Upgrade K1000 keyboard *

Before you begin read the Static Handling information.  Then read the Basics information and Chip Data. Then read this page and understand how to download the chip data you will need.  If your upgrade requires a jumper change, look at the Jumper Pictures.

Several members have upgraded one or more Kurzweil 1000 series keyboards or modules. Each person may use different chip burners and/or take a slightly different approach. Before you attempt to upgrade your unit, read each approach. The more you know the better success you will probably have.

You will need to find a source for the PROM/EPROM chips required for your upgrade. Specifications sheets for the various types can be found in the Manuals page. The 'speed' of the chips you purchase may be important so review all the notes regarding the upgrade before you purchase chips. You can find a beginner's discussion about chips, eproms, roms etc at http://www.ustr.net/memory.htm (this will open a new window). Note that you will need a chip type 27c010 for the OS Setup Chips for the keyboard upgrade. This is a different chip that used in the modules. And, note that there are only TWO OS Setup Chips in the keyboards.

The raw data (zip files) required to burn the chips is in the Chip Data page. Choose the file for your desired upgrade.

K1000 (keyboard versions) is different from the modules.  Please read this. Damage will result if you don't read this!

All K1000SEs can be upgraded to a Pro 76.  Older models may require a daughter board for the extra sound ROMs, newer K1000SE's have the daughter board already installed or a mother board with the sockets already on them.  

Here is a picture of an older K1000 mother board without the daughter board (1st image). Notice there is no empty sockets to expand on the older version of the mother board so that board is not up gradable unless you first install a daughter board. Next is great picture taken by Bob Luman of an installed daughter board. (2nd image). Click that image for the full resolution picture. Notice that the daughter board installs into three of the original Sound ROM sockets (U50, U55, U59) and those ROMs move to the daughter board - leaving three ROMs on the original board (U51,54,58). The six new Roms are U52, U56, U60 (PXA upgrade) and U53, U57, and U61 (PXB Upgrade). 

Early K1000 Motherboard

Daughter board (Click for Larger image)

THE SOCKETS on the Keyboards are arranged differently than in the modules. Please refer to the pictures above (with daughter board) and below (newer K1000SE mother board). The chips are the same as for a Pro 1 but they don't go in the same physical places on the board.

All the notches in chips (pin 1) line up to the REAR panel. This is opposite to modules.  Pay attention or damage will result - Inserting a chip the wrong way will (at least) ruin the chip..

Chips are oriented with pin 1 (notch toward REAR panel.  Note sound ROMs (especially U54-U57) are located different than those in the Expander modules. 

The picture shows a newer K1000SE motherboard after upgrade is completed. 

* From the ex-Alzerom site with approval of David B