Yamaha Electone FS-70: Battery?

[Jesaiah]

Hi Folks,

obviously, in my beloved FS70 the backup battery fails. I can use the organ properly (set aside some motor faders that are noted for repair) and I can save the config to a memory slot, yet if I switch of the instrument, the memory is gone, too.

Makes me think that this baby actually has a backup battery somewhere. But where? Any hints? And did they use a rechargeable or a single-use type?

thank you for any hint,
Jes

[Larrytow]

Jesaiah,

Since the FS-70 is the same technology era as the FX-20 and FX-1, it probably does have a battery. On both the big FX models, it is below the lower keyboard on the bottom panel. It's mounted on a little circuit board all by itself.

I'm not sure on the FS organs if it will be in the same place, but I would look there first. Yamaha tends to use the same plan for all organs in an era, but with variations according to model.

Link to thread about FX-20 battery location, with photos :

https://www.organforum.com/forums/sh...f-Yamaha-FX-20

[Jesaiah]

Great, thank you very much!
Do you happen to know whether this is acutally a regular battery or an accumulator (i.e. a rechargeable battery)?

[Larrytow]

It is a rechargeable NiCad battery. I do not know the specifics of it though, as I have never needed to replace one yet. I think the thread I linked to above has a link to one supplier of the correct one. I'm sure there are others as well.

[Jesaiah]

Thanks a lot! That helps me along!

[Jesaiah]

Success! Thanks again to all helpful replies.
Changing the battery is indeed a breeze:
- loosen the upper lid: 2 screws
- remove the slide keyboard cover: 2 metal rods
- lift the upper keyboard: 2 screws, near the hinge
- lift the middle and lower keyboard: 2 screws from above, four from below (the yellow plated with the square washers)
- remove the little PCB with the battery: 1 plug, 2 screws
- replace the battery: two points to solder
- get things together in reverse order. That´s it.

There is an excellent Howto for changing the slider belts by Skip Eastman which helps a lot, too.

I am really impressed by the quality of this organ. Everything ist neat and tidy and it is really service friendly.

[Larrytow]

Jesaiah,

Congratulations on a successful repair ! I'm pleased we could be of help. And thank you for following up on this thread with your results - many people ask for advice on problems and then never report back .

As you say, I too have always been impressed by the craftsmanship Yamaha puts into their products ( all of them, but organs particularly ). I think they are the brand that defines quality construction in the entertainment organ biz, just like Allen does in the church organ field.

Could you give us the specifics on the battery ? Brand, model #, where you sourced it from, price, etc. ? Likely it is the same one in all the FS / FX models, so it would be nice to have the information in this thread for the next person who may need it.

[Jesaiah]

Good point. The URL of the shop I bought it from is:

https://www.akkushop-austria.at/at/b...o-n-sb2-110mah

This link leads directly to the battery (it is a replacement though ... the original is not produced anymore). Costs around 11 Euros. They have the batteries for the Yamaha Memory Packs, too, search for "CR2050" and choose the version with contacts.