A few years ago I picked up a Roland D-20 in a second-hand store and have been using it as my MIDI controller.

It's just stopped sending MIDI info, and when I power on, the display just flickers with 'Roland D-20', no other controls are lighting up or functioning.

Here's the model: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmjsKqPIwQo

Anything I can do, or is it dying?

probably needs a new battery. http://www.ztup.com/Roland-D110-Battery-Replacement-Guide.htm
This is instructions for a Roland sound module but it looks like the battery is in the same place on the circuit board.

Sounds like a reasonable thought Daryl, thanks. I've had the synth for 10 years and not replaced the battery, who knows before that?

daryl1968


probably needs a new battery. http://www.ztup.com/Roland-D110-Battery-Replacement-Guide.htm
This is instructions for a Roland sound module but it looks like the battery is in the same place on the circuit board.

that was exactly my first thought as well.

I just had to replace the CR2032 battery in my Korg X5 after 18 years. I bought it new, my how time flies.

I don't know if your keyboard has a holder. If not, and there's enough room, while you're in there, see if you can mount a holder for that CR2032 so you don't have to solder it. There's different kinds of CR2032's. Button type and ones with solder tabs.

In my experience, the newer CR2032 don't last nearly as long as the ones made 15 ~ 20 years ago.

My Korg X5 was surface mount, but I made room for a holder. I anticipate having to replace the battery every couple of years now.

Mine did all kinds of funky things, changing the battery fixed it. I also Super Glued a broken key while I had it apart that had been bugging me for years.

Good luck!

Thanks Bub, great info!

You usually can go to about any store and pick up a 2032, or a 2016 battery. First synth I had (have) lasted about 11 years while they are only suppose to last about 7 years. Button type not soldered (probably the same if it is a Roland).

I also have 5 notes that won't sound on the keyboard. If I ever get to it, I found out now on the Internet how to fix that 21 year old synth now (1991). (JD-800). It a little slow reacting with the buttons also. What don't usually last unless you store it are the memory cards (probably 2016 battery) which usually only lasts 3 years. (patches you store on a memory card).