Xpantastic!

> Ofcourse the DAC has to be in perfect working order!
> Thanks,Takis.
>

>
> Hi Takis,
> 
> These guys look like they have many of these parts in Hong Kong.
> If you can figure out how to get them to sell one (or a few) it 
> should be cheaper than buying a junked xpander.
> 
> - Karl
> 
> http://www.ic2ic.com/search.jsp?sSearchWord=MP7614KN
> 
> 
> --- In xpantastic@yahoogroups.com, "takisdamaschis" 
> <takisdamaschis@> wrote:
> >
> > Hi everyone,I'm in dire need of a MP7614KN DAC for my xpander!
> > If anyone has a spare one or one in a unit that keeps for spare 
> parts
> > and is willing to part with it I'm willing to do one of the three
> > following things:
> > 1.Buy it (you name the price!)
> > 2.trade it with an NOS CEM3374 chip I have spare!
> > 3.trade it with an NOS VFD fluorescent original display I have 
> spare!
> > Ofcourse the DAC has to be in perfect working order!
> > Thanks,Takis.
> >
>

>
> Hi everyone,I'm in dire need of a MP7614KN DAC for my xpander!
> If anyone has a spare one or one in a unit that keeps for spare parts
> and is willing to part with it I'm willing to do one of the three
> following things:
> 1.Buy it (you name the price!)
> 2.trade it with an NOS CEM3374 chip I have spare!
> 3.trade it with an NOS VFD fluorescent original display I have spare!
> Ofcourse the DAC has to be in perfect working order!
> Thanks,Takis.
>

From: Tony Cappellini
Subject: Re: [xpantastic] Re: xpander dac
To: xpantastic@yahoogroups.com
Date: Thursday, February 26, 2009, 12:24 AM

These are the same DACs in the OB8- so this increases your chances of finding buyers.

I've had my OB8 and Xpander for over 10 years and the DACs haven't failed yet.

On 2/25/09, playthefivetones <playthefivetones@ yahoo.com> wrote:

hey everyone,

so for the heck of it, i emailed a parts supply place in california
about the DAC and they actually sent me back a quote...125usd a piece
if you buy six. Note sure I want to be on the hook for 750 bucks worth
of old DACs, but then again, i've recently rediscovered my love for
the xpander and have been obsessed with putting together a cache of
spare parts for what i feel, possibly delusionally, is that the thing
is going to go tits up one day, probably when i need it most, and
i'll spend the rest of existence on this mud ball planet without the
space/time fabric ripping sounds of my beloved xpander.

do you think i could get rid of them all on ebay?
how many DACs fail anyway??

let's discuss

peace to all of you

ptft

--- In xpantastic@yahoogro ups.com, "takisdamaschis"
wrote:
>
> Hi everyone,I'm in dire need of a MP7614KN DAC for my xpander!
> If anyone has a spare one or one in a unit that keeps for spare parts
> and is willing to part with it I'm willing to do one of the three
> following things:
> 1.Buy it (you name the price!)
> 2.trade it with an NOS CEM3374 chip I have spare!
> 3.trade it with an NOS VFD fluorescent original display I have spare!
> Ofcourse the DAC has to be in perfect working order!
> Thanks,Takis.
>

On 2/25/09, Simon G <playthefivetones@...> wrote:
>
>
> thanks for the info. if you don't mind me asking, has anything failed on your xpander?
>

