Patches and discussion for Ensoniq VFX family

Hi Guys,

Got a problem with my VFX SD where it comes up with system error 144 then asks to recalibrate or ignore. If I recalibrate it comes up with the same system error again and asks once more to recalibrate or ignore. If I select ignore the sequencer plays but not the keys.

Also I have a USA VFX SD that has a dead power supply and needs a new disk drive. As I need to buy replacement parts is it possible to easily install a 240 volt power supply so that I can use it in New Zealand without a transformer? Where would you suggest a good online supplier for parts would be as downunder it's pretty tricky to find them here?

Thanks

Paul Sparkes

As far as parts supply here in "Down-under" (i.e. Australia) go to 
www.elfa.com.au, they have a few Ensoniq parts left, and service 
documentation to suit. While they may not be the BEST option for 
service, they are a good source of parts and starting points. There's 
also a bunch of independent techs (some of whom are ex-ELFA and are very 
interested in getting your gear running), so fear not, you are not alone.

My SD-1 had a VERY obscure analogue input tracking problem. Elfa 
couldn't fix it, Joseph Pantelaresko from Yamaha Australia (of all 
places) had in running in 30 minutes!!  He's a marvel!! So don't worry, 
there are some talented people that can get you going.

And it is my understanding that inserting the 240 tranny is no big deal. 
And a floppy is avail from Rich in this group (route 66 isn't it?).

if you get stuck - email/message me

Soundthinker (Roger Campbell)

--- In Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com, "Paul Sparkes" <paulsparkes@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Guys,
> 
> Got a problem with my VFX SD where it comes up with system error 144 then asks to recalibrate or ignore. If I recalibrate it comes up with the same system error again and asks once more to recalibrate or ignore. If I select ignore the sequencer plays but not the keys.
> 
> Also I have a USA VFX SD that has a dead power supply and needs a new disk drive. As I need to buy replacement parts is it possible to easily install a 240 volt power supply so that I can use it in New Zealand without a transformer? Where would you suggest a good online supplier for parts would be as downunder it's pretty tricky to find them here?
> 
> Thanks
> 
> Paul Sparkes
>


turn your vfx off and on about a dozen times and it the error message will go away

silly i know but it works

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

Thanks for the help guys. 

The Ensoniq has decided to come to life again but I suspect that the split keyboard connection is probably one of the issues. I did a quick fix which I remembered from the past of putting my palms on the centre of the keyboard and pressing down. This I assume helps to re-establish the connection. Will take it in to get hard wired. When the keys came to life it was a bit noisy at first but came right once the keyboard was played for 15 min. I innitially tried the turn on and off thing several times. This has worked in the past to clear errors but not this time. I may try swapping the power supply and disk drive over to my other VFX SD which needs repairs as it has less wear. I'm still a little wary though about installing a 240 volt power supply into what was a 110 volt keyboard. Is there anything I should be aware off? 

Paul


--- In Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com, Gordon JC Pearce <gordon@...> wrote:

>
> 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
>

--- In Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com, "Paul Sparkes" <paulsparkes@...> wrote:
>
> Thanks for the help guys. 
> 
> The Ensoniq has decided to come to life again but I suspect that the split keyboard connection is probably one of the issues. I did a quick fix which I remembered from the past of putting my palms on the centre of the keyboard and pressing down. This I assume helps to re-establish the connection. Will take it in to get hard wired. When the keys came to life it was a bit noisy at first but came right once the keyboard was played for 15 min. I innitially tried the turn on and off thing several times. This has worked in the past to clear errors but not this time. I may try swapping the power supply and disk drive over to my other VFX SD which needs repairs as it has less wear. I'm still a little wary though about installing a 240 volt power supply into what was a 110 volt keyboard. Is there anything I should be aware off? 
> 
> Paul
> 
> 
> --- In Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com, Gordon JC Pearce <gordon@> wrote:
> >
> > 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
> >
You will find the fix for this in the files/tools and service folder on this group's message board.  I did the fix a few years ago and have had no problems since until this week.  Probably cheap solder and poor technique.  I'll try it again soon with a good cleaning with a solder sucker and silver solder this time.  The two hands on the keyboard trick does work but it's only a temporary fix.
>

On Fri, 2009-05-08 at 20:24 +0000, jeffsbluesdeville wrote:
> You will find the fix for this in the files/tools and service folder
> on this group's message board.  I did the fix a few years ago and have
> had no problems since until this week.  Probably cheap solder and poor
> technique.  I'll try it again soon with a good cleaning with a solder
> sucker and silver solder this time. 

Silver solder has a really high melting point, and may damage your
board.  Perfectly ordinary lead/tin solder should be okay (lead-free
solder is a waste of time) as long as the pads and wires are nice and
clean.

Gordon