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Patches and discussion for Ensoniq VFX family

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Incompatible seq os version

Incompatible seq os version

2006-02-27 by Matty Tee

All, 

I picked up a VFX-SD cheap at a pawn shop, with no disks. Downloaded
the 2.10 OS and when I try to load the sequencer, I get the error
"Incompatible SEQ OS version." 

Sounds load from disk fine and I even have a batch of old 800K
floppies I can use, but I won't have much to save unless I can
sequence. I know I could use my PC as a sequencer, but I grew up on
the ESQ1 and I would really like to use the built-in one. 

Does anyone have a copy of an older OS version they could post? I read
about upgrading the ROMs, but I'm afraid to tear into the machine. 

Thanks,
Matt

Re: Incompatible seq os version

2006-02-27 by webcam92103

Matt,

I thought that the different OS versions were here in the files
section, but they are downloadable from E-mu:  Try these links:
(I think the 3.0 OS is what you need)

http://www.emu.com/support/files/download2.asp?Centric=757&Platform=1

  --Mike


--- In Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com, "Matty Tee" <mattytee74@...> wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
> All, 
> 
> I picked up a VFX-SD cheap at a pawn shop, with no disks. Downloaded
> the 2.10 OS and when I try to load the sequencer, I get the error
> "Incompatible SEQ OS version." 
> 
> Sounds load from disk fine and I even have a batch of old 800K
> floppies I can use, but I won't have much to save unless I can
> sequence. I know I could use my PC as a sequencer, but I grew up on
> the ESQ1 and I would really like to use the built-in one. 
> 
> Does anyone have a copy of an older OS version they could post? I read
> about upgrading the ROMs, but I'm afraid to tear into the machine. 
> 
> Thanks,
> Matt
>

Re: Incompatible seq os version

2006-03-04 by Matty Tee

OK, I have tried every version on the 'net, 2.10, 3.0, and 4.1. Every
version gives the same error "Incompatible SEQ OS version." 

I need the sequencer OS version 1.67. Could someone PLEASE PLEASE
PLEASE mail it to me or post? I'd be eternally grateful. 

In other news, I think I mentioned I paid $100 for the beast? Well,
after I got it home and it heated up, ALAS the dreaded keyboard
calibration error. Seems this one was never fixed. 

The pawn shop I bought it at FIXED IT FOR ME. FOR FREE. I took them
the relevant stuff from this site, and their electronics guy soldered
it up for me. (I was scared to death to try it myself for fear of
smoking the board.) Needless to say, I'm going to keep patronizing
that store, and if you're ever in Tulsa, you ought to stop by Golden
Pawn II at 13th and Peoria. 

Thanks,
Matty

Re: [Ensoniq-VFX-SD] Re: Incompatible seq os version

2006-03-04 by swomp_rabbit@sbcglobal.net

Matty,
Perhaps I missed it in the previous posts on this subject but have you checked your unit to see what OS system it is suppose to have?
If not.......
Turn the unit on; Press the "PRESETS" button and hold it down while also pressing the "MASTER" button down located at the top left of the middle tier of soft buttons on the right side of the unit. The ROM version (OS) for that unit should appear on the display screen briefly.
What version does the unit display? There are earlier OS versions for the VFX-SD than 2.10.
SR
Show quoted textHide quoted text
----- Original Message -----
From: Matty Tee
Sent: Friday, March 03, 2006 11:14 PM
Subject: [Ensoniq-VFX-SD] Re: Incompatible seq os version

OK, I have tried every version on the 'net, 2.10, 3.0, and 4.1. Every
version gives the same error "Incompatible SEQ OS version."

I need the sequencer OS version 1.67. Could someone PLEASE PLEASE
PLEASE mail it to me or post? I'd be eternally grateful.

In other news, I think I mentioned I paid $100 for the beast? Well,
after I got it home and it heated up, ALAS the dreaded keyboard
calibration error. Seems this one was never fixed.

The pawn shop I bought it at FIXED IT FOR ME. FOR FREE. I took them
the relevant stuff from this site, and their electronics guy soldered
it up for me. (I was scared to death to try it myself for fear of
smoking the board.) Needless to say, I'm going to keep patronizing
that store, and if you're ever in Tulsa, you ought to stop by Golden
Pawn II at 13th and Peoria.