> 
> Hey Everyone, 
> 
> I have been helping folks fix their Xpanders / Matrix 12s for awhile 
> here. I can tell you that by far the most failed component is 
> electrolytic capacitors. A 2.2 uF @ 50V coupling capacitor is used 
> through out the analog voice boards. This capacitor will fail and 
> cause numerous voice problems from failed auto-tune to no sound. The 
> next part would be the encoders. Usually a good cleaning fixes this.
> Next would be the VFD displays which are very hard to find. Steve 
> Lanham is working on an upgrade for this one. 
> see:
> http://us.mc838.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=steve@... 
> 
> There have been a few cases of VCO ( 3374 ) and VCF filter chips ( 
> 3372 ) failing. Not impossible to find, but expensive.
> The DAC issue from Takis is the first I've seen of that part failing. 
> Many times things can be fixed by simply re seating ( pulling out and 
> putting back in ) the chips. This is easy on the Xpander because 
> every integrated circuit is in a socket.  Finally, many problems are 
> caused by cold solder joints. Simply re flowing the solder around the 
> suspect part can fix this. I always recommend doing this first
> before replacing parts. 
> 
> I personally have fixed my matrix 12 (owned since 1987) several times 
> This included cleaning the key contacts (typical of any keyboard) 
> Several of the before mentioned capacitors.  An analog switch chip 
> which had it's pin folded under at the factory. And finally, several 
> 74HC14 Schmidt trigger chips which debounce the encoders.   
> 
> Soon ( when time permits ) I would like to make a better list along 
> with part numbers etc. that we could all use to trouble shoot these 
> wonderful machines. I have been collecting capacitors/ battary etc.
> to recap mine.  
> 
> 
> BTW If you have any software issues/questions Tony C. is the man to 
> talk to, and PeWe is the best expert on sound design / functionality
> ( on nearly any synth ) I have ever talked to. Actually, all the 
> folks in this group are sharp characters ( they own xpanders :-)  
> 
> Best Regards 
> 
> Karl 
> 
>  
> 
>  
> 
>  
> 
> 
> --- In xpantastic@...m, Tony Cappellini <cappy2112@...> 
> wrote:
>>
>> Not really, but my gear is very under-used compared to most.
>> One voice is a little squirrly (occasionally). Karl was nice enough 
> to
>> point me to which cap typically goes bad that causes my symptoms. 
> Karl
>> is very knowledgable about the Xpander. 
>> 
>> I've wanted to recap my voice circuits, but haven't found someone I
>> will trust my Xpander with. 
>> 
>> For a long time that voice failed auto-tune now & then, but I 
> coulnd't
>> hear anything bad. Now I can hear it ;-)
>> I bought a bunch of spare parts a long time ago when they were easy 
> to find.
>>  
>> 
>> On 2/25/09, Simon G <playthefivetones@...> wrote:
>> >
>> >
>> > thanks for the info. if you don't mind me asking, has anything 
> failed on your xpander?
>> > 
>>
>  
>

> Switching on and off has been noticed causing many of the break outs of electronic 
> components. I don't know exactly, but It may be the voltage and current spikes that 
> happen then, which break the components. You can hear this from your loadspeakers. For 
> this reason some studios keep their equipment on day and night. But, I think that in case 
> of Xpander this might not be a good idea, because of the displays. Luckily there is now a 
> replacement available as told above, but if I were you, I would absolutely not trade the 
> display unless I had a couple of spare displays. CEM3374 is also very difficult to find 
> component, but not nearly as much as the display. For these reasons some people like 
> myself have even bought xtra xpanders for spare parts. 
> 
> Very good sources for all synth components are especially the following: 
> 
> http://www.vintageplanet.nl/
> http://www.synthchips.com/ 
> 
> Is anybody aware, why the latter is not working currently? I also tried to reach Dave there 
> by email without success. Is he alright? 
> 
> Tiitu 
> 
>  
> 
>

Hey Everyone,

I have been helping folks fix their Xpanders / Matrix 12s for awhile
here. I can tell you that by far the most failed component is
electrolytic capacitors. A 2.2 uF @ 50V coupling capacitor is used
through out the analog voice boards. This capacitor will fail and
cause numerous voice problems from failed auto-tune to no sound. The
next part would be the encoders. Usually a good cleaning fixes this.
Next would be the VFD displays which are very hard to find. Steve
Lanham is working on an upgrade for this one.
see:
http://us.mc838.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=steve@bendentech.co.uk

There have been a few cases of VCO ( 3374 ) and VCF filter chips (
3372 ) failing. Not impossible to find, but expensive.
The DAC issue from Takis is the first I've seen of that part failing.
Many times things can be fixed by simply re seating ( pulling out and
putting back in ) the chips. This is easy on the Xpander because
every integrated circuit is in a socket. Finally, many problems are
caused by cold solder joints. Simply re flowing the solder around the
suspect part can fix this. I always recommend doing this first
before replacing parts.

I personally have fixed my matrix 12 (owned since 1987) several times
This included cleaning the key contacts (typical of any keyboard)
Several of the before mentioned capacitors. An analog switch chip
which had it's pin folded under at the factory. And finally, several
74HC14 Schmidt trigger chips which debounce the encoders.

