All about the Roland Jupiter-series

Hello,I've had some sleepless nights.Please help me Jupiter lovers!
I have my Jupiter 8 for 10 years now and it worked perfectly till 3
years ago...I always loose my presets..No worry I hear you think and
changing the internal battery is the first thing I did.I drove it to
the nearest ROLAND factory (I'm lucky,it's only 20 miles away :-) )
The guys of ROLAND BELGIUM replaced the internal battery but they
told me that it won't work for long as the MEMORY-BLOCK drains too
much energy from the battery and it would only last for a few
weeks....And they were right,the battery was gone again :-( From
than on I always use a CD-R to load/save my patches to..It worked
perfectly but was a little time-consuming...But I was happy that I
could still use my Jupiter8.
Now comes the big problem : since last week when I power on my
Jupiter8 the display acts funnily and I have to power on/off the
jupiter8 again to make it work...But when I want to load the
soundbanks into my Jupiter8 it won't load and changes automaticly to
MEMORY PROTECT but the memory-protection switch is off!!! Sometimes
it will load soundbanks,but most of the time it just don't load
shit :-( Putting the memory protect on-off doesn't help...
So now I'm stuck with a jupiter with no sounds,I cant save them to
tape/cd and I can't save them internally as it will loose all when
powered off...
PLEASE HELP,Im dying :-(

Try power it up holding down 1 & 3 preset button this will run the
diagnostic to give you a little more information as to what is going
on.
-Visit Dana's Synth Site
http://members.cox.net/synths

Hello! Jep I know the procedure...When I do this my Jupiter8 boots normally
and all oscillators work.But my Jupiter won't load sound anymore;not from
my computer tape nor from my cd. :-(
Please help Dana!

>Try power it up holding down 1 & 3 preset button this will run the
>diagnostic to give you a little more information as to what is going on.
>-Visit Dana's Synth Site
>http://members.cox.net/synths

Sounds like the memory block is completely damaged.
Look for traces of damage to the circuit board.
It may require some kludge work if the traces have become damaged from
a leaky battery.
If this is the case and the techs where you are cannot perform this
type of work I would start looking for one who can.
I have an excellent tech here where I live in Wichita KS.
Mike Metz his info can be obtained from my site.

-Visit Dana's Synth Site
http://members.cox.net/synths

Thanks alot Dana (You've helped me in the past with my beloved Jupiter).
I'm lucky that the Roland factory here in Belgium is very close to me...But
I went there 2years ago because my new installed internal battery kept
breaking and they told me that the memory-block drains too much energy from
the battery..So I just load/saved my patches with computer-tape.
But now ofcourse I'm fucked as I cannot load patches anymore....
Problem is the guys at Roland told me that they WON'T DO any special
modifications to the synth,
so I don't think they will try to repair the memory-block.They just told me
the part isn't available anymore...
I will go back to Roland and beg to get it fixed...
If not,is there a memory-block still available? Sure that kind of
memory-block was used in other equipment? (I recall it was called Ziqon or
something,I'll try the net to find out)
O god I hope I can find something that used the same kind of
memory-block....Any idea's?

>Sounds like the memory block is completely damaged.
>Look for traces of damage to the circuit board.
>It may require some kludge work if the traces have become damaged from a
>leaky battery.
>If this is the case and the techs where you are cannot perform this type of
>work I would start looking for one who can.
>I have an excellent tech here where I live in Wichita KS.
>Mike Metz his info can be obtained from my site.
>
>-Visit Dana's Synth Site
>http://members.cox.net/synths

Hello,this is a little attachment to my previous email,I think I found the
memory-block on the net...Is this the right one? follow the link
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zilog_Z80

Thanks!!!

>Sounds like the memory block is completely damaged.
>Look for traces of damage to the circuit board.
>It may require some kludge work if the traces have become damaged from a
>leaky battery.
>If this is the case and the techs where you are cannot perform this type of
>work I would start looking for one who can.
>I have an excellent tech here where I live in Wichita KS.
>Mike Metz his info can be obtained from my site.
>
>-Visit Dana's Synth Site
>http://members.cox.net/synths

What you are calling the memory block is actually the Microprocessor.
I do not have the schematics but they should source the actual part
number used.
You will need an exact match to that part.
If you have a source of the schematics you should be able to locate the
processor number.

If you can find the part Roland should be able to install for you.
Also is your version the 12 bit or 14 bit DAC.
The 14 bit DAC have the DCB connection on the back and are known as
Jupiter 8a.
I'm not sure if they use the same processor again the schematics will
tell you that.

