What is it that makes KDFX so difficult to install?

[John]

I've been advised, by many sources, not to install this option. I have one of the newer boards (my serial number has a "Z" in about the seventh spot). It's my understanding that the difficulty in installing this option was splicing into some wires which isn't neccessary with the "newer" boards. I was planning on getting it & installing it in time for a March 27th concert I have comming up. But know I'm thinking I should wait until I have time to take my board to one of the larger cities about 3 hours away. What is it that makes KDFX so difficult to install?

[Enigma™]

Where can I start:

Well, basically you're dealing with 3 MAJOR things inside your Kurzweil as well as the KDFX board itself.
You're installing the KDFX board right onto the Engine Daughterboard. *This is a very important element that is about 800$ to replace*
Then, you have to replace certain chips, and although static isn't REALLY a problem, it has been known to cause problems previously.
On top of that, if you forget to remove the metal braces that hold some of the ribbon cables, and you boot up yer Kurzie, that's another 500$ at least for that board, as well as your KDFX board as well.
THEN: Pretend for a minute, you follow the directions, and then suddenly your Kurzweil doesn't boot? Even IF you did it all correctly, what then? Now you have a Not working Kurzweil. And the only way it's getting fixed is if you send it in to someone. And that's gunna cost ya too.

The big thing is this: If ANYTHING goes wrong when someone else is installing it, it's their responsibility to fix it. Simple as that.

On one hand, there are many people that said they've done it without a problem. On the other hand, I know MORE people that it wasn't a success for... Needless to say, there's a reason it's not a user-installable option. it's very intergrated, etc..
On top of all THAT, then you have to upload and update a new BIOS loader as well as a new OS. If something messes up, do you have spare BIOS chips to get your Kurzweil running again?
Anyway, the point I'm trying to make is that it's not as easy as it seems. The more and more you think you can do it, the more and more you're fooling yourself into taking an unnessessary risk.

FYI: It cost me 2500$ to get it repaired, and it fried the KDFX board *useless*, the sampling board I had *useless* as well as the engine daughter board, the ram I had, *128 megs* and the PCB soundboard... On top of labor and the extra little things that needed to be done, the total was 2500$ and then I had to pay for shipping as well. A year and a half later...

It's your choice in the end, but is it really worth the risk?? Pay the extra 200$ and get it installed by a rep or tech. At least if they mess up, you won't be footing the bill.

[Enigma™]

Just after reading your post again:
Imagine she DOES blow up before your concert... Do you have a backup board so you don't miss your concert as well??

[John]

Ok. I usually walk the conservative line. I'm going to wait and take it in to an authorized service center in San Diego. The service center was kind of pricy. They wanted $795 USD for the KDFX installed, but said they would install one for $85 USD. So I think I'll purchase it from sweetwater for $38? and have it installed for $85. Does everything they need to install it come with it?

[Enigma™]

Basically it should have:
1 book
1 installation guide
Splicing tools (for older keyboards)
KDFX Board
(3 or 4 wires coming off the board)
1 Smaller square chip: Has a Yellow square with the V90CTRL or something
1 larger Ram type looking chip (provides extra flash rom area for the OS)
Theres some other stuff... I'm just going from memory from like over a year ago. Ask Brett (Togakure) for more specific information, but basically that's what you need...

Hope this helps and I'm glad that you decided to go to the store instead of doing it yourself :)

[John]

I'm fairly certain that you did me a huge favor by talking me out of this one.

Thanks Enigma,

- John.

[merijn]

I think you're welcome! Keep us updated about the proces! :D

[Enigma™]

if I've stopped even ONE person from going through what I did - then it's worth it man. :)

[Shreddy]

I remember when you fried your Kurz. That sucked you were without your board for a while.

[merijn]

I remember when you fried your Kurz. That sucked you were without your board for a while.

What? :shock:

[Enigma™]

I'll make a long story short: I caught my Kurzweil on fire while trying to install KDFX myself...
"nuff said!

[merijn]

Dave, HOW ON EARTH CAN YOU SET FIRE TO A KURZWIL WHILE INSTALLING KDFX! That's hillarious! :lol: :lol: :lol:

[John]

It's official. I just ordered the KDFX option yesterday for $350 USD (free shipping). :D Hopefully it gets here in time for me to take it with me when I go to San Diego on March 30th.

Excited, John.

[Medusa]

congratulations, that's two people on the list ordered one this week. Presumably you got yours from Sweetwater too at that price?

[John]

I ordered it from sweetwater. I just found out today that they don't have it in stock & I won't receive it until just after the 30th. Looks like I'll have to wait until the next San Diego trip. :(

[dxburbuja]

if I've stopped even ONE person from going through what I did - then it's worth it man. :)

Two persons Mr. Enigma! Sorry about this old post, but I was seeking info, photos, whatever to install KDFX by myself and google (without "I'm feeling lucky" option lol) shows this link just in time. I think your sad experience it is very usefull to people like me thinking about "oh, well, just a board, some cables and a couple of screws, wtf...".
Thank you again. :smile: