[Roland] [Juno-106] – [can’t write,save,load or verify]
I have a Roland Juno 106 that is no longer capable of storing sound bank modifications or entering write, load, save, and verify modes. When switching memory protect to OFF and entering any of these modes, none of the indicator lights for write, load, save, and verify light up or function. I can modify an existin g patch but cannot store the modification nor can I backup or restore the sound banks. I suspect the problem is the memory protect switch, which when switched to OFF, allows these functions to work. All other aspects of the synthesizer are fully functional. All voice chips were replaced about 6 months ago and the soldered battery was replaced years ago with a battery compartment, so that the battery can be easily replaced. A fresh battery was recently installed, so I believe that neither the voice chips or the battery are related to the problem I am encountering.
Add tags before posting: brand + model + (optional) fault
e.g., korg, models-korg-m1, no-power
If your model isn’t listed: use models–tbd (e.g., models-korg-tbd) and post the exact model in the pinned “Request a new model tag” thread. We’ll add it and retag.
When your issue is fixed, please mark the reply that solved it (click the ✓ “Solution” on that post).
Hi. I have no solution for you but I am here to say that I had a quick look at the JUNO-106 service notes here (http://www.synfo.nl/servicemanuals/Roland/ROLAND_JUNO-106_SERVICE_NOTES_1st.pdf - great resource!). I am having a very similar problem with my JX-3P (see the latest JX-3P issue in this forum). Looking at the 106 service notes, the architecture is quite similar and the same chips are used in several places (eg. the demultiplexer). You can read in the issue about what I have done so far, but my limited electronics (repair) knowledge is holding me back; I have all the tools to test, but am not sure where and what to test.
As I mention in the issue, I have not found any broken tracks on any part of the circuit, so I am wondering if there is a problem with one of the ICs. And it certainly seems possible that this could be the same issue as mine…
Thanks for the reply. I too am not an electrician, aside from minor soldering skills and learning my way around a multimeter. I found a used and tested midi board that I’m waiting to receive. My hope is that my issue is simply a bad memory protect switch. With a little luck and an honest seller, I hope to remedy this problem by swapping out the board, which holds the suspected switch. If not, then I’ll have a Roland authorized service center diagnose it. The one I contacted was interested in servicing the Juno even though it’s 40 years old. I’ll report back once I swap out the board.
yeah I would definitely be interested to know if the new board solves the issue. In my case I proved that the switch was working all the way back to the motherboard. I can’t help but think of the similarity in symptoms and of age of thetwo synths though. If you do send it off for repairs, maybe you can post what the issue was. It might help me, I’m stubbornly into fixing this myself
Most likely culprit is the switch itself. Measure the resistance between switch contacts to determine for sure if it’s the switch or not. It should drop to near 0 ohms between switch terminals that are connected. If it’s more than a couple of ohms then the switch needs to be cleaned or replaced. Sometimes just a spray with some deoxit or a few drops of isopropyl alcohol then flipping the switch a ton of times is enough to bring them back to life. Sometimes they’re too far gone and a new switch is needed.
So, I just installed a used replacement midi board, which contains the switches, but there’s no change. I’ll attempt to test the resistance on both the original switch and the replacement. If I’m at a loss, then the synthesizer will be going to an authorized service center some time in October when I won’t be dependent on it.
If the switch is healthy then I’d suspect IC4 or RA3 on the CPU board. We have a list of Service Centers we’re aware of. Best of luck getting it fixed!
Not sure if this s helpful but i have a similar issue with korg poly61. In my case, the lines connected to the RAM chip(storing patches) were damaged . Might not be a bad idea to poke and see if it’s functional and receivng data and addresses properly.