Dana

Hello,this is a little attachment to my previous email,I think I found
the
memory-block on the net...Is this the right one? follow the link
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zilog_Z80
-Visit Dana's Synth Site
http://members.cox.net/synths

Hi Dana,I just returned from Roland Belgium.They are gonna do as much as
they can!
DID YOU KNOW that the big boss of Roland (Japan) visited the Belgian Roland
factory,and he DOESN'T WANT THAT ROLAND KEEPS FIXING OLD MACHINES anymore!!!
So I was one of the last ones to have an old synth fixed at Roland :-) When
I came in the technician said : Aaahhh,the Rolls Royce of Roland" :-)
I find it a bit hypocrit : they don't want to fix the machines that made
Roland big but on the other hand they name their new machines sh201,MC808
etcetc....All the same crappy softsynths in different packages :-)
I!ll keep you informed if my Jupitter survives,if not something inside me
will die :-)
Cheeersss and thanks for the super info!

>What you are calling the memory block is actually the Microprocessor.
>I do not have the schematics but they should source the actual part number
>used.
>You will need an exact match to that part.
>If you have a source of the schematics you should be able to locate the
>processor number.
>
>If you can find the part Roland should be able to install for you.
>Also is your version the 12 bit or 14 bit DAC.
>The 14 bit DAC have the DCB connection on the back and are known as Jupiter
>8a.
>I'm not sure if they use the same processor again the schematics will tell
>you that.
>
>Dana
>
>Hello,this is a little attachment to my previous email,I think I found the
> memory-block on the net...Is this the right one? follow the link
>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zilog_Z80
>-Visit Dana's Synth Site
>http://members.cox.net/synths

Ehm Ehm ..
well I have to defend Roland Belgium here !

even if it took them 3 months
they come yesterday to my house in Holland
to deliver 3 EPROM of the latest OS of my Roland MKS70
and for FREE !

Regards
--------------------------------------------------Env1-----Env2--Env3-----------
Andrea.TONI@... Vco1 \ | | \
Solar System Missions (Sci-Sm) Vco2-->--Vcf-->Vca-->Ducati996
www.rssd.esa.int Vco3 / | | /
--------------------------------------------------Lfo1-----Lfo2--Lfo3-----------

Posted by: "Tim Wellens" timwel@... tiwe1975
Wed Aug 9, 2006 7:56 am (PST)
Hi Dana,I just returned from Roland Belgium.They are gonna do as much as
they can!
DID YOU KNOW that the big boss of Roland (Japan) visited the Belgian Roland
factory,and he DOESN'T WANT THAT ROLAND KEEPS FIXING OLD MACHINES anymore!!!
So I was one of the last ones to have an old synth fixed at Roland :-) When
I came in the technician said : Aaahhh,the Rolls Royce of Roland" :-)
I find it a bit hypocrit : they don't want to fix the machines that made
Roland big but on the other hand they name their new machines sh201,MC808
etcetc....All the same crappy softsynths in different packages :-)
I!ll keep you informed if my Jupitter survives,if not something inside me
will die :-)
Cheeersss and thanks for the super info!

I agree after the Jupiter series I never had a real desire to buy any
of their synths.
I agree also the Jupiter 8 is definitely the Rolls Royce of Roland.
I did some programming for the factory patches on the Jupiter 6 and it
didn't have near the warmth as the 8 but it was still a great synth.
Yeah I agree they market these quasi analog machines because they know
analog is what everyone wants and if they can't get the real thing they
figure they will settle for anything packaged like the old stuff.
I sure would like to see Roland and other manufacturers do vintage line
of synths where the rebuild the old stuff close to the same specs.
They could take advantage of new technologies in the areas that would
not affect the sound.
Look what Moog did with the Voyager and now the Little Phatty.

Good Luck on your repairs and do keep us posted on the progress.
Dana

Hi Dana,I just returned from Roland Belgium.They are gonna do as much
as
they can!
DID YOU KNOW that the big boss of Roland (Japan) visited the Belgian
Roland
factory,and he DOESN'T WANT THAT ROLAND KEEPS FIXING OLD MACHINES
anymore!!!
So I was one of the last ones to have an old synth fixed at Roland :-)
When
I came in the technician said : Aaahhh,the Rolls Royce of Roland" :-)
I find it a bit hypocrit : they don't want to fix the machines that
made
Roland big but on the other hand they name their new machines
sh201,MC808
etcetc....All the same crappy softsynths in different packages :-)
I!ll keep you informed if my Jupitter survives,if not something inside
me
will die :-)
Cheeersss and thanks for the super info!
-Visit Dana's Synth Site
http://members.cox.net/synths

Yes,I know you're right :-) I have alot of old Roland gear
(TB303,TR606,TR707,TR808,TR909,JUNO2,JUNO60,JUPITER8 etcetc) so I admit I
love them.And last year I brought them all in to get them overhauled by
Roland and they did a fine job!
But what I meant is that they should keep on trying to get their old
machines fixed,sure that way they can keep their technicians at work ;-)
Groundbreaking would be that they would release a REAL analague machine
instead of the rubbish groove-box thingies :-) Imagine a new 32osc analogue
monster called the Jupiter16!!!
:-)

