Vintage Synth Repair

I bought my Arp Odyssey in 1979, III model, and used it live until I
went MIDI in about 1985. I put it in an Anvil case and it's been
stored since. I always remembered it in a positive view and sometime a
few years ago started thinking about firing it up again. I finally
pulled it out and hooked it up. The power light comes on, but no sound. 

I haven't been able to find a synth repairman in San Antonio, TX that
will work on my Arp. I am not a heavy electronics person. I can solder
a cord, but am a novice at following a schematic. 

Any recommendations? 

Thanks 

Mike

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I would definitely check the power board first. Replacing the electrolytic 
caps is probably required as the electrolyt has almost certainly dried out, 
changing the cap value. I'd also change the decoupling caps on each board. 
Take care that dried out caps can lead to other issues; on mine, the LM306 
VCF op amp fried half an hour after powering the unit that remained 
unpowered for years. Hopefully, the LM306 is still available and cheap. But 
remember no spare part exist for the filter itself; you certainly want to 
preserve it!
You definitely need to download and study the Service Manual (available at 
http://www.arpodyssey.com/). Even with basic knowledges in electronics, it's 
worth a read to know the arcanes of your beast. Also, the check procedure 
for the power supply is step-by-step explained.
Hope this help.

Francois


>From: "Mike" <sfz5@...>
>Reply-To: vintagesynthrepair@yahoogroups.com
>To: vintagesynthrepair@yahoogroups.com
>Subject: [vintagesynthrepair] My old Odessey doesn't work...
>Date: Tue, 05 Jun 2007 20:33:36 -0000
>
>I bought my Arp Odyssey in 1979, III model, and used it live until I
>went MIDI in about 1985. I put it in an Anvil case and it's been
>stored since. I always remembered it in a positive view and sometime a
>few years ago started thinking about firing it up again. I finally
>pulled it out and hooked it up. The power light comes on, but no sound.
>
>I haven't been able to find a synth repairman in San Antonio, TX that
>will work on my Arp. I am not a heavy electronics person. I can solder
>a cord, but am a novice at following a schematic.
>
>Any recommendations?
>
>Thanks
>
>Mike
>

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> 
> Any recommendations? 

Actually, the first thing I'd do is thoroughly clean the connectors
between the various boards and the key busses.  Sitting in a closet
for years, they are sure to have oxidized.

It's a zero dollar first step and might do it.

If you have CV out jacks on the back, check to see if there is any
voltage (and voltage change) from them when you play the keyboard.

Good luck.