Soon ( when time permits ) I would like to make a better list along
with part numbers etc. that we could all use to trouble shoot these
wonderful machines. I have been collecting capacitors/ battary etc.
to recap mine.

BTW If you have any software issues/questions Tony C. is the man to
talk to, and PeWe is the best expert on sound design / functionality
( on nearly any synth ) I have ever talked to. Actually, all the
folks in this group are sharp characters ( they own xpanders :-)

Best Regards

Karl

.

Hello all,

I guess everyone has seen the nos xpander VFDs on ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Oberheim-X-pander-Matrix-12-VFD-display-Xpander-NOS_W0
QQitemZ170303550830QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Musical_Instruments_Pro_Audio_Synth
esisers_CV?hash=item170303550830&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1688%7C
66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318

Handy part to have around as a spare part.
Still.. personally i think if your considering paying over �100 (current
price is �100) for *1* spare VFD for your Xpander, then its well worth
looking at the new replacement board that steve lenman is offering:

http://www.lenham.clara.net/sound/obvfd.html

My Xpander was the prototype for this board replacement, i asked steve to
build it for me.

It works really great. The replacement board uses VFDs that are still in
production it looks and works the same. Its really good, really please with
it.

I had my Xpander fully recapped and its been great.. wish i could say the
same about the few other analogue synths that i have now which seem to self
destruct on a regular basis :(

Cheers,
Rob.

> 
> Yep, I´ve seen the offer @ebay and decided not to buy ´em. Too expensive 
> !
> I hope, Steve comes up w/ his update board soon,- it´s absolutely the 
> better investment for the future. 
> 
> blchrr@... schrieb:
>> 
>> Hello all, 
>> 
>> I guess everyone has seen the nos xpander VFDs on ebay: 
>> 
>> http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Oberheim-X-pander-Matrix-12-VFD-display-Xpander-NOS 
>> _W0 
>> <http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Oberheim-X-pander-Matrix-12-VFD-display-Xpander-NO 
>> S_W0>  
>> 
>> QQitemZ170303550830QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Musical_Instruments_Pro_Audio_Sy 
>> nth  
>> 
>> esisers_CV?hash=item170303550830&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1688 
>> %7C  
>> 
>> 66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318 
>> 
>> Handy part to have around as a spare part.
>> Still.. personally i think if your considering paying over £100 (current
>> price is £100) for *1* spare VFD for your Xpander, then its well worth
>> looking at the new replacement board that steve lenman is offering: 
>> 
>> http://www.lenham.clara.net/sound/obvfd.html 
>> <http://www.lenham.clara.net/sound/obvfd.html> 
>> 
>> My Xpander was the prototype for this board replacement, i asked steve to
>> build it for me. 
>> 
>> It works really great. The replacement board uses VFDs that are still in
>> production it looks and works the same. Its really good, really please 
>> with
>> it. 
>> 
>> I had my Xpander fully recapped and its been great.. wish i could say the
>> same about the few other analogue synths that i have now which seem to 
>> self
>> destruct on a regular basis :( 
>> 
>> Cheers,
>> Rob. 
>> 
>> 
>

From: Karl
Subject: [xpantastic] Re: xpander dac
To: xpantastic@yahoogroups.com
Date: Thursday, February 26, 2009, 4:43 AM

Hey Everyone,

I have been helping folks fix their Xpanders / Matrix 12s for awhile
here. I can tell you that by far the most failed component is
electrolytic capacitors. A 2.2 uF @ 50V coupling capacitor is used
through out the analog voice boards. This capacitor will fail and
cause numerous voice problems from failed auto-tune to no sound. The
next part would be the encoders. Usually a good cleaning fixes this.
Next would be the VFD displays which are very hard to find. Steve
Lanham is working on an upgrade for this one.
see:
http://us.mc838. mail.yahoo. com/mc/compose? to=steve@ bendentech. co.uk

There have been a few cases of VCO ( 3374 ) and VCF filter chips (
3372 ) failing. Not impossible to find, but expensive.
The DAC issue from Takis is the first I've seen of that part failing.
Many times things can be fixed by simply re seating ( pulling out and
putting back in ) the chips. This is easy on the Xpander because
every integrated circuit is in a socket. Finally, many problems are
caused by cold solder joints. Simply re flowing the solder around the
suspect part can fix this. I always recommend doing this first
before replacing parts.

