Introduction
Novation Launchkey mini MK3 / FLkey mini disassembly guide. I went in to fix two broken keys on an old Launchkey. In the process I compared the internals with the newer FLkey. Spoiler: There is no difference in hardware.
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This manual goes for both Lauchkey mini MK3 and FLkey, as they are similar in build.
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Flipping it upside down, shows 4 screws. After removing these screws, the whole thing still feels just as rigid.
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Next up are the clippings. I found that starting at a corner works best for me. Then carfully with a pick or screwdriver work yourway around.
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There's 4 clips on the long sides and 3 on the short sides. Be careful not to open up after undoing all clips.
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When all clips are undone, and the top and bottom shells are lose, carefully lift the back a little and then slide the top shell towards the key-bed.
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Carefully flip the top and undo the ribbon cable connecting the key-bed with the top shell.
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The keyboard is undone by unscrewing 9 screws. The keys can then be wiggled out.
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Mind that the rubber strip has a short and long feet. The short one goes to the front of the board.
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CY8C4024LQ ARM Microcontroller
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HC595 bit-shifter
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74HC4051D 8-channel analog multiplexer/demultiplexer
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74HC165D 8-bit parallel-in/serial out shift register
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74HC238D - 3-to-8 line decoder/demultiplexermxic
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STM32F401RB - STMicroelectronics STM32F401RB - High-performance access line, Arm Cortex-M4 core with DSP and FPU, 128 Kbytes of Flash memory, 84 MHz CPU, ART Accelerator. Yes, apperently it accelerates art :)
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MXIC MX25L8006E - 3V, 8M-bit[x 1/x 2] CMOS Serial flash memory
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Unscrew the four screw
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Undo the ribon cable by pulling the black clamp ever so carefull.
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Remove CPU board.
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Unscrew 15 screws.
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Remove the 8 rotary knob caps from the from of the board, by simply pulling on them. The main board can now be removed.
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Removing the silicon pads as last, the midi keyboard is now fully disassembled.
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To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.
I applaud Novation for making a device that is easy to open. No hidden screws and many screw indicators make this easily to repair. Just be careful with the ribbon cables.
What I don't understand is that I had to buy a complete new Novation FLKey to get features that work better with FL Studio. But looking inside, there seems to be no difference in hardware. So why not simply release a FL Studio driver? Maybe the firmware can be snarfed...