Thanks,
Matty




RE: [Ensoniq-VFX-SD] Re: Buttons Stick

2006-03-16 by Robert Douglas

Hello everyone-

Does anyone know any good fixes for buttons that stick on a VFX-SD?

The first button to stick is the top left "soft key" - it seems hung up in 
the hole in the display. I tried using the corners of a laminated card to 
clean out any buildup in the crevice, but it is still sticking. The other 
buttom which is starting to feel sticky is the "Sounds" button.

I read on www.hometown.aol.com/mishon66/ensoniqpage.html that there was an 
article in Electronic Musician Magazine in the June 1990 issue, page 80 
which addressed "VFX buttons stick", anyone have old back issues of this 
magazine?

-Rob

Re: [Ensoniq-VFX-SD] Re: Buttons Stick

2006-03-16 by swomp_rabbit@sbcglobal.net

Rob….

Here is a link to a ‘pdf’ file from Electronic Musicians Magazine that list their back issues and major articles included. This goes back to June of 1985.

I noted an article in July 1990 on the VFX but nothing in June. However, that doesn't mean there wasn't something in the June issue.

http://emusician.com/images/Back%20Issues_0206.pdf

FYI – currently they are revamping their warehousing and back issues are not available but I have been told that they will be within the next couple of months. However, they are not sure at this time how far back the issues will go that they will have available.

SR

Show quoted textHide quoted text
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Thursday, March 16, 2006 8:18 AM
Subject: RE: [Ensoniq-VFX-SD] Re: Buttons Stick

Hello everyone-

Does anyone know any good fixes for buttons that stick on a VFX-SD?

The first button to stick is the top left "soft key" - it seems hung up in
the hole in the display. I tried using the corners of a laminated card to
clean out any buildup in the crevice, but it is still sticking. The other
buttom which is starting to feel sticky is the "Sounds" button.

I read on www.hometown.aol.com/mishon66/ensoniqpage.html that there was an
article in Electronic Musician Magazine in the June 1990 issue, page 80
which addressed "VFX buttons stick", anyone have old back issues of this
magazine?

-Rob


RE: [Ensoniq-VFX-SD] Re: Buttons Stick

2006-03-16 by River Of Life

At 09:18 AM 3/16/2006, you wrote:

Hello everyone-

Does anyone know any good fixes for buttons that stick on a VFX-SD?

If you find out, post it to the list. I have a button that sticks once in a while.


Your Servant in Christ,

Vince Perna
The River Of Life
Discount Christian Bookstore

RE: [Ensoniq-VFX-SD] Re: Buttons Stick

2006-03-16 by Jim Ivy

Cleaning the buttons is relatively simple.

 

1.	Unplug the VFX-SD 
2.	Pull the caps off of the volume and Data sliders.  They just lift
straight up.
3.	Remove the four allen screws that hold the top cover in place.
Don't loose them!
4.	The top cover will hinge up and back exposing the circuit board
beneath the buttons
5.	Remove the circuit board using a #1 Phillips.  There are quite a few
screws - don't loose them!
6.	Don't disconnect any wires, just lay the circuit board on the VFX
being careful not to bend the LED stalks that stick up.
7.	Now you can access all of the buttons.  Use a camel hair brush to
dust them from the inside.
8.	If you have "gunk" that has built up around the buttons, you can use
a toothpick or Q-tip. You may want to put down some wax paper or newspaper
to make sure that the "gunk" does not fall into the VFX-SD.
9.	If absolutely necessary you can remove the buttons and wash them in
a jar with something like Joy dishwashing detergent.  This is not recommened
because most of the buttons have molded in "hooks" that keep them in place.
If you break a plastic hook, you may have a heck of a time finding a
replacement.
10.	Carefully replace the circuit board, being careful not to damage the
LED stalks.
11.	Replace the Phillip head screws.  Do not tighten them until all are
in place, then gently tighten the screws finger tight.
12.	Close the lid and replace the four allen screws.  Do not over
tighten.
13.	Replace the caps on the Data and Volume sliders.

 

The entire job takes about 15 minutes.  Just don't do anything stupid.  Not
a bad idea to use a small "computer keyboard" vacumn to get all of the dust
out of the VFX while it is open.  Just exercise reasonable caution.

 

JI

 

  _____
Show quoted textHide quoted text
From: Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com]
On Behalf Of River Of Life
Sent: Thursday, March 16, 2006 9:02 AM
To: Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com
Subject: RE: [Ensoniq-VFX-SD] Re: Buttons Stick

 

At 09:18 AM 3/16/2006, you wrote:




Hello everyone-

Does anyone know any good fixes for buttons that stick on a VFX-SD?


If you find out, post it to the list. I have a button that sticks once in a
while.




SPONSORED LINKS 


Sampler
<http://groups.yahoo.com/gads?t=ms&k=Sampler&w1=Sampler&w2=Electronic+instru
ment&w3=Music+synthesizers&w4=Synthesizer+music&w5=Electronic+music&w6=Music
+sampler&c=6&s=128&.sig=sxG9aCMlXQ2P1jigaHPKgA>  

Electronic
<http://groups.yahoo.com/gads?t=ms&k=Electronic+instrument&w1=Sampler&w2=Ele
ctronic+instrument&w3=Music+synthesizers&w4=Synthesizer+music&w5=Electronic+
music&w6=Music+sampler&c=6&s=128&.sig=n1DVJ2f6zzk87Xy9WgTqnA>  instrument 

Music
<http://groups.yahoo.com/gads?t=ms&k=Music+synthesizers&w1=Sampler&w2=Electr
onic+instrument&w3=Music+synthesizers&w4=Synthesizer+music&w5=Electronic+mus
ic&w6=Music+sampler&c=6&s=128&.sig=f1VKnRbXcugaBBGn6yWKyA>  synthesizers 


Synthesizer
<http://groups.yahoo.com/gads?t=ms&k=Synthesizer+music&w1=Sampler&w2=Electro
nic+instrument&w3=Music+synthesizers&w4=Synthesizer+music&w5=Electronic+musi
c&w6=Music+sampler&c=6&s=128&.sig=PIjlwR8yB3UeCuv4rLd8wQ>  music 

Electronic
<http://groups.yahoo.com/gads?t=ms&k=Electronic+music&w1=Sampler&w2=Electron
ic+instrument&w3=Music+synthesizers&w4=Synthesizer+music&w5=Electronic+music
&w6=Music+sampler&c=6&s=128&.sig=4-pUEVkIS1ED1RG7UPJe_Q>  music 

Music
<http://groups.yahoo.com/gads?t=ms&k=Music+sampler&w1=Sampler&w2=Electronic+
instrument&w3=Music+synthesizers&w4=Synthesizer+music&w5=Electronic+music&w6
=Music+sampler&c=6&s=128&.sig=_zm_bk9pqHBz8vqDp9fhdg>  sampler 

 

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Your Servant in Christ,

Vince Perna
The River Of Life
Discount Christian Bookstore 
 <http://www.riveroflifecbs.com/> http://www.riveroflifecbs.com

RE: [Ensoniq-VFX-SD] Re: Buttons Stick

2006-03-16 by Robert Douglas

Thanks for the info-

I would also caution people using a vacuum, even a computer vacuume meant 
for a keyboard inside the electronics of the VFX as I know that vacuums can 
create static electricity which can damadge IC's- I remember way back being 
told not to use a "solderpult" solder removal tool to remove solder from 
around IC chips from circuit boards for this reason, I would say a clean 
lint free cloth would be safer, and only if large amounts of dust are found 
in the unit.

-Rob

RE: [Ensoniq-VFX-SD] Re: Buttons Stick

2006-03-16 by Jim Ivy

Once you remove the circuit board, there are not any electronics where the
buttons are on the hinge cover.  Just plastic!  Would not hurt to wear a
grounding strap just in case.

JI
Show quoted textHide quoted text
-----Original Message-----
From: Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com]
On Behalf Of Robert Douglas
Sent: Thursday, March 16, 2006 1:43 PM
To: Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com
Subject: RE: [Ensoniq-VFX-SD] Re: Buttons Stick

Thanks for the info-

I would also caution people using a vacuum, even a computer vacuume meant 
for a keyboard inside the electronics of the VFX as I know that vacuums can 
create static electricity which can damadge IC's- I remember way back being 
told not to use a "solderpult" solder removal tool to remove solder from 
around IC chips from circuit boards for this reason, I would say a clean 
lint free cloth would be safer, and only if large amounts of dust are found 
in the unit.