I personally have fixed my matrix 12 (owned since 1987) several times
This included cleaning the key contacts (typical of any keyboard)
Several of the before mentioned capacitors. An analog switch chip
which had it's pin folded under at the factory. And finally, several
74HC14 Schmidt trigger chips which debounce the encoders.

Soon ( when time permits ) I would like to make a better list along
with part numbers etc. that we could all use to trouble shoot these
wonderful machines. I have been collecting capacitors/ battary etc.
to recap mine.

BTW If you have any software issues/questions Tony C. is the man to
talk to, and PeWe is the best expert on sound design / functionality
( on nearly any synth ) I have ever talked to. Actually, all the
folks in this group are sharp characters ( they own xpanders :-)

Best Regards

Karl

--- In xpantastic@yahoogro ups.com, Tony Cappellini
wrote:
>
> Not really, but my gear is very under-used compared to most.
> One voice is a little squirrly (occasionally) . Karl was nice enough
to
> point me to which cap typically goes bad that causes my symptoms.
Karl
> is very knowledgable about the Xpander.
>
> I've wanted to recap my voice circuits, but haven't found someone I
> will trust my Xpander with.
>
> For a long time that voice failed auto-tune now & then, but I
coulnd't
> hear anything bad. Now I can hear it ;-)
> I bought a bunch of spare parts a long time ago when they were easy
to find.
>
>
> On 2/25/09, Simon G wrote:
> >
> >
> > thanks for the info. if you don't mind me asking, has anything
failed on your xpander?
> >
>

From: Simon G <playthefivetones@...>
Subject: Re: [xpantastic] Re: xpander dac
To: xpantastic@yahoogroups.com
Date: Friday, March 6, 2009, 7:52 AM










that was a lot of really great information, Karl, thank you. presumably those capacitors are easy to find?

do you think the problem below could be a capacitor issue?

does anybody else had/ have a problem where VCA 2 is 'stuck on' some old notes...almost like a midi note is stuck on.i've tried the boot reset, all midi notes off (i'm quite convinced it's not midi related at this point), still there. always get a  tuning pass across the board, except one time where VCF failed (still sounded fine). i have not been able to duplicate that. doesn't seem to be isolated to one voice.  plays fine, sounds great (amazing), just have to leave vca2 at 0 which in most patches seems to make little difference. 

also i've been using the stuck VCA2 to make easy drones which i quite like.

i searched for the problem everywhere and found someone else who had posted with it  and got a couple of responses... one saying it was common on Jupiters (iirc) but no real solutions. 

can it be tuned out with a good calibration? considering everything else works should i just leave it alone? could i be making it worse by using it like this?

thanks 
s



--- On Thu, 2/26/09, Karl <shire03@sbcglobal. net> wrote:


From: Karl <shire03@sbcglobal. net>
Subject: [xpantastic] Re: xpander dac
To: xpantastic@yahoogro ups.com
Date: Thursday, February 26, 2009, 4:43 AM





Hey Everyone,

I have been helping folks fix their Xpanders / Matrix 12s for awhile 
here. I can tell you that by far the most failed component is 
electrolytic capacitors. A 2.2 uF @ 50V coupling capacitor is used 
through out the analog voice boards. This capacitor will fail and 
cause numerous voice problems from failed auto-tune to no sound. The 
next part would be the encoders. Usually a good cleaning fixes this.
Next would be the VFD displays which are very hard to find. Steve 
Lanham is working on an upgrade for this one. 
see:
http://us.mc838. mail.yahoo. com/mc/compose? to=steve@ bendentech. co.uk

There have been a few cases of VCO ( 3374 ) and VCF filter chips ( 
3372 ) failing. Not impossible to find, but expensive.
The DAC issue from Takis is the first I've seen of that part failing. 
Many times things can be fixed by simply re seating ( pulling out and 
putting back in ) the chips. This is easy on the Xpander because 
every integrated circuit is in a socket. Finally, many problems are 
caused by cold solder joints. Simply re flowing the solder around the 
suspect part can fix this. I always recommend doing this first
before replacing parts.

