Although STS does not distribute schematics to service people, there are
plenty enough to go around through the standard channels. The system at Cal
arts' had 24 serious problems across six panels involving 20 or so modules
and there's wasn't one schematic I couldn't find, although I will not
distribute what I have, as they are not my property.
Troubleshooting and repair however is a logical process and any qualified
technician will have no problem with the Serge circuits. While sending a
unit to STS will afford the benefit of quick replacement of some of the key
components, there wasn't one instance in which either the original or a
acceptable substitute was unobtainable to me through Mouser - and many of
them are what Phil Gallo refers to as '2AM parts', meaning you can find them
at your local Radio Shack or electronics store. It's not like the Buchla
which is littered with obsoletes.
For any listening, technicians working on Serge instruments should look at
the CA3080s and LM3900's first when troubleshooting, as I found these were
by far the two most replaced components on the two systems I repaired.
Next, the pots, especially if the unit you're working with has the blue
'sealed' Allen Bradleys. Also remember that many of the older units out
there were kits - so solder joints should be of concern as well.
Hope that helps,
P
Chris Whitten wrote:
plenty enough to go around through the standard channels. The system at Cal
arts' had 24 serious problems across six panels involving 20 or so modules
and there's wasn't one schematic I couldn't find, although I will not
distribute what I have, as they are not my property.
Troubleshooting and repair however is a logical process and any qualified
technician will have no problem with the Serge circuits. While sending a
unit to STS will afford the benefit of quick replacement of some of the key
components, there wasn't one instance in which either the original or a
acceptable substitute was unobtainable to me through Mouser - and many of
them are what Phil Gallo refers to as '2AM parts', meaning you can find them
at your local Radio Shack or electronics store. It's not like the Buchla
which is littered with obsoletes.
For any listening, technicians working on Serge instruments should look at
the CA3080s and LM3900's first when troubleshooting, as I found these were
by far the two most replaced components on the two systems I repaired.
Next, the pots, especially if the unit you're working with has the blue
'sealed' Allen Bradleys. Also remember that many of the older units out
there were kits - so solder joints should be of concern as well.
Hope that helps,
P
Chris Whitten wrote:
> Bill and other Serge members,
> One or two points on this that come to my mind.
> Wasn't there an issue with STS refusing to release schematics?
> I could be wrong here, but I always assumed from speaking to Rex that he
> advised strongly against having any technical work carried out by non STS
> staff. Hence Kirk's surprise (in my opinion) at being diverted away from STS
> on this occasion.
> It would now serve as a warning to non US Serge owners, that any Serge
> repairs are going to be costly, especially as all the repair persons so far
> listed are on the wrong side of the pond (as far as we are concerned).
> It was always my impression from speaking to Rex that Serge panels were
> built by highly qualified engineers with the highest quality components.
> It's therefore surprising (although I admit not particularly Rex's fault)
> that Kirk has experienced such catastrophic failures so early into his
> ownership.
> I've been to Kirk's studio and I can tell you he treats his gear with kid
> gloves. The studio is spotless and Kirk himself is fastidious, to the point
> of obsession, in keeping all his gear pristine and well looked after and
> maintained.
> I know Kirk has done a lot to spread the Serge faith throughout Europe (and
> to whomever he's run into in the course of his work). He's also a Serge user
> who has regular commercial releases and it's therefore a big bummer that he
> feels let down either by the instrument, the after sales care by STS, or by
> Rex's comments.
> Don't attribute this last comment to him. This is just the impression I get
> from reading his last few postings to the group.
>
>
>
> Keep on Patchin'!
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>