-Rob




 
Yahoo! Groups Links

Re: [Ensoniq-VFX-SD] Re: Buttons Stick

2006-03-17 by mishon66@aol.com

If you find that the actual button under the plastic cap is bad let me know I have them in stock.
 Rich at www.Route66studios.com
Show quoted textHide quoted text
-----Original Message-----
From: River Of Life <riveroflifecbs@...>
To: Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Thu, 16 Mar 2006 10:02:22 -0500
Subject: RE: [Ensoniq-VFX-SD] Re: Buttons Stick


At 09:18 AM 3/16/2006, you wrote:


Hello everyone-

Does anyone know any good fixes for buttons that stick on a VFX-SD?

If you find out, post it to the list. I have a button that sticks once in a while.



SPONSORED LINKS Sampler Electronic instrument Music synthesizers 
Synthesizer music Electronic music Music sampler 



YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS 

 Visit your group "Ensoniq-VFX-SD" on the web.
  
 To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
 Ensoniq-VFX-SD-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
  
 Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service. 






Your Servant in Christ,


Vince Perna
The River Of Life
Discount Christian Bookstore 
http://www.riveroflifecbs.com

Re: [Ensoniq-VFX-SD] Re: Buttons Stick

2006-03-18 by Robert Douglas

Thanks for the offer Rich, but I would like to report that the sticky button 
operation was a...success!! Took me about 25 to 30 minutes total including 
removal of not too much dust inside the unit.

Thank you Jim for those very handy step by step instructions, would never 
have popped the hood unless I had those!!

I was able to pull the sticky "soft key" out which was wedged in there with 
a pretty gross looking waxy buildup all around the sides of the button. They 
all sit loose in their respective holes.

The sounds button was gripping with some buildup around it too, I found a 
needle nose set of pliers worked well to gingerly hold down those delicate 
"hooks" on the button just enough to get them to clear the opening.

I scraped the buildup off with a fingernail, washed with soap and water, 
dried them off, reinstalled them, and they felt as good as new.

Thanks again everyone for the help,

Rob D.
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>From: mishon66@...
>Reply-To: Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com
>To: Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com
>Subject: Re: [Ensoniq-VFX-SD] Re: Buttons Stick
>Date: Fri, 17 Mar 2006 17:23:18 -0500
>
>If you find that the actual button under the plastic cap is bad let me know 
>I have them in stock.
>  Rich at www.Route66studios.com
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: River Of Life <riveroflifecbs@...>
>To: Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com
>Sent: Thu, 16 Mar 2006 10:02:22 -0500
>Subject: RE: [Ensoniq-VFX-SD] Re: Buttons Stick
>
>
>At 09:18 AM 3/16/2006, you wrote:
>
>
>Hello everyone-
>
>Does anyone know any good fixes for buttons that stick on a VFX-SD?
>
>If you find out, post it to the list. I have a button that sticks once in a 
>while.
>
>
>
>SPONSORED LINKS Sampler Electronic instrument Music synthesizers
>Synthesizer music Electronic music Music sampler
>
>
>
>YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS
>
>  Visit your group "Ensoniq-VFX-SD" on the web.
>
>  To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
>  Ensoniq-VFX-SD-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>
>  Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>Your Servant in Christ,
>
>
>Vince Perna
>The River Of Life
>Discount Christian Bookstore
>http://www.riveroflifecbs.com

Re: [Ensoniq-VFX-SD] Re: Buttons Stick

2006-12-10 by River Of Life

Hi Rich,

The button under the cap finally went and I need a replacement. It is 
the Stop/Cont. button (if it makes a difference). It is a VFX/SD.

