Vintage Simmons Drums (UK) Users Group

Hello, all:

I recently got my hands on  an SDSV, and I have a few questions. 
First off, I realize that this thing is pretty old and well used, as
well as being an analogue unit. It also has presumably been converted
from 240v to 115v, or whatever it is in the US. To be honest, I
haven't opened the thing up to check, but it seems to operate on my
house current. I also think the power switch has been replaced.

At any rate, should the "factory" sound for the snare really be kind
of lame sounding? It basically sounds like you're beating on a steel
washtub, and has a pretty abrupt decay, and very little character at
all. As a matter of fact, I can get this same sound on the other
channels by turning the noise balance controls far anti-clockwise. It
seems to me that the noise shouldn't have much tone to it, but more of
a white noise sound. 

The kick and tom modules sound pretty decent otherwise. It's really
the snare module that seems to be a problem. I've spent a fair amount
of time twiddling knobs and so forth on this thing, but I think
there's something amiss here.

By the way, is there any obvious way to distinguish between the three
tom modules? I see a small label on each circuit board, but other than
what looks like "tom," "syn," "L," and "R," (left and right?), not
much else besides listening to each module and making kind of an
arbitrary choice as to which is which.

Sorry for the length of this post!

Regards,
Jim Stewart

Hi Jim, 
         You need to check out www.simmonsmuseum.com/  and look under Manuals for the SDSV manual. It's not the best but it should help. Also talk to Wolfgang there, he also can help too. The manual can show you how to change the factory presets on the inside of the modules. You think turning knob on the out side is fun, want till you try the ones on the inside. The best way to do it is to take some of the tom modules out so it is easier to work on. They also have some sound bites there that you mite hear what a good sounding SDSV
snare sounds like. You have one cool peace of Vintage Gear that alot of people would love to have. I love mine! Good Luck!
                                                                                Haley Johnson
              

--- On Wed, 9/17/08, jimstew37 <jimstew37@...> wrote:

From: jimstew37 <jimstew37@...>
Subject: [Simmons Drums] SDSV Issues
To: Simmons_Drums@yahoogroups.com
Date: Wednesday, September 17, 2008, 10:20 PM






Hello, all:

I recently got my hands on an SDSV, and I have a few questions. 
First off, I realize that this thing is pretty old and well used, as
well as being an analogue unit. It also has presumably been converted
from 240v to 115v, or whatever it is in the US. To be honest, I
haven't opened the thing up to check, but it seems to operate on my
house current. I also think the power switch has been replaced.

At any rate, should the "factory" sound for the snare really be kind
of lame sounding? It basically sounds like you're beating on a steel
washtub, and has a pretty abrupt decay, and very little character at
all. As a matter of fact, I can get this same sound on the other
channels by turning the noise balance controls far anti-clockwise. It
seems to me that the noise shouldn't have much tone to it, but more of
a white noise sound. 

The kick and tom modules sound pretty decent otherwise. It's really
the snare module that seems to be a problem. I've spent a fair amount
of time twiddling knobs and so forth on this thing, but I think
there's something amiss here.

By the way, is there any obvious way to distinguish between the three
tom modules? I see a small label on each circuit board, but other than
what looks like "tom," "syn," "L," and "R," (left and right?), not
much else besides listening to each module and making kind of an
arbitrary choice as to which is which.

Sorry for the length of this post!

Regards,
Jim Stewart

 














      

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi Jim,

Welcome to the lucky owners club !

just a few words about the V ...
Yes the factory sounds are not "unforgetable", & can be very  
disapointing. I personnaly never play them...especially the snare...
they don't have the same level at all compared to my other settings.
You might have a problem as well, on some componants too...but before  
that you can check by yourself

You need to know that these factory sounds can be set on the channel  
card itself (& inside...yep... you need to open it).
so it can become a fourth real memory instead of the one you avoid all  
the time ... ;- )
I've been too lazy to do it myself...

Anyway congratulations !
It's not easy to find one anymore now...


Hmmm.... just a personnal taste ; I personnaly recommend a good  
compressor on it ...

Have fun & let us know how you go ahead with it ...

Have a nice day !
Patrice.

PS ; to me all the tom channels are the same ...it will become L or R  
on your mixer ...if you're using a premix ...which is better really....




