# Nord Stage 2 EX HP76 – Block screen hang on boot, PSU suspect **URL:** \ **Category:** Synth Repair\ **Tags:** nord, no-audio\ **Created:** [August 7, 2026, 3:02pm UTC](https://forums.syntaur.com/t/nord-stage-2-ex-hp76-block-screen-hang-on-boot-psu-suspect/9522 "2026-08-07T15:02:26Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 2\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![camsmit1](https://forums.syntaur.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/c/919ad9/32.png) [@camsmit1](https://forums.syntaur.com/u/camsmit1)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2026, 3:02pm UTC](https://forums.syntaur.com/t/nord-stage-2-ex-hp76-block-screen-hang-on-boot-psu-suspect/9522/1 "2026-08-07T15:02:27Z")
Model & revision: Nord Stage 2 EX HP76, PSU board date code 2016 04-09 Symptoms: Unit hangs on LCD initialisation screen (block squares) on cold boot and does not proceed to the Nord menu. Previously rocking the power switch intermittently rescued the boot. The original C&K NE18 power switch has now mechanically failed and detached from the PSU board so that workaround is no longer available. Work done so far: - Switch bridged directly — unit still hangs on block screen, no change - Full reflow of all PSU board solder joints - All ribbon cables checked and reseated — one power ribbon found slightly loose, now firmly seated - About to measure DC output rails on PSU board Questions: - Is this a known fault on the Stage 2 EX HP76? - Does the symptom point to PSU board failure or something else? - Any known weak points on this PSU board worth checking before ordering a replacement? Photos of PSU board to follow. ---
**Author:** ![camsmit1](https://forums.syntaur.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/c/919ad9/32.png) [@camsmit1](https://forums.syntaur.com/u/camsmit1)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2026, 3:18pm UTC](https://forums.syntaur.com/t/nord-stage-2-ex-hp76-block-screen-hang-on-boot-psu-suspect/9522/2 "2026-08-07T15:18:47Z")
Found that the 3.3V regulator was spitting out 0V, 3.3V and 5V intermittently before settling on a solid 5V now. Have removed the unit and got a new regulator on the way tomorrow hoping it hasn’t caused any damage downstream.