SergeModular

Just curious, Peter - were you among the original builders of the Serge when
it was still a 'Synth for the People'?

Cheers,
Scott

----- Original Message -----
From: "Peter Grenader" <peter@...>
To: <SergeModular@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Saturday, March 27, 2004 10:37 AM
Subject: [SergeModular] Serge repairs


> 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:
>
> > 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
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
>
>
> Keep on Patchin'!
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>