Thanks, Vince

At 05:23 PM 3/17/2006, you wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>If you find that the actual button under the plastic cap is bad let 
>me know I have them in stock.
>  Rich at www.Route66studios.com
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: River Of Life <riveroflifecbs@...>
>To: Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com
>Sent: Thu, 16 Mar 2006 10:02:22 -0500
>Subject: RE: [Ensoniq-VFX-SD] Re: Buttons Stick
>
>At 09:18 AM 3/16/2006, you wrote:
>
>>Hello everyone-
>>
>>Does anyone know any good fixes for buttons that stick on a VFX-SD?
>
>If you find out, post it to the list. I have a button that sticks 
>once in a while.
>
>
>
>SPONSORED LINKS
><http://groups.yahoo.com/gads?t=ms&k=Sampler&w1=Sampler&w2=Electronic+instrument&w3=Music+synthesizers&w4=Synthesizer+music&w5=Electronic+music&w6=Music+sampler&c=6&s=128&.sig=sxG9aCMlXQ2P1jigaHPKgA>Sampler 
><http://groups.yahoo.com/gads?t=ms&k=Electronic+instrument&w1=Sampler&w2=Electronic+instrument&w3=Music+synthesizers&w4=Synthesizer+music&w5=Electronic+music&w6=Music+sampler&c=6&s=128&.sig=n1DVJ2f6zzk87Xy9WgTqnA>Electronic 
>instrument 
><http://groups.yahoo.com/gads?t=ms&k=Music+synthesizers&w1=Sampler&w2=Electronic+instrument&w3=Music+synthesizers&w4=Synthesizer+music&w5=Electronic+music&w6=Music+sampler&c=6&s=128&.sig=f1VKnRbXcugaBBGn6yWKyA>Music 
>synthesizers
><http://groups.yahoo.com/gads?t=ms&k=Synthesizer+music&w1=Sampler&w2=Electronic+instrument&w3=Music+synthesizers&w4=Synthesizer+music&w5=Electronic+music&w6=Music+sampler&c=6&s=128&.sig=PIjlwR8yB3UeCuv4rLd8wQ>Synthesizer 
>music 
><http://groups.yahoo.com/gads?t=ms&k=Electronic+music&w1=Sampler&w2=Electronic+instrument&w3=Music+synthesizers&w4=Synthesizer+music&w5=Electronic+music&w6=Music+sampler&c=6&s=128&.sig=4-pUEVkIS1ED1RG7UPJe_Q>Electronic 
>music 
><http://groups.yahoo.com/gads?t=ms&k=Music+sampler&w1=Sampler&w2=Electronic+instrument&w3=Music+synthesizers&w4=Synthesizer+music&w5=Electronic+music&w6=Music+sampler&c=6&s=128&.sig=_zm_bk9pqHBz8vqDp9fhdg>Music 
>sampler
>
>
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>
>
>----------
>
>
>Your Servant in Christ,
>
>Vince Perna
>The River Of Life
>Discount Christian Bookstore
>http://www.riveroflifecbs.com
>
>
>
>----------
>YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS
>
>    *  Visit your group 
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Re: [Ensoniq-VFX-SD] Re: Button Not Working

2006-12-25 by River Of Life

Hi All,

The stop button on my VFX-SD is not working. It is the actual switch, 
not the plastic button. Is this something that can be purchased from 
an electronics supply, like a radio shack?

Your Servant in Christ,

Vince Perna
The River Of Life
Discount Christian Bookstore
http://www.riveroflifecbs.com
http://burnlounge.com/riveroflifemedia

Re: Button Not Working

2006-12-26 by john bluhm

Hi Vince, how have you been? Are you sure it's the switch? When I bought my used SD-1,
almost half of the switches appeared to be dead, however, closer examination revealed that
the circuit cards were loose, and the plastic buttons were not actually pushing the switches
down. Re-tightened the boards down, and all switches worked just fine. Might be something
for you to look at. John.

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Re: [Ensoniq-VFX-SD] Re: Button Not Working

2006-12-26 by River Of Life

Thanks John,

There was one screw missing. I took the board apart and put a few drops on contact cleaner on the switch and then reassembled the board. It took 5 tries as the lights got moved a little bit and were interfering with the buttons. The switch turns off the sequence, but it really doesn't have the snap to it anymore.

Blessings,

Vince



At 11:12 AM 12/26/2006, you wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
Hi Vince, how have you been? Are you sure it's the switch? When I bought my used SD-1,
almost half of the switches appeared to be dead, however, closer examination revealed that
the circuit cards were loose, and the plastic buttons were not actually pushing the switches
down. Re-tightened the boards down, and all switches worked just fine. Might be something
for you to look at. John.

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Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
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