Charging the battery

The reason why the Treble and Bass sections do not respond to this pedal is that you can control their vol- ume via the strength with which you press and pull the bellows (like on any accordion).

V-Accordion r

The expression pedal can be used to fade the Orchestra part in and out, which is probably most effective in DUAL mode (see p. 26). When the expression pedal is all the way up (heel down), the Orchestra part does not sound. Press the expression pedal down (toe down) to increase the Orchestra section’s volume.

Note: The expression pedal can also transmit CC11 messages via MIDI. See page 88.

Charging the battery

The FR-7 comes with one Ni-Mh battery that can recharged when it is depleted. Such a battery is optional for the FR-5. If you decide to purchase one (to play with a wireless system and no cables on stage), you should also read the following.

General remarks about the battery

•Be sure to dispose of used batteries in accordance with local regulations.

•First, read the precautions on page 9 and following.

•The FR-7’s battery is fully charged (and installed in the FR-7’s battery compartment). It can be used right away.

•Be sure to fully deplete the battery (wait until the FR-7/FR-5 goes off) before recharging it for the first time. It would actually be a good idea to repeat this the first three times to avoid the dreaded “memory effect”.

•A fully charged battery should last about 8 hours (continuous use).

•When the battery is fully drained, the following mes- sage appears and the FR-7/FR-5 goes off:

Note: The FR-7/FR-5 contains an energy saving function that switches off the instrument when it is left unattended for more than 10 minutes. You may therefore have to switch it on again from time to time. You can specify how long the FR-7/ FR-5 should wait before powering off automatically. See “10.8 Auto Power OFF” on p. 71.

•Never try to insert other batteries into the FR-7/FR-5 than the one it came with (or suitable replacement batteries purchased from your Roland dealer). Only

use “BP-24-45” batteries, part no. K2568101.

Warning: The battery body may become hot during and after charge. Handle it with care to avoid burns.

About the BATTERY CHARGER and EXTERNAL BATTERY CHARGER indicators

The FBC-7 has two buttons ([BATTERY¥CHARGER] and [EXTERNAL¥BATTERY¥CHARGER]) that light or flash in various ways to indicate the current status. Here is how to “decode” those indications:

•Lights red: The battery is being charged. Depending on the button that lights, this refers to the battery in the FR-7/FR-5 (BATTERY) or the battery attached to the FBC-7 (EXTERNAL BATTERY).

•Lights green: The battery is fully charged and can be used again.

•Flashes yellow right away: The charging operation cannot be started because the ambient temperature lies outside the 0°~40°C range. This is nothing to worry about: just take the FBC-7 to a place where the ambient temperature is acceptable, wait a little, and repeat the charging operation.

•Flashes yellow after a while: If the indicator first lights red and then starts flashing yellow after a while, the battery is overheating. Disconnect the FR-7/FR-5 (or the battery) from the FBC-7 and use the battery until it is depleted. Then, recharge it.

•Flashes red: The battery cannot be fully recharged, i.e. it takes more time than expected to reach full charge. If this happens once, wait at least half an hour, then try charging it again.

If the button again flashes red, the battery may have reached the end of its life cycle. Replace it with a new one if the button keeps flashing red.

Recharging the battery without removing it from the FR-7/FR-5

There is no need to remove the battery from the FR-7/ FR-5 in order to recharge it. Recharging the battery takes ±3~5 hours and is therefore not something you should do a few minutes before you intend to use the FR-7/FR-5.

(1)Connect the FR-7/FR-5 to the FBC-7 using the supplied 19-pin cable.

(2)Connect the FBC-7 to a suitable wall outlet.

(3)Switch on the FBC-7 by pressing its [POWER¥ON] button (its red POWER ON indicator lights).

FR-7, FR-5 specifications

The Roland FR-5 and FR-7 are part of Roland's acclaimed line of digital accordions, known for their innovative technologies and exceptional sound quality. These instruments have been designed to provide musicians with a versatile and rich playing experience, fusing traditional accordion elements with modern digital functionality.

One of the most significant features of both the FR-5 and FR-7 is their advanced digital sound engine. This technology offers a wide array of sounds, including a variety of accordion types, reeds, and orchestral instruments. The sound quality is remarkable, with a high level of fidelity that captures the essence of authentic acoustic instruments. Musicians can easily switch between different instrument sounds, making these accordions perfect for various musical styles and genres.

Both models feature a lightweight and ergonomic design, making them comfortable to play for extended periods. The FR-5 and FR-7 have built-in speakers that provide excellent sound projection, allowing performers to play without the need for external amplification. Furthermore, the onboard effects, such as reverb and chorus, enhance the musical experience, enabling players to add depth and character to their performances.

The user interface on both models is intuitive, with easily accessible controls that allow for quick adjustments while performing. The FR-7 takes it a notch higher with its extensive customizable settings and user memory options, which can store a variety of configurations and preferences for different playing situations.

A standout feature of the FR-7 is its capability for MIDI connectivity, enabling musicians to connect to computers and other digital devices. This opens up a world of possibilities for recording and live performance setups, allowing users to integrate their accordion with software instruments and digital audio workstations.

In terms of playability, the FR-5 and FR-7 offer responsive keyboard action and a range of registers that mimic the sound of traditional accordions. The bellows response is finely tuned, ensuring that players can achieve dynamic expression through their playing style.

Overall, the Roland FR-5 and FR-7 digital accordions represent a perfect blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern technology, catering to both hobbyists and professional musicians. With their exceptional sound, lightweight design, and cutting-edge features, these instruments are redefining the possibilities of accordion music in contemporary settings. Whether one is performing on stage or practicing at home, the FR-5 and FR-7 deliver an unparalleled playing experience that inspires creativity and passion for music.