Flaky ON/OFF Switch on a Roland EP-9

[Constance]

Yeah, I'm asking about my Roland EP-9 again.

Believe me if I could, I'd replace it with an SH-201. And, it might be cheaper to do that than the following.

The push on/push off switch is flaky. The power LED will always flash when I try to turn it on, but it often takes multiple tries before it will actually come alive. It's prolly about 12 years old.

Any ideas as to how easy or difficult it would be to replace the switch, especially for someone whose DIY projects almost always belong on There I Fixed It?

[Lynne]

I can't find the service manual for that model, but I'm sure if you can find a replacement switch and if you know how to solder, it isn't a very difficult job. Or maybe the switch could be repaired but I don't know what kind of switch they used. But if you are not experienced you can damage other things too, so be careful.

[Renate]

Alternate action pushbuttons are usually kind of a hack and not very robust.
Have you noticed that all PC's have gone to momentary action power switches?

Due to the physical constraints for the pushbutton it might be difficult to find an exact replacement.

Your choices are:

• Find the exact replacement switch
• Drill it out and put in some sort of alternate action switch
• Drill it out and put in a toggle switch
• Just bypass the faulty switch by soldering across the contacts on the back, then unplug or use a line cord switch on the plug.

[Constance]

Anne, Renate, thanks for your replies.

What I know about electronics is make sure it's plugged in and turn it on. So, I don't know if I'll try any soldering just yet. I had a feeling it would not be a simple thing.

[Renate]

Well, here's a simpler solution:
Hit the on/off button until it goes on nice and steady, then leave it alone.
Then get yourself a little power strip with an on/off switch and plug the power adaptor into that.
Use the switch on the power strip to control the power.

[V M]

Well, here's a simpler solution:
Hit the on/off button until it goes on nice and steady, then leave it alone.
Then get yourself a little power strip with an on/off switch and plug the power adaptor into that.
Use the switch on the power strip to control the power.

I like this idea best so far    Too bad I live so far away, I'm usually pretty good with that kinda stuff

[Constance]

Well, here's a simpler solution:
Hit the on/off button until it goes on nice and steady, then leave it alone.
Then get yourself a little power strip with an on/off switch and plug the power adaptor into that.
Use the switch on the power strip to control the power.

That is an excellent idea. I'm embarrassed I didn't think of that myself.