Playback button not working anymore

[DX7 recording]

The playback button on my 2488 MKII has become very unreliable. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. On a bad day I have to press the button many times before it actually starts playing, but sometimes it does not work at all. I guess this is what happens sometimes to membrane buttons after many years. (My old Yamaha DX7 suffers from the same disease.) Same is true for two of the four cursor buttons, but that has less impact on the daily usage than the playback. I fear that this may signal the end of my 2488.

Do you know if there is a way to repair this?

Thank you, any advice would be highly appreciated.

Marc

 

[Mark Richards]

Welcome to the forum, DX7.

My first recommendation: DeOxit.
A search of this sight using term "unresponsive button" will turn up multiple posts on what it is and how to use it.

 

[DX7 recording]

Thank you very much for the advice. With your suggested "unresponsive button" term I found these relevant threads:

Thread 'Bad button'

May 15, 2019

The solo button on fader 17 is not working reliably.
I've tried injecting contact cleaner and various other 'top of the board' remedies, but the results have been iffy.
It works for a while and then becomes unresponsive.
Do I need to replace it?
How would I do that?
Advice please.
Thanks!

• waterstrum
• Replies: 2
• Forum: TASCAM DM-3200 & DM-4800

Thread 'Sticking/unresponsive button/s'

Apr 8, 2023

This is a pretty common affliction of various Tascam units.

I personally own a mint-condition O.G. DP-32 and a nearly-mint condition 2488neo.
After 10-15 years (depending on which unit) of flawless performance, both have a button or two that has gotten a little temperamental (meaning that they don't always smoothly/reliably perform their action when pushed).
On my beloved 2488neo (now nearly 20 years old!!) - it's the [PLAY] button...which, of course, has probably been pushed 10.000 times in its' lifetime.

Lately - I mean literally as of this week - on my DP-32, it's the [TRACK EDIT]...

• shredd
• Replies: 1
• Forum: TASCAM DIY Repairs and Mods

• 

Post in thread 'DeOxit recommendation'

Apr 8, 2023

If you post a link to the site where the list is, I will take a look at it and tell you which one I would use.

THANKS @-mjk- ;here's the product list. I'm seeking the one that addresses the typical cause/s of DP buttons becoming unresponsive; has some penetrative ability (since it has to get past the plastic button to the contacts underneath - I presume that'd mean spray, not liquid?); and hopefully won't melt the plastic or take the paint or lettering off the panel.

I'd hope to choose the one that's best suited for the application (specifically, this is for the...

• shredd

I wanted to do this properly at first, by opening the desk and spray directly into the contacts underneath the button, but I wasn't able to detach the print board from the top part of the desk, and so I couldn't reach the button itself. As a plan B I sprayed around the edge of the button from the top panel, according to the first thread. And that seemed to work. The problem seems to be solved for now.

Thanks a lot.