Patches and discussion for Ensoniq VFX family

On Tue, 2009-05-05 at 17:11 -0400, Hayward Redd wrote:

> Years ago I had the same when my VFX-SD was practically new. The
> solder that they use on the
> circuit board in the earlier models deteriorates and creates a "flux"
> that is magnetizing. I finally had to send it back to the factory
> through a local repair shop. Once they fixed it, it never happened
> again. Me HR     

Mmmm, that's not *quite* it.

Flux is used when you're soldering to help burn off grot and oxidisation
on the solder joint.  It's basically rosin, same as you use on your
fiddle bow.  It's not magnetic, and isn't the same thing as "magnetic
lines of flux" at all.

What *does* happen, though, is that the solder joints do in fact
deteriorate, and form a "dry joint" (or if you're on the low-voltage
side of the pond, a "cold joint" - which is a slightly better term).
This is brought on by heat and vibration, and mechanically poor joints.
The other little trick that the EPS, VFX and other related keyboards
have up their dastardly sleeves is the infamous split keyboard
connector.  The PCB for the keyboard is made in two halves, with a
multi-pin connector joining them.  These are, to put it extremely
mildly, complete and utter shite.  They should be replaced by wire
links, if this hasn't been done already.

Gordon