[sdiy] Memorymoog Ovehaul Complete!

[James R. Coplin]

I just finished the complete overhaul and upgrade to my Memorymoog. I'm so
happy I just had to share it with the list! A big thank-you to Kevin
Lightner, Harry Bissell, and Michael Caloroso for helping me out with
pointing out some gotcha's and offering suggestions/opinions on what to do
and not do as well as getting me back on track when things went a bit off
rails. 
 
Here's the scoop:
 
All LEDs changed to super bright blue (incredibly cool looking).
All multipin connectors changed to gold plate.
All IC sockets for audio or critical CV upgraded to gold, machined sockets.
All boards completely cleaned, top and bottom and defluxed with nasty
chemicals. They look great!
All ribbon cable replaced.
All front panel contacts reburnished and defluxed (I had the flux
contamination problem)
Power filter board all recapped with nice premium high temp caps
All trimmers replaced with premium Bourns trim pots.
Caps for S&H replaced
Kenton MIDI installed
Complete calibration and tuning
 
What's left:
As with any project there are a couple of small details left which may or
may not be completed. There are actually very few opamps in the audio
channel. 13 TL072's to be precise. I've ordered some OPA2134's to try as
replacements just because. Also, I want to install a small LED board under
the mod and pitch wheel just to add to the blue glow now eminating from my
studio. I have one pot that could use a little work but is more annoying
than critical. Anyone know of a source for the fine/course pot on the
Memorymoog?
 
The Results?
120 some hours later and a couple of close calls, ulcers, etc. the beast
sounds unbelievable. A buddy of mine has one in similar condition which was
about as stable as mine before the upgrade. I took mine over the other day
to show him the results and I was amazed at how much cleaner, precise, and
stable mine was over his. Mine came out of a freezing car being bumped and
jostled the whole way, into a warm studio. I turned it on, hit tune and 6
tuned up perfectly and stayed there the whole 6 hours we were messing with
the two. His needed retuning 3-4 times over the same time period. If you own
one of these and have the patience and skills (I really don't have the
skills but I got lucky with a few scares) I highly recommend doing this. The
instrument sounds so much better and is so stable. It definitely won't be
leaving my sight now. I can't believe I almost sold it. Luckily with the
market down I never quite got the money I was looking for. At some point
I'll put all the details on my website but for now I thought I'd share the
news.
 
James R. Coplin
***************
If anyone asks of my whereabouts,
simply tell them i've gone out the window
for a spot of tea and am not
expected back any time soon.
***************
 
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