electric charge you might have built up. Remove the four screws on the front panel, and the two similar ones on the sides of the back panel. Lift the front panel. It ought to lift up very smoothly on its hinges (Fig. 1). 4. There are several chips in the K3 that are the same size as the OS chip. The one you want (Fig. 1, circled in yellow) is on the underside of the front panel. It will have a sticker on it reading KAWAI 5P36, followed by a letter. The letter roughly corresponds to the software version on the chip. Mine was G; on your new chip, it will be I. 5. Using a right-angle screwdriver or chip extractor, gently pry the chip (Fig. 2) out of its socket. Do this carefully and gradually, making sure that you don't bend the pins, damage the socket, or crush the capacitor soldered just above the chip. Remember which end of the chip has a notch in it, because you will have to install the new one in the same direction. 6. Remove the new chip from its bag and size it up against the empty socket. The distance between the two rows of pins may be a bit wide. If so, lay the chip on its side on a flat surface and GENTLY bend each row of pins in a little. BE CAREFUL! When the pins will comfortably fit in their places in the socket, press in the chip, FACING THE RIGHT WAY, firmly but, again, gently. 7. Close the lid and replace the screws. Put the old chip away in the box your new chip arrived in. Plug in the K3 and turn it on while pressing down the three bottom keys (this includes the black one). Now try out patch 49. If it's a jet, your OS is installed! 8. Play the synth a bit using a familiar patch--one that employs aftertouch. You'll notice a considerable difference--the aftertouch is more sensitive and has a greater range. It should be pretty clear that the expressive potential of the synth has increased! I also found my patches to have a bit more depth and dimension, but I might be kidding myself. 9. Return the chip (insured!) to Kawai America Corp. / ATTN: TSD / 2055 E. University Drive / Compton, CA 90220. Include an explanation of what it is and why you're returning it, your credit card info again, and the packing slip from the box. Remind them about the 95 bucks! 10. Finally, enjoy your K3, and participate in the resurrection of this fine, unsung instrument! Best, John