Patches and discussion for Ensoniq VFX family

Hi ALL, 

I own an Ensoniq VFX, it has some of the best sound ever 
during the time; but it was the most frustrating synth I ever own. 
It has the recalibration problems that was notorious among synth
owners. The synth needs to be re-power on when the OS hang, by 
reloading the OS then it can work probably. 

Lately, I found a VFX-SD on sale, which is a VFX with on-board 
sequencer, and I'm looking into buying it. The sounds remind 
me of the old times, especially the Killer Organ and some pads. 

I'm wondering does anyone know about the VFX-SD, 
does it has the same 'recalibration' problems it 
had with the VFX? 

Hopefully someone can help me. THANK YOU. 


rdgs, 
John.

You can refer to the Tools folder in the Files section, 
under the Hackers document you can find the answer.

--- In Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com, "keybdt" <keybdt@y...> wrote:

> 
> Hi ALL, 
> 
> I own an Ensoniq VFX, it has some of the best sound ever 
> during the time; but it was the most frustrating synth I ever own. 
> It has the recalibration problems that was notorious among synth
> owners. The synth needs to be re-power on when the OS hang, by 
> reloading the OS then it can work probably. 
> 
> Lately, I found a VFX-SD on sale, which is a VFX with on-board 
> sequencer, and I'm looking into buying it. The sounds remind 
> me of the old times, especially the Killer Organ and some pads. 
> 
> I'm wondering does anyone know about the VFX-SD, 
> does it has the same 'recalibration' problems it 
> had with the VFX? 
> 
> Hopefully someone can help me. THANK YOU. 
> 
> 
> rdgs, 
> John.

> I'm wondering does anyone know about the VFX-SD, 
> does it has the same 'recalibration' problems it 
> had with the VFX? 

My experience was opposite of yours.  I never had the OS hang, and
never had the keyboard calibration fail.  I did once have the internal
RAM sounds get zapped, possibly due to a static zap as it was after
transporting it.

However, I got mine late in the life cycle of the VFX, so probably had
a newer version of the ROMS, which would explain the OS hang thing.  I
never had the keyboard calibration problem, but I didn't move it
around much at first, and when I started moving it, I got it fixed
proactively, before I actually saw the problem.

The keyboard calibration thing was solved by Ensoniq, but it was WAY
late in the game, after the SD-1 was released.  There are two printed
circuit boards under the keybed, joined by a connector in the middle
of the keyboard.  The pins of this connector would oxidize, resulting
in bad connections that caused the calibration failure problem.  I
think the act of shipping the synth back to Ensoniq or opening it up
to examine it tended to jostle this connection and make the problem go
away, so the problem was hard for Ensoniq to figure out.

The solution, was to get rid of the connector entirely and replace it
with wires soldered between the boards.  I believe it's referred to as
the hard-wired keyboard mod.  Instructions on how to do this are now
available on the web.  Even though aimed at the EPS sampler line, this
page seems to apply quite well:
http://www.chickensys.com/kb/eps-asr/014.html

For the used market, you have to find out if the keyboard has had this
fix performed or not.  And if not, find a tech who will fix it for
you, or, if you know which end of a soldering iron to grab (hint: not
the hot end), be prepared to fix it yourself.  

I believe at one point, Ensoniq was performing the service for free,
but only those who complained to their dealer or heard about it
through other sources got it done -- maybe it was a high enough
priority that if they brought their keyboard in for some other
service, this repair was also done, but I'm not sure.  Knowing that,
it's up to you to guess the odds if the seller doesn't know if it's
been done or not.

Years ago, I bought a used VFX-SD to compliment my VFX.  I was fully
aware of the hardwired keyboard mod, and this VFX-SD was exhibiting
the exact symptoms of the problem and available cheap because of it --
I figured it was a 90% chance or better that I could fix it myself,
and get a fully functioning VFX-SD on the cheap.  So, you can imagine
my dismay when I opened it up and found that the connectors had
already been replaced by wires!  However, I re-soldered the
connections, and cleaned all the other connectors between the keyboard
and the main board.  And I haven't had a problem since, knock on wood.

In short (yeah, right), I don't know what OS problems you were having,
but the keyboard calibration error is either already gone from your
prospective purchase, or it can be fixed.

--> Steve

Thanks STEVE! 
It's good to be in a forum like this where people are generous!

It's time to open my VFX !!! YEAH YEAH YEAH !



--- In Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com, Steve Wahl <steve@p...> wrote:

> > I'm wondering does anyone know about the VFX-SD, 
> > does it has the same 'recalibration' problems it 
> > had with the VFX? 
> 
> My experience was opposite of yours.  I never had the OS hang, and
> never had the keyboard calibration fail.  I did once have the internal
> RAM sounds get zapped, possibly due to a static zap as it was after
> transporting it.
> 
> However, I got mine late in the life cycle of the VFX, so probably had
> a newer version of the ROMS, which would explain the OS hang thing.  I
> never had the keyboard calibration problem, but I didn't move it
> around much at first, and when I started moving it, I got it fixed
> proactively, before I actually saw the problem.
> 
> The keyboard calibration thing was solved by Ensoniq, but it was WAY
> late in the game, after the SD-1 was released.  There are two printed
> circuit boards under the keybed, joined by a connector in the middle
> of the keyboard.  The pins of this connector would oxidize, resulting
> in bad connections that caused the calibration failure problem.  I
> think the act of shipping the synth back to Ensoniq or opening it up
> to examine it tended to jostle this connection and make the problem go
> away, so the problem was hard for Ensoniq to figure out.
> 
> The solution, was to get rid of the connector entirely and replace it
> with wires soldered between the boards.  I believe it's referred to as
> the hard-wired keyboard mod.  Instructions on how to do this are now
> available on the web.  Even though aimed at the EPS sampler line, this
> page seems to apply quite well:
> http://www.chickensys.com/kb/eps-asr/014.html
> 
> For the used market, you have to find out if the keyboard has had this
> fix performed or not.  And if not, find a tech who will fix it for
> you, or, if you know which end of a soldering iron to grab (hint: not
> the hot end), be prepared to fix it yourself.  
> 
> I believe at one point, Ensoniq was performing the service for free,
> but only those who complained to their dealer or heard about it
> through other sources got it done -- maybe it was a high enough
> priority that if they brought their keyboard in for some other
> service, this repair was also done, but I'm not sure.  Knowing that,
> it's up to you to guess the odds if the seller doesn't know if it's
> been done or not.
> 
> Years ago, I bought a used VFX-SD to compliment my VFX.  I was fully
> aware of the hardwired keyboard mod, and this VFX-SD was exhibiting
> the exact symptoms of the problem and available cheap because of it --
> I figured it was a 90% chance or better that I could fix it myself,
> and get a fully functioning VFX-SD on the cheap.  So, you can imagine
> my dismay when I opened it up and found that the connectors had
> already been replaced by wires!  However, I re-soldered the
> connections, and cleaned all the other connectors between the keyboard
> and the main board.  And I haven't had a problem since, knock on wood.
> 
> In short (yeah, right), I don't know what OS problems you were having,
> but the keyboard calibration error is either already gone from your
> prospective purchase, or it can be fixed.
> 
> --> Steve

I had the same problem. It is due to a flux build up on the circuit board 
due to materials used in manufacturing. I had to send it to the company to 
be replaced and the paid for it. If you call Ensoniq they will know what you 
are talking about.

>From: Steve Wahl <steve@...>
>Reply-To: Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com
>To: Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com
>Subject: [Ensoniq-VFX-SD] Re: Ensoniq VFX
>Date: Tue, 7 Dec 2004 10:00:55 -0600
>
> > I'm wondering does anyone know about the VFX-SD,
> > does it has the same 'recalibration' problems it
> > had with the VFX?
>
>My experience was opposite of yours.  I never had the OS hang, and
>never had the keyboard calibration fail.  I did once have the internal
>RAM sounds get zapped, possibly due to a static zap as it was after
>transporting it.
>
>However, I got mine late in the life cycle of the VFX, so probably had
>a newer version of the ROMS, which would explain the OS hang thing.  I
>never had the keyboard calibration problem, but I didn't move it
>around much at first, and when I started moving it, I got it fixed
>proactively, before I actually saw the problem.
>
>The keyboard calibration thing was solved by Ensoniq, but it was WAY
>late in the game, after the SD-1 was released.  There are two printed
>circuit boards under the keybed, joined by a connector in the middle
>of the keyboard.  The pins of this connector would oxidize, resulting
>in bad connections that caused the calibration failure problem.  I
>think the act of shipping the synth back to Ensoniq or opening it up
>to examine it tended to jostle this connection and make the problem go
>away, so the problem was hard for Ensoniq to figure out.
>
>The solution, was to get rid of the connector entirely and replace it
>with wires soldered between the boards.  I believe it's referred to as
>the hard-wired keyboard mod.  Instructions on how to do this are now
>available on the web.  Even though aimed at the EPS sampler line, this
>page seems to apply quite well:
>http://www.chickensys.com/kb/eps-asr/014.html
>
>For the used market, you have to find out if the keyboard has had this
>fix performed or not.  And if not, find a tech who will fix it for
>you, or, if you know which end of a soldering iron to grab (hint: not
>the hot end), be prepared to fix it yourself.
>
>I believe at one point, Ensoniq was performing the service for free,
>but only those who complained to their dealer or heard about it
>through other sources got it done -- maybe it was a high enough
>priority that if they brought their keyboard in for some other
>service, this repair was also done, but I'm not sure.  Knowing that,
>it's up to you to guess the odds if the seller doesn't know if it's
>been done or not.
>
>Years ago, I bought a used VFX-SD to compliment my VFX.  I was fully
>aware of the hardwired keyboard mod, and this VFX-SD was exhibiting
>the exact symptoms of the problem and available cheap because of it --
>I figured it was a 90% chance or better that I could fix it myself,
>and get a fully functioning VFX-SD on the cheap.  So, you can imagine
>my dismay when I opened it up and found that the connectors had
>already been replaced by wires!  However, I re-soldered the
>connections, and cleaned all the other connectors between the keyboard
>and the main board.  And I haven't had a problem since, knock on wood.
>
>In short (yeah, right), I don't know what OS problems you were having,
>but the keyboard calibration error is either already gone from your
>prospective purchase, or it can be fixed.
>
>--> Steve

Hi ALL,

I dig out my old VFX from the store and start playing with it.
The sound sare great but it hangs after about 2 hours. 

Will try fixing the problem with the TOOLs guide from the Files
section.

.john

--- In Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com, "Hayward Redd" <hrc2c@h...> 
wrote:
> I had the same problem. It is due to a flux build up on the circuit 
board 
> due to materials used in manufacturing. I had to send it to the 
company to 
> be replaced and the paid for it. If you call Ensoniq they will know 
what you 
> are talking about.
> 
> >From: Steve Wahl <steve@p...>
> >Reply-To: Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com
> >To: Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com
> >Subject: [Ensoniq-VFX-SD] Re: Ensoniq VFX
> >Date: Tue, 7 Dec 2004 10:00:55 -0600
> >
> > > I'm wondering does anyone know about the VFX-SD,
> > > does it has the same 'recalibration' problems it
> > > had with the VFX?
> >
> >My experience was opposite of yours.  I never had the OS hang, and
> >never had the keyboard calibration fail.  I did once have the 
internal
> >RAM sounds get zapped, possibly due to a static zap as it was after
> >transporting it.
> >
> >However, I got mine late in the life cycle of the VFX, so probably 
had
> >a newer version of the ROMS, which would explain the OS hang 
thing.  I
> >never had the keyboard calibration problem, but I didn't move it
> >around much at first, and when I started moving it, I got it fixed
> >proactively, before I actually saw the problem.
> >
> >The keyboard calibration thing was solved by Ensoniq, but it was 
WAY
> >late in the game, after the SD-1 was released.  There are two 
printed
> >circuit boards under the keybed, joined by a connector in the 
middle
> >of the keyboard.  The pins of this connector would oxidize, 
resulting
> >in bad connections that caused the calibration failure problem.  I
> >think the act of shipping the synth back to Ensoniq or opening it 
up
> >to examine it tended to jostle this connection and make the 
problem go
> >away, so the problem was hard for Ensoniq to figure out.
> >
> >The solution, was to get rid of the connector entirely and replace 
it
> >with wires soldered between the boards.  I believe it's referred 
to as
> >the hard-wired keyboard mod.  Instructions on how to do this are 
now
> >available on the web.  Even though aimed at the EPS sampler line, 
this
> >page seems to apply quite well:
> >http://www.chickensys.com/kb/eps-asr/014.html
> >
> >For the used market, you have to find out if the keyboard has had 
this
> >fix performed or not.  And if not, find a tech who will fix it for
> >you, or, if you know which end of a soldering iron to grab (hint: 
not
> >the hot end), be prepared to fix it yourself.
> >
> >I believe at one point, Ensoniq was performing the service for 
free,
> >but only those who complained to their dealer or heard about it
> >through other sources got it done -- maybe it was a high enough
> >priority that if they brought their keyboard in for some other
> >service, this repair was also done, but I'm not sure.  Knowing 
that,
> >it's up to you to guess the odds if the seller doesn't know if it's
> >been done or not.
> >
> >Years ago, I bought a used VFX-SD to compliment my VFX.  I was 
fully
> >aware of the hardwired keyboard mod, and this VFX-SD was exhibiting
> >the exact symptoms of the problem and available cheap because of 
it --
> >I figured it was a 90% chance or better that I could fix it myself,
> >and get a fully functioning VFX-SD on the cheap.  So, you can 
imagine
> >my dismay when I opened it up and found that the connectors had
> >already been replaced by wires!  However, I re-soldered the
> >connections, and cleaned all the other connectors between the 
keyboard
> >and the main board.  And I haven't had a problem since, knock on 
wood.
> >
> >In short (yeah, right), I don't know what OS problems you were 
having,