Le 18 sept. 08 à 04:20, jimstew37 a écrit :

> Hello, all:
>
> I recently got my hands on an SDSV, and I have a few questions.
> First off, I realize that this thing is pretty old and well used, as
> well as being an analogue unit. It also has presumably been converted
> from 240v to 115v, or whatever it is in the US. To be honest, I
> haven't opened the thing up to check, but it seems to operate on my
> house current. I also think the power switch has been replaced.
>
> At any rate, should the "factory" sound for the snare really be kind
> of lame sounding? It basically sounds like you're beating on a steel
> washtub, and has a pretty abrupt decay, and very little character at
> all. As a matter of fact, I can get this same sound on the other
> channels by turning the noise balance controls far anti-clockwise. It
> seems to me that the noise shouldn't have much tone to it, but more of
> a white noise sound.
>
> The kick and tom modules sound pretty decent otherwise. It's really
> the snare module that seems to be a problem. I've spent a fair amount
> of time twiddling knobs and so forth on this thing, but I think
> there's something amiss here.
>
> By the way, is there any obvious way to distinguish between the three
> tom modules? I see a small label on each circuit board, but other than
> what looks like "tom," "syn," "L," and "R," (left and right?), not
> much else besides listening to each module and making kind of an
> arbitrary choice as to which is which.
>
> Sorry for the length of this post!
>
> Regards,
> Jim Stewart
>
>
> 



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Patrice Jacquot skrev:
> PS ; to me all the tom channels are the same ...it will become L or R
> on your mixer ...if you're using a premix ...which is better really....

I never use the presets either, seldom my own presets (3&4) even but as 
I recall it the tom-toms  are tuned differently (at factory memory (1)) 
so they are in fact three different toms, but who cares. They sound 
crappy that way. :D

I use my SDS-V as I use my synths. I simply ignore the memories and only 
fiddle with setting 2 where I can use the knobs.

-- 
electronically yours, jesper
- -- --- ---- ----- ---- --- -- -
www.electronic-obsession.se
www.myspace.com/machinepop
- -- --- ---- ----- ---- --- -- -

FRA – arkivera under ”synnerligen misstänkt”

Hello, all:

Thanks for your comments! I have visited simmonsmuseum.com many times,
and downloaded several manuals. Extremely helpful site! I'm sure I'll
contact Wolfgang before long.

At any rate, I've opened up my SDSV many times in the two weeks I've
had it, and I think I know where these internal "knobs" are, I just
don't know which adjusts what function. I agree, though, that channel
2 is the most useful, simply because adjusting chnl 3 & 4 is kind of a
pain, and "factory" sounds rarely are much good.

I'm pretty convinced that the problem is the power supply, since this
unit was apparently not for export to the US. The reason I think this
is the issue is because I checked the voltage in a few of the slots
where the individual modules are fitted. It should be 15 vdc, but what
I'm getting is around 5vdc. If the power transformer is wound for
240vac at the primary, and, when it sees 115vac instead, the secondary
would end up putting out less than 15 v.

Anyway, Patrice, what compressor do you suggest using? I think that
would be a great way to give this a little more punch when I get it
going. I'm primarily a guitarist, but I don't usually use much 
compression - just whatever is in my effects processor, so I don't
know whether that would be effective here.

Thanks again!

Jim Stewart

--- In Simmons_Drums@yahoogroups.com, Patrice Jacquot
<Jacquot.Patrice@...> wrote:

>
> Hi Jim,
> 
> Welcome to the lucky owners club !
> 
> just a few words about the V ...
> Yes the factory sounds are not "unforgetable", & can be very  
> disapointing. I personnaly never play them...especially the snare...
> they don't have the same level at all compared to my other settings.
> You might have a problem as well, on some componants too...but before  
> that you can check by yourself
> 
> You need to know that these factory sounds can be set on the channel  
> card itself (& inside...yep... you need to open it).
> so it can become a fourth real memory instead of the one you avoid all  
> the time ... ;- )
> I've been too lazy to do it myself...
> 
> Anyway congratulations !
> It's not easy to find one anymore now...
> 
> 
> Hmmm.... just a personnal taste ; I personnaly recommend a good  
> compressor on it ...
> 
> Have fun & let us know how you go ahead with it ...
> 
> Have a nice day !
> Patrice.
> 
> PS ; to me all the tom channels are the same ...it will become L or R  
> on your mixer ...if you're using a premix ...which is better really....

Hi Jim,

about the compressor it all depends of your budget...
& about what you wanna do ...coloring or a clear compression ...

The best (for coloring), that I sadly can't afford for now , would be  
the vintage tube preamp / compressor ...
TUBETECH , MANLEY , or the LA2A Universal Audio I'm quite sure that  
one would give good results.

Personnaly I had the opportunity to get a TC DB Max which is a very  
good compressor multiband (you can compress on that or that  
frequency ;- )
& it has some memories...& can be very very violent ...
but too transparent for me ...

I'm looking for coloring the sound on the SDSV ...
An SSL channel would be great for that job ...
If you haven't got the budget , maybe some old DBX (900series) will be  
already good...

I have heard of PULTEC giving some very good results on the SDSV ...
But they are very rare to find, & very expensive...

I 'm afraid that the sDSV sound I have in mind is necessary linked to  
an heavy Class A compression...
Without it, the SDSV is a bit flat to me ...

But it's all a matter of taste & choice, isn't it ?

After you can always try with a tube Berhinger ...but ...I'm not  
convinced bt who knows...
anyway the only way is to test ...

Hope that helps,
Patrice.



Le 20 sept. 08 à 02:33, jimstew37 a écrit :

> Hello, all:
>
> Thanks for your comments! I have visited simmonsmuseum.com many times,
> and downloaded several manuals. Extremely helpful site! I'm sure I'll
> contact Wolfgang before long.
>
> At any rate, I've opened up my SDSV many times in the two weeks I've
> had it, and I think I know where these internal "knobs" are, I just
> don't know which adjusts what function. I agree, though, that channel
> 2 is the most useful, simply because adjusting chnl 3 & 4 is kind of a
> pain, and "factory" sounds rarely are much good.
>
> I'm pretty convinced that the problem is the power supply, since this
> unit was apparently not for export to the US. The reason I think this
> is the issue is because I checked the voltage in a few of the slots
> where the individual modules are fitted. It should be 15 vdc, but what
> I'm getting is around 5vdc. If the power transformer is wound for
> 240vac at the primary, and, when it sees 115vac instead, the secondary
> would end up putting out less than 15 v.
>
> Anyway, Patrice, what compressor do you suggest using? I think that
> would be a great way to give this a little more punch when I get it
> going. I'm primarily a guitarist, but I don't usually use much
> compression - just whatever is in my effects processor, so I don't
> know whether that would be effective here.
>
> Thanks again!
>
> Jim Stewart
>
> --- In Simmons_Drums@yahoogroups.com, Patrice Jacquot
> <Jacquot.Patrice@...> wrote:
> >
> > Hi Jim,
> >
> > Welcome to the lucky owners club !
> >
> > just a few words about the V ...
> > Yes the factory sounds are not "unforgetable", & can be very
> > disapointing. I personnaly never play them...especially the snare...
> > they don't have the same level at all compared to my other settings.
> > You might have a problem as well, on some componants too...but  
> before
> > that you can check by yourself
> >
> > You need to know that these factory sounds can be set on the channel
> > card itself (& inside...yep... you need to open it).
> > so it can become a fourth real memory instead of the one you avoid  
> all
> > the time ... ;- )
> > I've been too lazy to do it myself...
> >
> > Anyway congratulations !
> > It's not easy to find one anymore now...
> >
> >
> > Hmmm.... just a personnal taste ; I personnaly recommend a good
> > compressor on it ...
> >
> > Have fun & let us know how you go ahead with it ...
> >
> > Have a nice day !
> > Patrice.
> >
> > PS ; to me all the tom channels are the same ...it will become L  
> or R
> > on your mixer ...if you're using a premix ...which is better  
> really....
>
>
> 



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I¹ve used DBX 165, UREI 1176 and Valley People Dyna-mite on SDSV with
amazing results.  I agree it needs to be one of those ³drum squasher² type
compressors.  I¹m sure a Distressor would also do the job quite nicely.  I
mostly use my UAD-1 plugs now though, which sound surprisingly very good.  I
recommend bus compression along with compressing individual drum channels.
While the hard click of the V is very useful on stage, taming it is
certainly the key to a good recording.

Enjoy your new acquisition.  I love mine.

-Ian/Perspects





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

See if I get this correct: You are in the USA where 110 V is the mains standard?
You have a English piece off gear where the mains is 220 V? Am I correct??
If oyu don't put a powerturner in between, that is not gonna work (imo)
Do you have the scematics, so you are sure you're measuring 5 where it should
be 15Volt?
Berk

>-- Oorspronkelijk bericht --
>To: Simmons_Drums@yahoogroups.com
>From: "jimstew37" <jimstew37@...>
>Date: Sat, 20 Sep 2008 00:33:07 -0000
>Subject: Re: [Simmons Drums] SDSV Issues
>Reply-To: Simmons_Drums@yahoogroups.com
>
>
>Hello, all:
>
>Thanks for your comments! I have visited simmonsmuseum.com many times,
>and downloaded several manuals. Extremely helpful site! I'm sure I'll
>contact Wolfgang before long.
>
>At any rate, I've opened up my SDSV many times in the two weeks I've
>had it, and I think I know where these internal "knobs" are, I just
>don't know which adjusts what function. I agree, though, that channel
>2 is the most useful, simply because adjusting chnl 3 & 4 is kind of a
>pain, and "factory" sounds rarely are much good.
>
>I'm pretty convinced that the problem is the power supply, since this
>unit was apparently not for export to the US. The reason I think this
>is the issue is because I checked the voltage in a few of the slots
>where the individual modules are fitted. It should be 15 vdc, but what
>I'm getting is around 5vdc. If the power transformer is wound for
>240vac at the primary, and, when it sees 115vac instead, the secondary
>would end up putting out less than 15 v.
>
>Anyway, Patrice, what compressor do you suggest using? I think that
>would be a great way to give this a little more punch when I get it
>going. I'm primarily a guitarist, but I don't usually use much 
>compression - just whatever is in my effects processor, so I don't
>know whether that would be effective here.
>
>Thanks again!
>
>Jim Stewart
>
>--- In Simmons_Drums@yahoogroups.com, Patrice Jacquot
><Jacquot.Patrice@...> wrote:
>>
>> Hi Jim,
>> 
>> Welcome to the lucky owners club !
>> 
>> just a few words about the V ...
>> Yes the factory sounds are not "unforgetable", & can be very  
>> disapointing. I personnaly never play them...especially the snare...
>> they don't have the same level at all compared to my other settings.
>> You might have a problem as well, on some componants too...but before

>
>> that you can check by yourself
>> 
>> You need to know that these factory sounds can be set on the channel 

>> card itself (& inside...yep... you need to open it).
>> so it can become a fourth real memory instead of the one you avoid all
> 
>> the time ... ;- )
>> I've been too lazy to do it myself...
>> 
>> Anyway congratulations !
>> It's not easy to find one anymore now...
>> 
>> 
>> Hmmm.... just a personnal taste ; I personnaly recommend a good  
>> compressor on it ...
>> 
>> Have fun & let us know how you go ahead with it ...
>> 
>> Have a nice day !
>> Patrice.
>> 
>> PS ; to me all the tom channels are the same ...it will become L or R

>
>> on your mixer ...if you're using a premix ...which is better really....
>
>

Jim, did you buy it in Europe or did you buy it from someone in the states ?

Before getting a converter I strongly suggest that you verify the output 
from the mains transformer.

This is very dangerous so if you are not 100% sure how to do it, don?t !!!

I accept no responsibility for any problems caused by your part.

* Switch off and disconnect the SDS-V from the poweroutlet
* Open the SDS-V and locate the transformer
* Disconnect the secondary winding leads going from the transformer to the 
mixer PCB. Make sure they don?t short out each other
   or touch any metal
* Re-Connect the power source ( 120V ) and switch on the SDS-V
* Measure the AC voltage between the two leads

Tell us what value you are getting.

It could be that your SDS-V has a transformer made for 220/240V installed. 
Hence the low readings from the 15VDC lines.

Or it could be that one voicecard is pulling the 15VDC down to roughly 5VDC. 
This can be checked by removing all voicecards from the frame.

