Patches and discussion for Ensoniq VFX family

I have an Ensoniq VFX-SD that belonged to my son who performed in a 
rock group and stopped using it when it would freeze up during 
concerts.  Now, I just love the sound of this thing, but had the same 
problem with it.  It would either tell me 'calibration error' or 
every note on the keyboard would start up with continuous noise.
So, about 4 years ago I took it to a repair shop, who charged me 
60.00 but said there was nothing wrong with it----he just didn't play 
it long enough to find out!  So---now I have moved away from there 
and it is much later---only played it a couple of times since, and it 
would do the same thing.  So I was looking on Ebay for another brand, 
but hating the idea of buying another and giving up on the one I like 
so much.  I don't know a thing about all that it does, I simply play 
it.   But, it's insides are a computer and I don't want to be erasing 
memory or whatever---but, I was reading online about people in the 
same boat who repaired their own----bad solder joints, etc.  Well, I 
just plugged it in, and now it is saying 'low battery'.  Well, the 
manual says to take it to an 'authorized dealer'.  What dealer?
I am needing to know how to take it apart without damaging any of the 
comuter works inside. On the back side, where all the jacks are, is a 
row of rivets, what looks like a continuous hinge---maybe the back 
drops down?---and black screws that hold it closed.  If I undo that, 
will it give me access to the batteries and the bad solder joints?  
Probably not---so, do I then turn the thing upside down and remove 
all the screws from the bottom and lift the bottom off?  And---I just 
noticed the new posting today that mentions a fan system that will 
keep the machine cool---would that be a thing to buy?  I really, 
really love the beautiful sound of this thing, don't want to give up 
on it and then buy a pig in a poke, so to speak.  Thanks for 
listening and I hope you can help------Dorothy

2 of the vfx's my band had would always freeze in on-stage performances too
We narrowed it down to electrical disturbances and inter-connected midi gear
(midi networks)
The only thing that seemed to clear up the freezes was buying a spike/surge
eliminator - we chose a "zero-surge" brandname model because most other
surge devices used Mov's and those wear out easily and often

The battery issue, you should be able to change the battery fairly easily -
or let any repair do this for you if your not confident
These things happen in computers but I'm sure its not causing your freeze
issues


on 2/17/03 9:02 PM, paixwool <paixwool@...> at paixwool@...
wrote:

> 
> 
> I have an Ensoniq VFX-SD that belonged to my son who performed in a
> rock group and stopped using it when it would freeze up during
> concerts.  Now, I just love the sound of this thing, but had the same
> problem with it.  It would either tell me 'calibration error' or
> every note on the keyboard would start up with continuous noise.
> So, about 4 years ago I took it to a repair shop, who charged me
> 60.00 but said there was nothing wrong with it----he just didn't play
> it long enough to find out!  So---now I have moved away from there
> and it is much later---only played it a couple of times since, and it
> would do the same thing.  So I was looking on Ebay for another brand,
> but hating the idea of buying another and giving up on the one I like
> so much.  I don't know a thing about all that it does, I simply play
> it.   But, it's insides are a computer and I don't want to be erasing
> memory or whatever---but, I was reading online about people in the
> same boat who repaired their own----bad solder joints, etc.  Well, I
> just plugged it in, and now it is saying 'low battery'.  Well, the
> manual says to take it to an 'authorized dealer'.  What dealer?
> I am needing to know how to take it apart without damaging any of the
> comuter works inside. On the back side, where all the jacks are, is a
> row of rivets, what looks like a continuous hinge---maybe the back
> drops down?---and black screws that hold it closed.  If I undo that,
> will it give me access to the batteries and the bad solder joints?
> Probably not---so, do I then turn the thing upside down and remove
> all the screws from the bottom and lift the bottom off?  And---I just
> noticed the new posting today that mentions a fan system that will
> keep the machine cool---would that be a thing to buy?  I really,
> really love the beautiful sound of this thing, don't want to give up
> on it and then buy a pig in a poke, so to speak.  Thanks for
> listening and I hope you can help------Dorothy
> 
> 
> 
> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> Ensoniq-VFX-SD-unsubscribe@egroups.com
> 
> 
> 
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
> 
>

Thanks for responding so quickly, Tim!  We have this machine out on 
the table and are, optimistically, hoping to work on it soon.  Is the 
battery and holder under that back flap I described?---Dorothy








--- In Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com, tim sullivan 
<timsullivan@m...> wrote:
> 2 of the vfx's my band had would always freeze in on-stage 
performances too
> We narrowed it down to electrical disturbances and inter-connected 
midi gear
> (midi networks)
> The only thing that seemed to clear up the freezes was buying a 
spike/surge
> eliminator - we chose a "zero-surge" brandname model because most 
other
> surge devices used Mov's and those wear out easily and often
> 
> The battery issue, you should be able to change the battery fairly 
easily -
> or let any repair do this for you if your not confident
> These things happen in computers but I'm sure its not causing your 
freeze
> issues
> 
> 

> 
> > 

> > 
> > 
> > 
> > To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> > Ensoniq-VFX-SD-unsubscribe@egroups.com
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to 
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
> > 
> >

I had the same thing happening with my VFX-SD.