> >but the keyboard calibration error is either already gone from your
> >prospective purchase, or it can be fixed.
> >
> >--> Steve

Crashing after a couple of hours could be an
overheating issue.  Can you fry an egg on the cooling
fins?  Try pointing a small clip-on fan pointed at the
fins.  Magic for me.  No more crashing.


--- keybdt <keybdt@...> wrote:

> 
> Hi ALL,
> 
> I dig out my old VFX from the store and start
> playing with it.
> The sound sare great but it hangs after about 2
> hours. 
> 
> Will try fixing the problem with the TOOLs guide
> from the Files
> section.
> 
> .john
> 
> --- In Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com, "Hayward
> Redd" <hrc2c@h...> 
> wrote:
> > I had the same problem. It is due to a flux build
> up on the circuit 
> board 
> > due to materials used in manufacturing. I had to
> send it to the 
> company to 
> > be replaced and the paid for it. If you call
> Ensoniq they will know 
> what you 
> > are talking about.
> > 
> > >From: Steve Wahl <steve@p...>
> > >Reply-To: Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com
> > >To: Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com
> > >Subject: [Ensoniq-VFX-SD] Re: Ensoniq VFX
> > >Date: Tue, 7 Dec 2004 10:00:55 -0600
> > >
> > > > I'm wondering does anyone know about the
> VFX-SD,
> > > > does it has the same 'recalibration' problems
> it
> > > > had with the VFX?
> > >
> > >My experience was opposite of yours.  I never had
> the OS hang, and
> > >never had the keyboard calibration fail.  I did
> once have the 
> internal
> > >RAM sounds get zapped, possibly due to a static
> zap as it was after
> > >transporting it.
> > >
> > >However, I got mine late in the life cycle of the
> VFX, so probably 
> had
> > >a newer version of the ROMS, which would explain
> the OS hang 
> thing.  I
> > >never had the keyboard calibration problem, but I
> didn't move it
> > >around much at first, and when I started moving
> it, I got it fixed
> > >proactively, before I actually saw the problem.
> > >
> > >The keyboard calibration thing was solved by
> Ensoniq, but it was 
> WAY
> > >late in the game, after the SD-1 was released. 
> There are two 
> printed
> > >circuit boards under the keybed, joined by a
> connector in the 
> middle
> > >of the keyboard.  The pins of this connector
> would oxidize, 
> resulting
> > >in bad connections that caused the calibration
> failure problem.  I
> > >think the act of shipping the synth back to
> Ensoniq or opening it 
> up
> > >to examine it tended to jostle this connection
> and make the 
> problem go
> > >away, so the problem was hard for Ensoniq to
> figure out.
> > >
> > >The solution, was to get rid of the connector
> entirely and replace 
> it
> > >with wires soldered between the boards.  I
> believe it's referred 
> to as
> > >the hard-wired keyboard mod.  Instructions on how
> to do this are 
> now
> > >available on the web.  Even though aimed at the
> EPS sampler line, 
> this
> > >page seems to apply quite well:
> > >http://www.chickensys.com/kb/eps-asr/014.html
> > >
> > >For the used market, you have to find out if the
> keyboard has had 
> this
> > >fix performed or not.  And if not, find a tech
> who will fix it for
> > >you, or, if you know which end of a soldering
> iron to grab (hint: 
> not
> > >the hot end), be prepared to fix it yourself.
> > >
> > >I believe at one point, Ensoniq was performing
> the service for 
> free,
> > >but only those who complained to their dealer or
> heard about it
> > >through other sources got it done -- maybe it was
> a high enough
> > >priority that if they brought their keyboard in
> for some other
> > >service, this repair was also done, but I'm not
> sure.  Knowing 
> that,
> > >it's up to you to guess the odds if the seller
> doesn't know if it's
> > >been done or not.
> > >
> > >Years ago, I bought a used VFX-SD to compliment
> my VFX.  I was 
> fully
> > >aware of the hardwired keyboard mod, and this
> VFX-SD was exhibiting
> > >the exact symptoms of the problem and available
> cheap because of 
> it --
> > >I figured it was a 90% chance or better that I
> could fix it myself,
> > >and get a fully functioning VFX-SD on the cheap. 
> So, you can 
> imagine
> > >my dismay when I opened it up and found that the
> connectors had
> > >already been replaced by wires!  However, I
> re-soldered the
> > >connections, and cleaned all the other connectors
> between the 
> keyboard
> > >and the main board.  And I haven't had a problem
> since, knock on 
> wood.
> > >
> > >In short (yeah, right), I don't know what OS
> problems you were 
> having,
> > >but the keyboard calibration error is either
> already gone from your
> > >prospective purchase, or it can be fixed.
> > >
> > >--> Steve
> 
> 
> 
> 