WT

----- Original Message ----- 

From: "Berk Aarts" <B.E.R.K@...>
To: <Simmons_Drums@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Saturday, September 20, 2008 10:42 AM
Subject: Betr: Re: [Simmons Drums] SDSV Issues


> See if I get this correct: You are in the USA where 110 V is the mains 
> standard?
> You have a English piece off gear where the mains is 220 V? Am I correct??
> If oyu don't put a powerturner in between, that is not gonna work (imo)
> Do you have the scematics, so you are sure you're measuring 5 where it 
> should
> be 15Volt?
> Berk
>
>
>
>>-- Oorspronkelijk bericht --
>>To: Simmons_Drums@yahoogroups.com
>>From: "jimstew37" <jimstew37@...>
>>Date: Sat, 20 Sep 2008 00:33:07 -0000
>>Subject: Re: [Simmons Drums] SDSV Issues
>>Reply-To: Simmons_Drums@yahoogroups.com
>>
>>
>>Hello, all:
>>
>>Thanks for your comments! I have visited simmonsmuseum.com many times,
>>and downloaded several manuals. Extremely helpful site! I'm sure I'll
>>contact Wolfgang before long.
>>
>>At any rate, I've opened up my SDSV many times in the two weeks I've
>>had it, and I think I know where these internal "knobs" are, I just
>>don't know which adjusts what function. I agree, though, that channel
>>2 is the most useful, simply because adjusting chnl 3 & 4 is kind of a
>>pain, and "factory" sounds rarely are much good.
>>
>>I'm pretty convinced that the problem is the power supply, since this
>>unit was apparently not for export to the US. The reason I think this
>>is the issue is because I checked the voltage in a few of the slots
>>where the individual modules are fitted. It should be 15 vdc, but what
>>I'm getting is around 5vdc. If the power transformer is wound for
>>240vac at the primary, and, when it sees 115vac instead, the secondary
>>would end up putting out less than 15 v.
>>
>>Anyway, Patrice, what compressor do you suggest using? I think that
>>would be a great way to give this a little more punch when I get it
>>going. I'm primarily a guitarist, but I don't usually use much
>>compression - just whatever is in my effects processor, so I don't
>>know whether that would be effective here.
>>
>>Thanks again!
>>
>>Jim Stewart
>>
>>--- In Simmons_Drums@yahoogroups.com, Patrice Jacquot
>><Jacquot.Patrice@...> wrote:
>>>
>>> Hi Jim,
>>>
>>> Welcome to the lucky owners club !
>>>
>>> just a few words about the V ...
>>> Yes the factory sounds are not "unforgetable", & can be very
>>> disapointing. I personnaly never play them...especially the snare...
>>> they don't have the same level at all compared to my other settings.
>>> You might have a problem as well, on some componants too...but before
>
>>
>>> that you can check by yourself
>>>
>>> You need to know that these factory sounds can be set on the channel
>
>>> card itself (& inside...yep... you need to open it).
>>> so it can become a fourth real memory instead of the one you avoid all
>>
>>> the time ... ;- )
>>> I've been too lazy to do it myself...
>>>
>>> Anyway congratulations !
>>> It's not easy to find one anymore now...
>>>
>>>
>>> Hmmm.... just a personnal taste ; I personnaly recommend a good
>>> compressor on it ...
>>>
>>> Have fun & let us know how you go ahead with it ...
>>>
>>> Have a nice day !
>>> Patrice.
>>>
>>> PS ; to me all the tom channels are the same ...it will become L or R
>
>>
>>> on your mixer ...if you're using a premix ...which is better really....
>>
>>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>

I had an American SDS8 (115v??) converted to use in Australia (240v), 
so converted the opposite of your SDSV. My tech guy modified the 
existing transformer, works great, we use it at live gigs. Beautiful.

Ken.

--- In Simmons_Drums@yahoogroups.com, "WT" <waveterm@...> wrote:
>
> Jim, did you buy it in Europe or did you buy it from someone in the 
states ?
> 
> Before getting a converter I strongly suggest that you verify the 
output 
> from the mains transformer.
> 
> This is very dangerous so if you are not 100% sure how to do it, 
don?t !!!
> 
> I accept no responsibility for any problems caused by your part.
> 
> * Switch off and disconnect the SDS-V from the poweroutlet
> * Open the SDS-V and locate the transformer
> * Disconnect the secondary winding leads going from the transformer 
to the 
> mixer PCB. Make sure they don?t short out each other
>    or touch any metal
> * Re-Connect the power source ( 120V ) and switch on the SDS-V
> * Measure the AC voltage between the two leads
> 
> Tell us what value you are getting.
> 
> It could be that your SDS-V has a transformer made for 220/240V 
installed. 
> Hence the low readings from the 15VDC lines.
> 
> Or it could be that one voicecard is pulling the 15VDC down to 
roughly 5VDC. 
> This can be checked by removing all voicecards from the frame.
> 
> WT
> 
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Berk Aarts" <B.E.R.K@...>
> To: <Simmons_Drums@yahoogroups.com>
> Sent: Saturday, September 20, 2008 10:42 AM
> Subject: Betr: Re: [Simmons Drums] SDSV Issues
> 
> 
> > See if I get this correct: You are in the USA where 110 V is the 
mains 
> > standard?
> > You have a English piece off gear where the mains is 220 V? Am I 
correct??
> > If oyu don't put a powerturner in between, that is not gonna work 
(imo)
> > Do you have the scematics, so you are sure you're measuring 5 
where it 
> > should
> > be 15Volt?
> > Berk
> >
> >
> >
> >>-- Oorspronkelijk bericht --
> >>To: Simmons_Drums@yahoogroups.com
> >>From: "jimstew37" <jimstew37@...>
> >>Date: Sat, 20 Sep 2008 00:33:07 -0000
> >>Subject: Re: [Simmons Drums] SDSV Issues
> >>Reply-To: Simmons_Drums@yahoogroups.com
> >>
> >>
> >>Hello, all:
> >>
> >>Thanks for your comments! I have visited simmonsmuseum.com many 
times,
> >>and downloaded several manuals. Extremely helpful site! I'm sure 
I'll
> >>contact Wolfgang before long.
> >>
> >>At any rate, I've opened up my SDSV many times in the two weeks 
I've
> >>had it, and I think I know where these internal "knobs" are, I 
just
> >>don't know which adjusts what function. I agree, though, that 
channel
> >>2 is the most useful, simply because adjusting chnl 3 & 4 is kind 
of a
> >>pain, and "factory" sounds rarely are much good.
> >>
> >>I'm pretty convinced that the problem is the power supply, since 
this
> >>unit was apparently not for export to the US. The reason I think 
this
> >>is the issue is because I checked the voltage in a few of the 
slots
> >>where the individual modules are fitted. It should be 15 vdc, but 
what
> >>I'm getting is around 5vdc. If the power transformer is wound for
> >>240vac at the primary, and, when it sees 115vac instead, the 
secondary
> >>would end up putting out less than 15 v.
> >>
> >>Anyway, Patrice, what compressor do you suggest using? I think 
that
> >>would be a great way to give this a little more punch when I get 
it
> >>going. I'm primarily a guitarist, but I don't usually use much
> >>compression - just whatever is in my effects processor, so I don't
> >>know whether that would be effective here.
> >>
> >>Thanks again!
> >>
> >>Jim Stewart
> >>
> >>--- In Simmons_Drums@yahoogroups.com, Patrice Jacquot
> >><Jacquot.Patrice@> wrote:
> >>>
> >>> Hi Jim,
> >>>
> >>> Welcome to the lucky owners club !
> >>>
> >>> just a few words about the V ...
> >>> Yes the factory sounds are not "unforgetable", & can be very
> >>> disapointing. I personnaly never play them...especially the 
snare...
> >>> they don't have the same level at all compared to my other 
settings.
> >>> You might have a problem as well, on some componants too...but 
before
> >
> >>
> >>> that you can check by yourself
> >>>
> >>> You need to know that these factory sounds can be set on the 
channel
> >
> >>> card itself (& inside...yep... you need to open it).
> >>> so it can become a fourth real memory instead of the one you 
avoid all
> >>
> >>> the time ... ;- )
> >>> I've been too lazy to do it myself...
> >>>
> >>> Anyway congratulations !
> >>> It's not easy to find one anymore now...
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> Hmmm.... just a personnal taste ; I personnaly recommend a good
> >>> compressor on it ...
> >>>
> >>> Have fun & let us know how you go ahead with it ...
> >>>
> >>> Have a nice day !
> >>> Patrice.
> >>>
> >>> PS ; to me all the tom channels are the same ...it will become 
L or R
> >
> >>
> >>> on your mixer ...if you're using a premix ...which is better 
really....

> >>
> >>
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > ------------------------------------
> >
> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> >
>

Hello:

I did buy this from someone in the States, and I do have the
schematics for the SDS-V.