I personally have fixed my matrix 12 (owned since 1987) several times 
This included cleaning the key contacts (typical of any keyboard) 
Several of the before mentioned capacitors. An analog switch chip 
which had it's pin folded under at the factory. And finally, several 
74HC14 Schmidt trigger chips which debounce the encoders. 

Soon ( when time permits ) I would like to make a better list along 
with part numbers etc. that we could all use to trouble shoot these 
wonderful machines. I have been collecting capacitors/ battary etc.
to recap mine. 

BTW If you have any software issues/questions Tony C. is the man to 
talk to, and PeWe is the best expert on sound design / functionality
( on nearly any synth ) I have ever talked to. Actually, all the 
folks in this group are sharp characters ( they own xpanders :-) 

Best Regards

Karl

--- In xpantastic@yahoogro ups.com, Tony Cappellini <cappy2112@. ..> 
wrote:
>
> Not really, but my gear is very under-used compared to most.
> One voice is a little squirrly (occasionally) . Karl was nice enough 
to
> point me to which cap typically goes bad that causes my symptoms. 
Karl
> is very knowledgable about the Xpander.
> 
> I've wanted to recap my voice circuits, but haven't found someone I
> will trust my Xpander with.
> 
> For a long time that voice failed auto-tune now & then, but I 
coulnd't
> hear anything bad. Now I can hear it ;-)
> I bought a bunch of spare parts a long time ago when they were easy 
to find.
> 
> 
> On 2/25/09, Simon G <playthefivetones@ ...> wrote:
> >
> >
> > thanks for the info. if you don't mind me asking, has anything 
failed on your xpander?
> >
>

>
> that was a lot of really great information, Karl, thank you. presumably those capacitors are easy to find?
> 
> do you think the problem below could be a capacitor issue?
> 
> does anybody else had/ have a problem where VCA 2 is 'stuck on' some old notes...almost like a midi note is stuck on.i've tried the boot reset, all midi notes off (i'm quite convinced it's not midi related at this point), still there. always get a  tuning pass across the board, except one time where VCF failed (still sounded fine). i have not been able to duplicate that. doesn't seem to be isolated to one voice.  plays fine, sounds great (amazing), just have to leave vca2 at 0 which in most patches seems to make little difference. 
> 
> also i've been using the stuck VCA2 to make easy drones which i quite like.
> 
> i searched for the problem everywhere and found someone else who had posted with it  and got a couple of responses...one saying it was common on Jupiters (iirc) but no real solutions. 
> 
> can it be tuned out with a good calibration? considering everything else works should i just leave it alone? could i be making it worse by using it like this?
> 
> thanks 
> s
> 
> 
> 
> --- On Thu, 2/26/09, Karl <shire03@...> wrote:
> 
> From: Karl <shire03@...>
> Subject: [xpantastic] Re: xpander dac
> To: xpantastic@yahoogroups.com
> Date: Thursday, February 26, 2009, 4:43 AM
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
>     
>             
> 
> Hey Everyone,
> 
> 
> 