I had not used it for over a year.  When I got it out, it would, seemingly
at random, make sounds all on it's own.  Then it would give the
"reinitilize" message.  Turning it off and then back on sometimes worked but
quite often it dd not.  Sometime it would work fine for several days and
then start making random sounds again.

The battery recharged itself after I plugged the VXF-SD  in and left it on
for several days.   The intermittent sounds were still there.  I opened the
case (remove the 4 allen screws on the top and the top will hinge open on
the long hinge you mentioned).   Then I reseated all of the cable
connections.  Next I removed the keyboard - the screws are on the bottom -
removed each key an cleaned everything with a vacumn cleaner.

I put the thing back together and have not had a problem since then.

Over a period of time, the connections in a computer often corrode enough to
cause intermittant problems.  This will happen even with gold plated
connections but is more likely with copper.   When you remove the connection
and then put it back, the friction will clean the corrosion and often fix
the problem.  Do not use a pencil eraser to clean connections.  Some techs
will tell you to use an eraser, but the eraser can pit the contact metal and
that makes corrosion build up even faster.

It is probably not necessary to remove each key but it is easy enough to do.
Just pay attention to how the keys are assembled and do not force anything.
A small screwdriver or allen wrench can be use to pop the springs out of the
notches in the key.

J.I.

  -----Original Message-----
  From: paixwool <paixwool@...> [mailto:paixwool@...]
  Sent: Monday, February 17, 2003 9:17 PM
  To: Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com
  Subject: [Ensoniq-VFX-SD] Re: Need some advice please!



  Thanks for responding so quickly, Tim!  We have this machine out on
  the table and are, optimistically, hoping to work on it soon.  Is the
  battery and holder under that back flap I described?---Dorothy








  --- In Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com, tim sullivan
  <timsullivan@m...> wrote:
  > 2 of the vfx's my band had would always freeze in on-stage
  performances too
  > We narrowed it down to electrical disturbances and inter-connected
  midi gear
  > (midi networks)
  > The only thing that seemed to clear up the freezes was buying a
  spike/surge
  > eliminator - we chose a "zero-surge" brandname model because most
  other
  > surge devices used Mov's and those wear out easily and often
  >
  > The battery issue, you should be able to change the battery fairly
  easily -
  > or let any repair do this for you if your not confident
  > These things happen in computers but I'm sure its not causing your
  freeze
  > issues
  >
  >

  >
  > >

  > >
  > >
  > >
  > > To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
  > > Ensoniq-VFX-SD-unsubscribe@egroups.com
  > >
  > >
  > >
  > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
  http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
  > >
  > >


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I did post in the Files section of the VFX Yahoo group
a compilation of the different articles dealing with
calibration error / homemade fixing.

Don't have access to the Yahoo group ? email me
privately and I'll send you the zipped file.

Fred

=====
--
Si la pierre tombe sur l'oeuf, malheur a l'oeuf,
Si l'oeuf tombe sur la pierre, malheur a l'oeuf.
   Frederic (roidelaplage@...)

___________________________________________________________
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Hello Fred and Jim-----Fred I downloaded the docs from files and will 
read them over.  Thanks!  And, Jim----I've got the VFX plugged in and 
am hoping the battery will rejuvenate itself because I'm not going to 
get any further until that is working.  Also, I see that 
Route66Studio.com has batteries for it---will order one just in case 
this battery is dead, dead, dead!  Thanks to you also!
Will let you know how things work out!--------Dorothy

> 
> ___________________________________________________________
> Do You Yahoo!? -- Une adresse @... gratuite et en français !
> Yahoo! Mail : http://fr.mail.yahoo.com

I honestly cant remember
But I know it's do-able

Tim
on 2/17/03 10:17 PM, paixwool <paixwool@...> at paixwool@...
wrote:

> 
> Thanks for responding so quickly, Tim!  We have this machine out on
> the table and are, optimistically, hoping to work on it soon.  Is the
> battery and holder under that back flap I described?---Dorothy
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> --- In Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com, tim sullivan
> <timsullivan@m...> wrote:
>> 2 of the vfx's my band had would always freeze in on-stage
> performances too
>> We narrowed it down to electrical disturbances and inter-connected
> midi gear
>> (midi networks)
>> The only thing that seemed to clear up the freezes was buying a
> spike/surge
>> eliminator - we chose a "zero-surge" brandname model because most
> other
>> surge devices used Mov's and those wear out easily and often
>> 
>> The battery issue, you should be able to change the battery fairly
> easily -
>> or let any repair do this for you if your not confident
>> These things happen in computers but I'm sure its not causing your
> freeze
>> issues
>> 
>> 
> 
>> 
>>> 
> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
>>> Ensoniq-VFX-SD-unsubscribe@egroups.com
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
> http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>>> 
>>> 
> 
> 
> 
> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> Ensoniq-VFX-SD-unsubscribe@egroups.com
> 
> 
> 
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
> 
>

The battery is near the power supply on the left.  Undo the four allen
screws and the panel (the LCD and control buttons are on the panel) will
hinge up and back.  The battery on my VXF-SD seems to be soldered in place
so you may need a solder iron to remove it.

J.I.

  -----Original Message-----
  From: tim sullivan [mailto:timsullivan@...]
  Sent: Wednesday, February 19, 2003 7:29 AM
  To: Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com
  Subject: Re: [Ensoniq-VFX-SD] Re: Need some advice please!


  I honestly cant remember
  But I know it's do-able

  Tim
  on 2/17/03 10:17 PM, paixwool <paixwool@...> at paixwool@...
  wrote:

  >
  > Thanks for responding so quickly, Tim!  We have this machine out on
  > the table and are, optimistically, hoping to work on it soon.  Is the
  > battery and holder under that back flap I described?---Dorothy
  >
  >
  >
  >
  >
  >
  >
  >
  > --- In Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com, tim sullivan
  > <timsullivan@m...> wrote:
  >> 2 of the vfx's my band had would always freeze in on-stage
  > performances too
  >> We narrowed it down to electrical disturbances and inter-connected
  > midi gear
  >> (midi networks)
  >> The only thing that seemed to clear up the freezes was buying a
  > spike/surge
  >> eliminator - we chose a "zero-surge" brandname model because most
  > other
  >> surge devices used Mov's and those wear out easily and often
  >>
  >> The battery issue, you should be able to change the battery fairly
  > easily -
  >> or let any repair do this for you if your not confident
  >> These things happen in computers but I'm sure its not causing your
  > freeze
  >> issues
  >>
  >>
  >
  >>
  >>>
  >
  >>>
  >>>
  >>>
  >>> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
  >>> Ensoniq-VFX-SD-unsubscribe@egroups.com
  >>>
  >>>
  >>>
  >>> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
  > http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
  >>>
  >>>
  >
  >
  >
  > To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
  > Ensoniq-VFX-SD-unsubscribe@egroups.com
  >
  >
  >
  > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
  >
  >


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Hi,
On my VFX (original version), the battery had two tabs attached to it. 
The tabs were soldered to the circuit board.
You can: (1) buy a battery with the tabs attached, or (2) solder  in a
battery holder instead.  
I think (correct me on this if I'm wrong) the VFX works with a CR2032 in
the holder.  

Make a joyful noise,
Nathan
------------------------------------------------------------

There comes a time in every man's life when he has to look the potato of
injustice right in the eye!
-Stanley Spadowski

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Thanks Nathan and Jim---Will remove the allen screws (glad to find 
out they aren't rivets!) and check out the battery.  Am still waiting 
for the original to rejuvenate itself, but I will order a new one 
(with holder) tonight.  And I would love to make a joyful noise with 
it!-------Dorothy
 
> Hi,
> On my VFX (original version), the battery had two tabs attached to 
it. 
> The tabs were soldered to the circuit board.
> You can: (1) buy a battery with the tabs attached, or (2) solder  
in a
> battery holder instead.  
> I think (correct me on this if I'm wrong) the VFX works with a 
CR2032 in
> the holder.  
> 
> Make a joyful noise,
> Nathan
> ------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> There comes a time in every man's life when he has to look the 
potato of

> injustice right in the eye!
> -Stanley Spadowski
> 
> ________________________________________________________________
> Sign Up for Juno Platinum Internet Access Today
> Only $9.95 per month!
> Visit www.juno.com