After performing the test described below, I'm reading about 12 volts
at the secondary. This is a bit low, since the schematic indicates 15
volts. But, since I've never messed around with one of these units, I
don't know what range I should expect, not to mention the fact that
this equipment is old. Don't know if transformers lose some of their
capacity over time.

I'm not sure I want to plug this into a converter until I know for
sure what I'm dealing with.

I will add that it doesn't look like this transformer is a
replacement, although, as someone suggested in this thread, it may
just be a matter of using a different tap off the trans. If that's the
case, I should think that the fuse would have been replaced. I'm only
basing that on my SDS-7, which was presumably made for US export, and
has a 2 amp fuse, rather than 500 mA, like the SDS-V has.

Anyway, thanks for your kind suggestions, and I welcome any further
insight!

Cheers,

Jim Stewart


--- In Simmons_Drums@yahoogroups.com, "WT" <waveterm@...> wrote:
>
> Jim, did you buy it in Europe or did you buy it from someone in the
states ?
> 
> Before getting a converter I strongly suggest that you verify the
output 
> from the mains transformer.
> 
> This is very dangerous so if you are not 100% sure how to do it,
don?t !!!
> 
> I accept no responsibility for any problems caused by your part.
> 
> * Switch off and disconnect the SDS-V from the poweroutlet
> * Open the SDS-V and locate the transformer
> * Disconnect the secondary winding leads going from the transformer
to the 
> mixer PCB. Make sure they don?t short out each other
>    or touch any metal
> * Re-Connect the power source ( 120V ) and switch on the SDS-V
> * Measure the AC voltage between the two leads
> 
> Tell us what value you are getting.
> 
> It could be that your SDS-V has a transformer made for 220/240V
installed. 
> Hence the low readings from the 15VDC lines.
> 
> Or it could be that one voicecard is pulling the 15VDC down to
roughly 5VDC. 
> This can be checked by removing all voicecards from the frame.
> 
> WT
> 
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Berk Aarts" <B.E.R.K@...>
> To: <Simmons_Drums@yahoogroups.com>
> Sent: Saturday, September 20, 2008 10:42 AM
> Subject: Betr: Re: [Simmons Drums] SDSV Issues
> 
> 
> > See if I get this correct: You are in the USA where 110 V is the
mains 
> > standard?
> > You have a English piece off gear where the mains is 220 V? Am I
correct??
> > If oyu don't put a powerturner in between, that is not gonna work
(imo)
> > Do you have the scematics, so you are sure you're measuring 5
where it 

> > should
> > be 15Volt?
> > Berk

jim 
I don't know how much you know about electronics, please be careful not to
hurt yourself or your equipment.
If you have the scematics, can you scan the part with the powersupply. That
would make things a bit easier for the ones who try to help you. Or is it
somewhere online??