> I have been helping folks fix their Xpanders / Matrix 12s for awhile 
> 
> here. I can tell you that by far the most failed component is 
> 
> electrolytic capacitors. A 2.2 uF @ 50V coupling capacitor is used 
> 
> through out the analog voice boards. This capacitor will fail and 
> 
> cause numerous voice problems from failed auto-tune to no sound. The 
> 
> next part would be the encoders. Usually a good cleaning fixes this.
> 
> Next would be the VFD displays which are very hard to find. Steve 
> 
> Lanham is working on an upgrade for this one. 
> 
> see:
> 
> http://us.mc838. mail.yahoo. com/mc/compose? to=steve@ bendentech. co.uk
> 
> 
> 
> There have been a few cases of VCO ( 3374 ) and VCF filter chips ( 
> 
> 3372 ) failing. Not impossible to find, but expensive.
> 
> The DAC issue from Takis is the first I've seen of that part failing. 
> 
> Many times things can be fixed by simply re seating ( pulling out and 
> 
> putting back in ) the chips. This is easy on the Xpander because 
> 
> every integrated circuit is in a socket.  Finally, many problems are 
> 
> caused by cold solder joints. Simply re flowing the solder around the 
> 
> suspect part can fix this. I always recommend doing this first
> 
> before replacing parts.
> 
> 
> 
> I personally have fixed my matrix 12 (owned since 1987) several times 
> 
> This included cleaning the key contacts (typical of any keyboard) 
> 
> Several of the before mentioned capacitors.  An analog switch chip 
> 
> which had it's pin folded under at the factory. And finally, several 
> 
> 74HC14 Schmidt trigger chips which debounce the encoders.  
> 
> 
> 
> Soon ( when time permits ) I would like to make a better list along 
> 
> with part numbers etc. that we could all use to trouble shoot these 
> 
> wonderful machines. I have been collecting capacitors/ battary etc.
> 
> to recap mine. 
> 
> 
> 
> BTW If you have any software issues/questions Tony C. is the man to 
> 
> talk to, and PeWe is the best expert on sound design / functionality
> 
> ( on nearly any synth ) I have ever talked to. Actually, all the 
> 
> folks in this group are sharp characters ( they own xpanders :-) 
> 
> 
> 
> Best Regards
> 
> 
> 
> Karl
> 
> 
> 
> --- In xpantastic@yahoogro ups.com, Tony Cappellini <cappy2112@ ..> 
> 
> wrote:
> 
> >
> 
> > Not really, but my gear is very under-used compared to most.
> 
> > One voice is a little squirrly (occasionally) . Karl was nice enough 
> 
> to
> 
> > point me to which cap typically goes bad that causes my symptoms. 
> 
> Karl
> 
> > is very knowledgable about the Xpander.
> 
> > 
> 
> > I've wanted to recap my voice circuits, but haven't found someone I
> 
> > will trust my Xpander with.
> 
> > 
> 
> > For a long time that voice failed auto-tune now & then, but I 
> 
> coulnd't
> 
> > hear anything bad. Now I can hear it ;-)
> 
> > I bought a bunch of spare parts a long time ago when they were easy 
> 
> to find.
> 
> > 
> 
> > 
> 
> > On 2/25/09, Simon G <playthefivetones@ ...> wrote:
> 
> > >
> 
> > >
> 
> > > thanks for the info. if you don't mind me asking, has anything 
> 
> failed on your xpander?
> 
> > >
> 
> >
>