		
__________________________________ 
Do you Yahoo!? 
The all-new My Yahoo! - What will yours do?
http://my.yahoo.com

Hello there, 
  I have experienced problems with my VFX-SD as well which are similar
to what the others have faced.  I picked it up in a pawn shop a few
months ago for $249.00 (after talking the guy down from $499: either I
have the gift of gab or he just wanted to get rid of it).
  Mine crashes every now and then too, with stuck notes and sometimes
random notes come out of nowhere.  I simply turn it off and on again
and it comes right back up.
  I am not using it as my main board though; I pretty much just use it
for bass and drums in the track mode.  
  When I got mine, I was unaware that the disk drive had failed.  I
cannot format disks in it or anything and cannot load my old disks in.
 I know that it is a drive problem, but it does recognize when I pull
a disk out when it is trying to read one.  I will eventually send mine
to TheSoniq to do a complete overhaul on it.  I have cleaned it and it
does heat up, so that is probably what the hanging issue is.  As a
result of the disk drive being faulty, I cannot load the sequencer, so
I am really using it about 1/3 of its potential.  I also have the same
banks in both RAM and ROM, so I know the memory was wiped.  I have
lots of disks with sounds, but no way to get them in the VFX.

Does anyone have any sound for it in a format where I can play them
into the VFX with either a Roland XP50/60/80 format or Yamaha MDF-II
format?  I have a Roland XP60 and Yamaha MDF-II (MIDI Data filer).

I can bring them into the VFX via Sys-Ex mode at that point and can
enjoy extra sounds.  This limitiation I have has caused me to get back
into the programming mode on the VFX-SD though and that has been
reqarding.  I used to have one many years ago and know the board
inside and out.

It is also still amazing that most of the sounds on the VFX-SD still
hold up, even to today's standards.  Of course, the piano on the XP60
is superior, but for the oboe, clarinet, flute, sax, and just about
any other lead sound, I still run to the VFX (or my SQ2 32-Voice which
is very similar in voice architecture), for the solo sounds. I also
use the drums sounds, namely the Ballad-Kit.  I use it on two tracks
though through the XP60's sequencer.  I have a custom Ballad-Kit that
uses just kick and snare on Channel 10 so it can work with my other
drums kits that are in use on other GM synths.  I also use the Tom
sounds from the Ballad-Kit on Channel 11 and since the key mapping is
different than the GM map, I simply program the toms for the GM kits
on Channel 10 and then play them in again on Channel 11 just for the
VFX.  It works well and I have a very big sound. 