greets Berk

>-- Oorspronkelijk bericht --
>To: Simmons_Drums@yahoogroups.com
>From: "jimstew37" <jimstew37@...>
>Date: Tue, 23 Sep 2008 01:29:05 -0000
>Subject: Re: [Simmons Drums] SDSV Issues
>Reply-To: Simmons_Drums@yahoogroups.com
>
>
>Hello:
>
>I did buy this from someone in the States, and I do have the
>schematics for the SDS-V.
>
>After performing the test described below, I'm reading about 12 volts
>at the secondary. This is a bit low, since the schematic indicates 15
>volts. But, since I've never messed around with one of these units, I
>don't know what range I should expect, not to mention the fact that
>this equipment is old. Don't know if transformers lose some of their
>capacity over time.
>
>I'm not sure I want to plug this into a converter until I know for
>sure what I'm dealing with.
>
>I will add that it doesn't look like this transformer is a
>replacement, although, as someone suggested in this thread, it may
>just be a matter of using a different tap off the trans. If that's the
>case, I should think that the fuse would have been replaced. I'm only
>basing that on my SDS-7, which was presumably made for US export, and
>has a 2 amp fuse, rather than 500 mA, like the SDS-V has.
>
>Anyway, thanks for your kind suggestions, and I welcome any further
>insight!
>
>Cheers,
>
>Jim Stewart
>
>
>--- In Simmons_Drums@yahoogroups.com, "WT" <waveterm@...> wrote:
>>
>> Jim, did you buy it in Europe or did you buy it from someone in the
>states ?
>> 
>> Before getting a converter I strongly suggest that you verify the
>output 
>> from the mains transformer.
>> 
>> This is very dangerous so if you are not 100% sure how to do it,
>don?t !!!
>> 
>> I accept no responsibility for any problems caused by your part.
>> 
>> * Switch off and disconnect the SDS-V from the poweroutlet
>> * Open the SDS-V and locate the transformer
>> * Disconnect the secondary winding leads going from the transformer
>to the 
>> mixer PCB. Make sure they don?t short out each other
>>    or touch any metal
>> * Re-Connect the power source ( 120V ) and switch on the SDS-V
>> * Measure the AC voltage between the two leads
>> 
>> Tell us what value you are getting.
>> 
>> It could be that your SDS-V has a transformer made for 220/240V
>installed. 
>> Hence the low readings from the 15VDC lines.
>> 
>> Or it could be that one voicecard is pulling the 15VDC down to
>roughly 5VDC. 
>> This can be checked by removing all voicecards from the frame.
>> 
>> WT
>> 
>> ----- Original Message ----- 
>> From: "Berk Aarts" <B.E.R.K@...>
>> To: <Simmons_Drums@yahoogroups.com>
>> Sent: Saturday, September 20, 2008 10:42 AM
>> Subject: Betr: Re: [Simmons Drums] SDSV Issues
>> 
>> 
>> > See if I get this correct: You are in the USA where 110 V is the
>mains 
>> > standard?
>> > You have a English piece off gear where the mains is 220 V? Am I
>correct??
>> > If oyu don't put a powerturner in between, that is not gonna work
>(imo)
>> > Do you have the scematics, so you are sure you're measuring 5
>where it 
>> > should
>> > be 15Volt?
>> > Berk
>
>

Hi, Berk:

As it turns out, my background is in engineering and electronics, so
I'm not totally in the dark here, but thanks for you concern.

The problem here, as opposed to equipment I typically work on, is
that, as we all know, there is no support beyond what little we can
find online, so I don't know much about the specifications of
components like the power transformer in the SDS-V. 

I found the schematics in the SDS-V service manual at
simmonsmuseum.com, at the following link:

http://simmonsmuseum.com/?area=downloads&download_id=235

The power supply is shown on page 5 of this manual.

Something I forgot to mention earlier is that where the power cord
plugs in on my SDS-V, it reads "Power Input 240v, " not 115v that I
would expect if this one was for the US market. That's why I thought
this might still be set up for European current.

If anyone here has actually opened up their SDS-V, it would be useful
to compare notes on how things are wired up. My particular unit has
been set up as a rack mount, and doesn't have the black case, just the
chassis, so it's easier to get into.

I hope this helps!

Cheers,

Jim

--- In Simmons_Drums@yahoogroups.com, "Berk Aarts" <B.E.R.K@...> wrote:
>
> jim 
> I don't know how much you know about electronics, please be careful
not to
> hurt yourself or your equipment.
> If you have the scematics, can you scan the part with the
powersupply. That
> would make things a bit easier for the ones who try to help you. Or
is it

> somewhere online??
> 
> greets Berk

jimstew37 skrev:
> http://simmonsmuseum.com/?area=downloads&download_id=235 
> <http://simmonsmuseum.com/?area=downloads&download_id=235>
> 
> The power supply is shown on page 5 of this manual.
> 
> Something I forgot to mention earlier is that where the power cord
> plugs in on my SDS-V, it reads "Power Input 240v, " not 115v that I
> would expect if this one was for the US market. That's why I thought
> this might still be set up for European current.

FWIW: I used to own a US made spring reverb that was designed for 110 
volts but some bozo had just switched the plug for a european one and it 
still kept going. It wasn't rewired inside but seemed to cook the 
components beyond their limits so I chose to run it through a step-down 
converter.

> If anyone here has actually opened up their SDS-V, it would be useful
> to compare notes on how things are wired up. My particular unit has
> been set up as a rack mount, and doesn't have the black case, just the
> chassis, so it's easier to get into.

WT has changed from 110 to 220 in a few. Let's see what he has to say. I 
have removed the black plates on mine too to rack fit it so if you don't 
get any luck from other members, drop me a line...

-- 
electronically yours, jesper
- -- --- ---- ----- ---- --- -- -
www.electronic-obsession.se
www.myspace.com/machinepop
- -- --- ---- ----- ---- --- -- -

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