>
> Hi s!
> there is nothing wrong with your xpander!
> Simply the sustain pedal jack switch is stuck in the on position!
> The remedies are:
> 1.Open the xpander and repair/replace the pedal 1 jack  or
> 2.dissable in the software the functionallity of pedal 1!
>   Go to MASTER PAGE/MIDI/CNTRS/PEDAL 1 and use the rotary under pedal1 to assign any other CC value other than PEDAL 1, say 0 for example!
> This will take care of it without the need to repair the input jack!
> 
> Best regards,Takis. 
> 
> --- In xpantastic@yahoogroups.com, Simon G <playthefivetones@> 
> wrote:
> >
> > that was a lot of really great information, Karl, thank you. presumably those capacitors are easy to find?
> > 
> > do you think the problem below could be a capacitor issue?
> > 
> > does anybody else had/ have a problem where VCA 2 is 'stuck on' some old notes...almost like a midi note is stuck on.i've tried the boot reset, all midi notes off (i'm quite convinced it's not midi related at this point), still there. always get a  tuning pass across the board, except one time where VCF failed (still sounded fine). i have not been able to duplicate that. doesn't seem to be isolated to one voice.  plays fine, sounds great (amazing), just have to leave vca2 at 0 which in most patches seems to make little difference. 
> > 
> > also i've been using the stuck VCA2 to make easy drones which i quite like.
> > 
> > i searched for the problem everywhere and found someone else who had posted with it  and got a couple of responses...one saying it was common on Jupiters (iirc) but no real solutions. 
> > 
> > can it be tuned out with a good calibration? considering everything else works should i just leave it alone? could i be making it worse by using it like this?
> > 
> > thanks 
> > s
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > --- On Thu, 2/26/09, Karl <shire03@> wrote:
> > 
> > From: Karl <shire03@>
> > Subject: [xpantastic] Re: xpander dac
> > To: xpantastic@yahoogroups.com
> > Date: Thursday, February 26, 2009, 4:43 AM
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > 
> >     
> >             
> > 
> > Hey Everyone,
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > I have been helping folks fix their Xpanders / Matrix 12s for awhile 
> > 
> > here. I can tell you that by far the most failed component is 
> > 
> > electrolytic capacitors. A 2.2 uF @ 50V coupling capacitor is used 
> > 
> > through out the analog voice boards. This capacitor will fail and 
> > 
> > cause numerous voice problems from failed auto-tune to no sound. The 
> > 
> > next part would be the encoders. Usually a good cleaning fixes this.
> > 
> > Next would be the VFD displays which are very hard to find. Steve 
> > 
> > Lanham is working on an upgrade for this one. 
> > 
> > see:
> > 
> > http://us.mc838. mail.yahoo. com/mc/compose? to=steve@ bendentech. co.uk
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > There have been a few cases of VCO ( 3374 ) and VCF filter chips ( 
> > 
> > 3372 ) failing. Not impossible to find, but expensive.
> > 
> > The DAC issue from Takis is the first I've seen of that part failing. 
> > 
> > Many times things can be fixed by simply re seating ( pulling out and 
> > 
> > putting back in ) the chips. This is easy on the Xpander because 
> > 
> > every integrated circuit is in a socket.  Finally, many problems are 
> > 
> > caused by cold solder joints. Simply re flowing the solder around the 
> > 
> > suspect part can fix this. I always recommend doing this first
> > 
> > before replacing parts.
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > I personally have fixed my matrix 12 (owned since 1987) several times 
> > 
> > This included cleaning the key contacts (typical of any keyboard) 
> > 
> > Several of the before mentioned capacitors.  An analog switch chip 
> > 
> > which had it's pin folded under at the factory. And finally, several 
> > 
> > 74HC14 Schmidt trigger chips which debounce the encoders.  
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > Soon ( when time permits ) I would like to make a better list along 
> > 
> > with part numbers etc. that we could all use to trouble shoot these 
> > 
> > wonderful machines. I have been collecting capacitors/ battary etc.
> > 
> > to recap mine. 
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > BTW If you have any software issues/questions Tony C. is the man to 
> > 
> > talk to, and PeWe is the best expert on sound design / functionality
> > 
> > ( on nearly any synth ) I have ever talked to. Actually, all the 
> > 
> > folks in this group are sharp characters ( they own xpanders :-) 
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > Best Regards
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > Karl
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > --- In xpantastic@yahoogro ups.com, Tony Cappellini <cappy2112@ ..> 
> > 
> > wrote:
> > 
> > >
> > 
> > > Not really, but my gear is very under-used compared to most.
> > 
> > > One voice is a little squirrly (occasionally) . Karl was nice enough 
> > 
> > to
> > 
> > > point me to which cap typically goes bad that causes my symptoms. 
> > 
> > Karl
> > 
> > > is very knowledgable about the Xpander.
> > 
> > > 
> > 
> > > I've wanted to recap my voice circuits, but haven't found someone I
> > 
> > > will trust my Xpander with.
> > 
> > > 
> > 
> > > For a long time that voice failed auto-tune now & then, but I 
> > 
> > coulnd't
> > 
> > > hear anything bad. Now I can hear it ;-)
> > 
> > > I bought a bunch of spare parts a long time ago when they were easy 
> > 
> > to find.
> > 
> > > 
> > 
> > > 
> > 
> > > On 2/25/09, Simon G <playthefivetones@ ...> wrote:
> > 
> > > >
> > 
> > > >
> > 
> > > > thanks for the info. if you don't mind me asking, has anything 
> > 
> > failed on your xpander?
> > 
> > > >
> > 
> > >
> >
>

Hey Takis,

Thanks so much for your help, but i'm afraid the problem persists.
i went to the menu you specified, set pedals 1 and 2 to '0' and vca2 is still 'stuck on'.
The top display has:
lever 1 lever 2 pedal1 pedal2 pressr
(i can't change those)
i set the bottom display to:
1 1 0 0 pressr

still 'stuck vca2'. maybe i did it wrong?

what sort of pedal is that input expecting? a keyboard sustain pedal? should i slap one in there and see if it can turn off vca2?

thanks so much for your help
s