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Patches and discussion for Ensoniq VFX family

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Thread

keyboard fix

keyboard fix

2010-04-26 by heavyw8t

Has anybody done the now famous keyboard hard wiring fix on their own or has everyone gone to a technician? I have one of the offending VFX units that the keyboard suddenly blasts a batch of note on messages and then freezes. I don't get a calibration error but I do get the freeze up. I once had a diagram that showed what to do, and if I remember it seemed simple enough that you solder a wire from 1 to 1, 2 to 2, etc... but I am hoping to hear from someone who has done this before to see if it is as simple as that or not. I love the sounds of the thing but it isn't much good to me if it freezes up.

Re: [Ensoniq-VFX-SD] keyboard fix

2010-04-26 by Jon Carroll

My VFX i've had for years needs the mod, the non-functional VFX i have has 
it done. It really looks like its that simple..

----- Original Message -----
Show quoted textHide quoted text
From: "heavyw8t" <evidmar@...>
To: <Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Sunday, April 25, 2010 6:14 PM
Subject: [Ensoniq-VFX-SD] keyboard fix


> Has anybody done the now famous keyboard hard wiring fix on their own or 
> has everyone gone to a technician? I have one of the offending VFX units 
> that the keyboard suddenly blasts a batch of note on messages and then 
> freezes. I don't get a calibration error but I do get the freeze up. I 
> once had a diagram that showed what to do, and if I remember it seemed 
> simple enough that you solder a wire from 1 to 1, 2 to 2, etc... but I am 
> hoping to hear from someone who has done this before to see if it is as 
> simple as that or not. I love the sounds of the thing but it isn't much 
> good to me if it freezes up.
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>

RE: [Ensoniq-VFX-SD] keyboard fix

2010-04-26 by Gary Brumm

Hey Jon,

Are you going to be able to revive the VFX I gave you or is it going to retire as a parts machine?

Cheers,

Gary


From: Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Jon Carroll
Sent: Sunday, April 25, 2010 6:31 PM
To: Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [Ensoniq-VFX-SD] keyboard fix



My VFX i've had for years needs the mod, the non-functional VFX i have has
it done. It really looks like its that simple..

----- Original Message -----
Show quoted textHide quoted text
From: "heavyw8t" <evidmar@neo.rr.com<mailto:evidmar%40neo.rr.com>>
To: <Ensoniq-VFX-SD@...m<mailto:Ensoniq-VFX-SD%40yahoogroups.com>>
Sent: Sunday, April 25, 2010 6:14 PM
Subject: [Ensoniq-VFX-SD] keyboard fix

> Has anybody done the now famous keyboard hard wiring fix on their own or
> has everyone gone to a technician? I have one of the offending VFX units
> that the keyboard suddenly blasts a batch of note on messages and then
> freezes. I don't get a calibration error but I do get the freeze up. I
> once had a diagram that showed what to do, and if I remember it seemed
> simple enough that you solder a wire from 1 to 1, 2 to 2, etc... but I am
> hoping to hear from someone who has done this before to see if it is as
> simple as that or not. I love the sounds of the thing but it isn't much
> good to me if it freezes up.
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>

Re: keyboard fix

2010-04-26 by brother_zark

I haven't done the hard wire fix, but a simple clean off with rubbing alcohol and a Q-tip has fixed the problem for me.  It seems the solder oxidises and that's enough to cause signal loss.  I know it's not permanent, but the VFX is easy to get into so I don't mind this operation once a year or so (and this coming from a totally non-technical person).

I found the instructions on how to disassemble the VFX (and, specifically, the hard-wire fix) in Bulletin 12.  I still have it if it's needed, but I just found it with a google search.


--- In Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com, "heavyw8t" <evidmar@...> wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
> Has anybody done the now famous keyboard hard wiring fix on their own or has everyone gone to a technician? I have one of the offending VFX units that the keyboard suddenly blasts a batch of note on messages and then freezes. I don't get a calibration error but I do get the freeze up. I once had a diagram that showed what to do, and if I remember it seemed simple enough that you solder a wire from 1 to 1, 2 to 2, etc... but I am hoping to hear from someone who has done this before to see if it is as simple as that or not. I love the sounds of the thing but it isn't much good to me if it freezes up.
>

Re: [Ensoniq-VFX-SD] keyboard fix

2010-04-26 by jammie

depends on what revision board you have the later 1,s had it factory done it the same poly boards in the eps16+ asr10 and ts10
the vfx is the same engine as the eps16+ without sampler support
if yours is factory done its a set of ribbon cable hard wired in if it is
you need to check the tracks on the pcb as the boards can flex and it can raise tracks and fracture them
you need a continuity meter and need to do a point to point test of every track very time consuming
if you find a fracture hardwire between points
Show quoted textHide quoted text
----- Original Message -----
From: heavyw8t
Sent: Monday, April 26, 2010 2:14 AM
Subject: [Ensoniq-VFX-SD] keyboard fix

Has anybody done the now famous keyboard hard wiring fix on their own or has everyone gone to a technician? I have one of the offending VFX units that the keyboard suddenly blasts a batch of note on messages and then freezes. I don't get a calibration error but I do get the freeze up. I once had a diagram that showed what to do, and if I remember it seemed simple enough that you solder a wire from 1 to 1, 2 to 2, etc... but I am hoping to hear from someone who has done this before to see if it is as simple as that or not. I love the sounds of the thing but it isn't much good to me if it freezes up.


No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 8.5.437 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2835 - Release Date: 04/25/10 18:31:00

Re: keyboard fix

2010-04-26 by heavyw8t

My biggest problem is that I work with the soft touch of a gorilla and I am 100% sure I will break either a spring or a key removing that bunch of keys to get to the troubled spot on the board. I may have found a local guy to do it.

Thanks to everybody for the responses.

--- In Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com, "jammie" <jammie.emma@...> wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
> depends on what revision board you have the later 1,s had it factory done it the same poly boards in the eps16+ asr10 and ts10
> 
> the vfx is the same engine as the eps16+ without sampler support
> 
> if yours is factory done its a set of ribbon cable hard wired in if it is
> 
> you need to check the tracks on the pcb as the boards can flex and it can raise  tracks and fracture them 
> 
> you need a continuity meter and need to do a point to point test of every track very time consuming
> 
> if you find a fracture hardwire between points
>   ----- Original Message ----- 
>   From: heavyw8t 
>   To: Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com 
>   Sent: Monday, April 26, 2010 2:14 AM
>   Subject: [Ensoniq-VFX-SD] keyboard fix
> 
> 
>     
>   Has anybody done the now famous keyboard hard wiring fix on their own or has everyone gone to a technician? I have one of the offending VFX units that the keyboard suddenly blasts a batch of note on messages and then freezes. I don't get a calibration error but I do get the freeze up. I once had a diagram that showed what to do, and if I remember it seemed simple enough that you solder a wire from 1 to 1, 2 to 2, etc... but I am hoping to hear from someone who has done this before to see if it is as simple as that or not. I love the sounds of the thing but it isn't much good to me if it freezes up.
> 
>

Re: [Ensoniq-VFX-SD] Re: keyboard fix

2010-04-26 by jammie

the spring are easy to take of get a very fine watch makers screwdriver insert it into the spring then gently pull the spring away from holder. once spring is free from holder move towards you and thats it.
to remove key get a flat head screw driver put it into the key recess notch gently move the plast prong until released from the key holder and pull the key from behind the holder towards you ,and the key will pop off.
when inserting the key just push the key on to the holder pin until it clicks the prong into place and the key will stay there not falling out of the keybed.
then insert the sping into key hole first and use you fingers on the ball end and stretch the spring past the holder hole and release the ball will fall into hole on the keybed job done
Show quoted textHide quoted text
----- Original Message -----
From: heavyw8t
Sent: Monday, April 26, 2010 4:45 PM
Subject: [Ensoniq-VFX-SD] Re: keyboard fix

My biggest problem is that I work with the soft touch of a gorilla and I am 100% sure I will break either a spring or a key removing that bunch of keys to get to the troubled spot on the board. I may have found a local guy to do it.

Thanks to everybody for the responses.

--- In Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com, "jammie" ...> wrote:
>
> depends on what revision board you have the later 1,s had it factory done it the same poly boards in the eps16+ asr10 and ts10
>
> the vfx is the same engine as the eps16+ without sampler support
>
> if yours is factory done its a set of ribbon cable hard wired in if it is
>
> you need to check the tracks on the pcb as the boards can flex and it can raise tracks and fracture them
>
> you need a continuity meter and need to do a point to point test of every track very time consuming
>
> if you find a fracture hardwire between points
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: heavyw8t
> To: Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Monday, April 26, 2010 2:14 AM
> Subject: [Ensoniq-VFX-SD] keyboard fix
>
>
>
> Has anybody done the now famous keyboard hard wiring fix on their own or has everyone gone to a technician? I have one of the offending VFX units that the keyboard suddenly blasts a batch of note on messages and then freezes. I don't get a calibration error but I do get the freeze up. I once had a diagram that showed what to do, and if I remember it seemed simple enough that you solder a wire from 1 to 1, 2 to 2, etc... but I am hoping to hear from someone who has done this before to see if it is as simple as that or not. I love the sounds of the thing but it isn't much good to me if it freezes up.
>
>


No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 8.5.437 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2835 - Release Date: 04/25/10 18:31:00

Re: keyboard fix

2010-04-27 by rrsw_ccs

I did it a few weeks ago. There is no need to solder a jumper on every location. Several of them are common and I only did one of each of the common connections. Saved my eyesight and much less chance of bridging a joint.
The key removal is easy once you do it. (The doing is easier than the explaining) Be very carfull not to let the barrel of your soldering pencil touch any of the key bed plastic.
Found some nice pics and instructions here in the group database.

--- In Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com, "heavyw8t" <evidmar@...> wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
> Has anybody done the now famous keyboard hard wiring fix on their own or has everyone gone to a technician? I have one of the offending VFX units that the keyboard suddenly blasts a batch of note on messages and then freezes. I don't get a calibration error but I do get the freeze up. I once had a diagram that showed what to do, and if I remember it seemed simple enough that you solder a wire from 1 to 1, 2 to 2, etc... but I am hoping to hear from someone who has done this before to see if it is as simple as that or not. I love the sounds of the thing but it isn't much good to me if it freezes up.
>

Re: keyboard fix

2010-04-30 by mm9745

Mine once in a while acts up. But i do the simple fix of pressing down on all the keys hands above and below middle C were you hear a creak and turn back on the system fixes it every time.

--- In Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com, "heavyw8t" <evidmar@...> wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
> Has anybody done the now famous keyboard hard wiring fix on their own or has everyone gone to a technician? I have one of the offending VFX units that the keyboard suddenly blasts a batch of note on messages and then freezes. I don't get a calibration error but I do get the freeze up. I once had a diagram that showed what to do, and if I remember it seemed simple enough that you solder a wire from 1 to 1, 2 to 2, etc... but I am hoping to hear from someone who has done this before to see if it is as simple as that or not. I love the sounds of the thing but it isn't much good to me if it freezes up.
>

Re: keyboard fix

2010-04-30 by rrsw_ccs

I did that a number of times until it quit being effective. Then I had to do the solder job. (Couldn't bump the keyboard with out it going haywire.)
--- In Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com, "mm9745" <mm9745@...> wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
> Mine once in a while acts up. But i do the simple fix of pressing down on all the keys hands above and below middle C were you hear a creak and turn back on the system fixes it every time.
> 
> --- In Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com, "heavyw8t" <evidmar@> wrote:
> >
> > Has anybody done the now famous keyboard hard wiring fix on their own or has everyone gone to a technician? I have one of the offending VFX units that the keyboard suddenly blasts a batch of note on messages and then freezes. I don't get a calibration error but I do get the freeze up. I once had a diagram that showed what to do, and if I remember it seemed simple enough that you solder a wire from 1 to 1, 2 to 2, etc... but I am hoping to hear from someone who has done this before to see if it is as simple as that or not. I love the sounds of the thing but it isn't much good to me if it freezes up.
> >
>

Re: [Ensoniq-VFX-SD] keyboard fix

2010-05-15 by E. Tejkowski

On Apr 25, 2010, at 8:14 PM, heavyw8t wrote:

> Has anybody done the now famous keyboard hard wiring fix on their own or has everyone gone to a technician? I have one of the offending VFX units that the keyboard suddenly blasts a batch of note on messages and then freezes. I don't get a calibration error but I do get the freeze up. I once had a diagram that showed what to do, and if I remember it seemed simple enough that you solder a wire from 1 to 1, 2 to 2, etc... but I am hoping to hear from someone who has done this before to see if it is as simple as that or not. I love the sounds of the thing but it isn't much good to me if it freezes up.

I applied this fix to mine and it works fine now (no more kbd calibration errors, shutdowns, etc…). I'd echo what the others have said here… use a jeweler's screwdriver for the springs: stick it in the spring hole, lift slowly, and out they pop (watch out, they can shoot out and can be tough to find in the carpet :-) And, a flathead screwdriver to pull the keys. Then, solder a wire jumper across each path that the ribbon cable jumps. (that's what the ensoniq tech note says to do). It's a little tedious, but not at all impossible to do at home. I'm not an engineer or anything like that and I pulled it off without too much hassle. 

Good luck,
Erick

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