Aside from the poly-key and heating issues, Ensoniq was way ahead of
the game with this series.  It is too bad that some of the guys from
there could not design a new version of the VFX and take the world by
storm again.

Anyway, thank you and that is all for now.

Harry Ebbeson III
Ebbeson Management Group
www.geocities.com/ebbrecords

> >>

halo ALL,

hv anyone tried the soldering methods to solve 
the re-calibration problem for the VFX ???

not too sure about it, will it worsen the problem.
after powering up my VFX after these donkey years,
i really find the sounds are damn good! 

Killer organ, nasty organ, Mini-lead, FM piano, tom sayer
all these sound still can be use in this new milliemun.

rdsg,
john

--- In Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com, "Harry" <ebbrecords@y...> 
wrote:
> 
> Hello there, 
>   I have experienced problems with my VFX-SD as well which are 
similar
> to what the others have faced.  I picked it up in a pawn shop a few
> months ago for $249.00 (after talking the guy down from $499: 
either I
> have the gift of gab or he just wanted to get rid of it).
>   Mine crashes every now and then too, with stuck notes and 
sometimes
> random notes come out of nowhere.  I simply turn it off and on again
> and it comes right back up.
>   I am not using it as my main board though; I pretty much just use 
it
> for bass and drums in the track mode.  
>   When I got mine, I was unaware that the disk drive had failed.  I
> cannot format disks in it or anything and cannot load my old disks 
in.
>  I know that it is a drive problem, but it does recognize when I 
pull
> a disk out when it is trying to read one.  I will eventually send 
mine
> to TheSoniq to do a complete overhaul on it.  I have cleaned it and 
it
> does heat up, so that is probably what the hanging issue is.  As a
> result of the disk drive being faulty, I cannot load the sequencer, 
so
> I am really using it about 1/3 of its potential.  I also have the 
same
> banks in both RAM and ROM, so I know the memory was wiped.  I have
> lots of disks with sounds, but no way to get them in the VFX.
> 
> Does anyone have any sound for it in a format where I can play them
> into the VFX with either a Roland XP50/60/80 format or Yamaha MDF-II
> format?  I have a Roland XP60 and Yamaha MDF-II (MIDI Data filer).
> 
> I can bring them into the VFX via Sys-Ex mode at that point and can
> enjoy extra sounds.  This limitiation I have has caused me to get 
back
> into the programming mode on the VFX-SD though and that has been
> reqarding.  I used to have one many years ago and know the board
> inside and out.
> 
> It is also still amazing that most of the sounds on the VFX-SD still
> hold up, even to today's standards.  Of course, the piano on the 
XP60
> is superior, but for the oboe, clarinet, flute, sax, and just about
> any other lead sound, I still run to the VFX (or my SQ2 32-Voice 
which
> is very similar in voice architecture), for the solo sounds. I also
> use the drums sounds, namely the Ballad-Kit.  I use it on two tracks
> though through the XP60's sequencer.  I have a custom Ballad-Kit 
that
> uses just kick and snare on Channel 10 so it can work with my other
> drums kits that are in use on other GM synths.  I also use the Tom
> sounds from the Ballad-Kit on Channel 11 and since the key mapping 
is
> different than the GM map, I simply program the toms for the GM kits
> on Channel 10 and then play them in again on Channel 11 just for the
> VFX.  It works well and I have a very big sound. 
> 
> Aside from the poly-key and heating issues, Ensoniq was way ahead of
> the game with this series.  It is too bad that some of the guys from
> there could not design a new version of the VFX and take the world 
by

> storm again.
> 
> Anyway, thank you and that is all for now.
> 
> Harry Ebbeson III
> Ebbeson Management Group
> www.geocities.com/ebbrecords
> 
> > >>

If your synth is crashing or acting weird, check the power that you're
feeding it. 
The display on mine would freak out (the sound worked but you had to turn
it off before you could change patches or anything) in one certain
building.  I later found out that the VFX is notably sensitive to bad
power.   
Maybe you could help things with a surge supressor.  Some folks use an
Uninteruptible Power Supply.  The UPS might fix some low voltage problems
that a normal power conditioner wouldn't.

Make a joyful noise,
Nathan
--------
Don't Panic :-)
-Douglas Adams