Archive of the former Yahoo!Groups mailing list: Vintage Simmons Drums (UK) Users Group
Subject: SDS9 repair questions
From: <samzehr@...>
Date: 2013-12-05
Hi all
I received my SDS9 from eBay with 3 sheared off knobs. Looking through the archives, this seems to be a common problem, although I don't see a definitive replacement part for the pots or the knobs. I'm missing Volume, Lo Tom Volume, and Auto Speed. While I wait for parts, if anyone sees something wrong with what I am ordering, please let me know!
I'd love to keep it looking original, but even if I could find the right knobs, I can't find a pot with the same shaft. Perhaps someone on the list has a lead on these? I've seen an old message that an Ed Rose might know - is he still on the list?
In the meantime, I've ordered the following from www.smallbearelec.com
Single-Gang 16mm Rt-angle PC Mt. Knurled Shaft (100K Linear)
Alpha Single-Gang 16mm Rt-angle PC Mt. Knurled Shaft (5K Linear)
With blue and white capped knurled knobs, hopefully it won't look too terrible
While I'm in there, is there anything that should be done?
I've never worked on this stuff before, but I have worked on some 80's arcade game boards, so I'm not surprised to see battery replacement as a big priority
I found in the archives a recommendation for a Varta COMP-18-3-NMH
I think I have the equivalent from Radio Shack on eBay
Dantona 3.6V/150mAh Ni-MH Memory Backup Battery #:COMP-18-3NMH
Electrolytic capacitor replacement? I see some mixed opinions. It can do wonders in a CRT monitor, but I don't have enough electronics knowledge to know which ones are most likely to cause problems. Maybe in the power supply? I hate to mess with something that is already working, but perhaps I'll replace any that I have equivalents on hand for.
That brings me to the next question - schematics. I was hoping to find a repository of schematics and/or service manuals - it appears there was such a thing, but it was stopped due to abuse. If anyone would be so kind to email me a schematic (SDS1 would also be much appreciated), I can assure you it will not be sold or redistributed.
Lastly, the headphone output is noisy. I hear that this is normal, but I've also heard that it gets worse over time, and can be helped with an IC replacement. Any thoughts on that?
Well, if you've read this far, thank-you! Feel free to point out anything else I should do while I've got the hood open, as I'd prefer to keep it off my bench and making noise!
Sam