Dave Smith Instruments SYNTHESIZERS

I don't own a DSI synth, so I can't compare the encoders, but I've bought ALPS encoders for various projects. "EC12" is a series of encoders they make, so the 'cheap chinese part number' you mention is probably a clone of one of the ALPs series:

http://www.alps.com/WebObjects/catalog.woa/E/HTML/Encoder/Incremental/EC12E/EC12E_list.html

Maybe you can work out which ones you've got and find a part number?

I'm inclined to agree about the cost though. For small numbers, you'll pay over a dollar per encoder, so you'd spend $100 just buying the encoders, never mind fitting them. For example:

http://www.newark.com/jsp/search/browse.jsp?N=500003+1003419&Ntk=gensearch_001&Ntt=EC12&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial


HTH,
Tom

On 27 Feb 2011, at 20:12, plexus wrote:

> 
> 
> yes. this was the nature of the upgrade i got done by DSI. they replaced the old encoders with new ALPS ones. the cost was $75US plus about $25CAD to ship the boards to them and another $15 CAD in UPS brokerage fees. so for me it was about $115 CAD. i am on the fence about paying for a manufacturing error that was beyond my control but on the other hand they are upgraded encoders, not the cheap chinese ones that were initially used but quality ALPS. for myself, the >$550 to go to pots would not be worth it. i kinda like the encoders and my other analogue synths make up for any potenitometer action i crave. :)
> 
> you could do the swap yourself but then again there are about 70 encoders. to get DSI to do it for you for $100 is actually pretty good considering the time it would take. i am not sure of what encoders you'd need to do the swap. i do have a part number (i think) for a cheaper chinese part: Soundwell EC121102X2B-HA1-142 
> 
> Here is what i know, the original encoders did not have a split knob shaft. there are grey in colour. DSI offered me some replacements earlier on which are the part number above - these have a split grey shaft and are harder to turn. the ones they replace for you, made by ALPS, have black shafts. i do not see any other part number markings on these. The ALPS have 24 detents. I looked on the Soundwell site and the part number is not listed (however in the past I remember it being listed). Perhaps they pulled it because of problems? 
> 
> Brett
> 
> On 27 Feb 2011, at 7:33 AM, a33e wrote:
> 
>> Is it possible to replace old encoders with higher quality encoders instead of potentiometers?
>> I have no obsession to potentiometers and i actually like good encoders more. Especially those that I've used in Waldorf's.
>> 
>> If you could suggest direct replacement part that does not require any other changes to circuit boards it would be helpful. =)
>> 
>> (I have worked years in electronic industry and consider myself as professional with soldering iron. 
>> So please don't give me those "don't-do-it-you-lose-our-guarantee-and-break-your-evolver" answers).
>> 
>> .ja - http://soundcloud.com/tvr/
>> 
>> --- In DSI_Evolver@yahoogroups.com, plexus <musiclists@...> wrote:
>> >
>> > I was told by DSI that the new encoders are made by ALPS. so that is great news! i am actually liking the detent encoders!
>> > 
>> 
>> 
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