>Ehm Ehm ..
>well I have to defend Roland Belgium here !
>
>even if it took them 3 months
>they come yesterday to my house in Holland
>to deliver 3 EPROM of the latest OS of my Roland MKS70
>and for FREE !
>
>Regards
>--------------------------------------------------Env1-----Env2--Env3-----------
>Andrea.TONI@... Vco1 \ | | \
>Solar System Missions (Sci-Sm)
>Vco2-->--Vcf-->Vca-->Ducati996
>www.rssd.esa.int Vco3 / | | /
>--------------------------------------------------Lfo1-----Lfo2--Lfo3-----------
>
>Posted by: "Tim Wellens" timwel@... tiwe1975
>Wed Aug 9, 2006 7:56 am (PST)
>Hi Dana,I just returned from Roland Belgium.They are gonna do as much as
>they can!
>DID YOU KNOW that the big boss of Roland (Japan) visited the Belgian Roland
>factory,and he DOESN'T WANT THAT ROLAND KEEPS FIXING OLD MACHINES
>anymore!!!
>So I was one of the last ones to have an old synth fixed at Roland :-) When
>I came in the technician said : Aaahhh,the Rolls Royce of Roland" :-)
>I find it a bit hypocrit : they don't want to fix the machines that made
>Roland big but on the other hand they name their new machines sh201,MC808
>etcetc....All the same crappy softsynths in different packages :-)
>I!ll keep you informed if my Jupitter survives,if not something inside me
>will die :-)
>Cheeersss and thanks for the super info!
>
>
>
>[Jura Music Productions]
>[The Jura Plant]
>Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
>

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

From: Tim Wellens

To: Roland_Jupiters@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Wednesday, August 09, 2006 8:49 PM

Subject: RE: [Roland_Jupiters] Re: HELP,my Jupiter8 is dying and it's my little child :-(

Yes,I know you're right :-) I have alot of old Roland gear
(TB303,TR606, TR707,TR808, TR909,JUNO2, JUNO60,JUPITER8 etcetc) so I admit I
love them.And last year I brought them all in to get them overhauled by
Roland and they did a fine job!
But what I meant is that they should keep on trying to get their old
machines fixed,sure that way they can keep their technicians at work ;-)
Groundbreaking would be that they would release a REAL analague machine
instead of the rubbish groove-box thingies :-) Imagine a new 32osc analogue
monster called the Jupiter16!!!
:-)

>Ehm Ehm ..
>well I have to defend Roland Belgium here !
>
>even if it took them 3 months
>they come yesterday to my house in Holland
>to deliver 3 EPROM of the latest OS of my Roland MKS70
>and for FREE !
>
>Regards
>----------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---Env1-- ---Env2-- Env3----- ------
>Andrea.TONI@ rssd.esa. int Vco1 \ | | \
>Solar System Missions (Sci-Sm)
>Vco2-->--Vcf- ->Vca-->Ducati99 6
>www.rssd.esa. int Vco3 / | | /
>----------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---Lfo1-- ---Lfo2-- Lfo3----- ------
>
>Posted by: "Tim Wellens" timwel@hotmail. com tiwe1975
>Wed Aug 9, 2006 7:56 am (PST)
>Hi Dana,I just returned from Roland Belgium.They are gonna do as much as
>they can!
>DID YOU KNOW that the big boss of Roland (Japan) visited the Belgian Roland
>factory,and he DOESN'T WANT THAT ROLAND KEEPS FIXING OLD MACHINES
>anymore!!!
>So I was one of the last ones to have an old synth fixed at Roland :-) When
>I came in the technician said : Aaahhh,the Rolls Royce of Roland" :-)
>I find it a bit hypocrit : they don't want to fix the machines that made
>Roland big but on the other hand they name their new machines sh201,MC808
>etcetc....All the same crappy softsynths in different packages :-)
>I!ll keep you informed if my Jupitter survives,if not something inside me
>will die :-)
>Cheeersss and thanks for the super info!
>
>
>
>[Jura Music Productions]
>[The Jura Plant]
>Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
>

Yessssssssssssssssssssssss,my Jupiter8 has revived !!!!Roland
Belgium could fix several problems,it costed 340euros but it's worth
every penny of it !!! Roland even brought the synth to my home,many
thanks and respect to Chrisophe Cools for the excellent service!!!
I gave him the link to this forum so expect a true jupiter-expert on
these boards :-)
I had memory-problems and couldn't load sounds from tape to my
Jupiter anymore,but he fixed it all!!!
Here's a little resumé on what he did with my JP8 :

-complete overhaul
-changed battery
-replaced memory IC's
-replaced flip-flop
-replaced LFO-MOD switch
-modification CPU-board (the biggest problem of my JUP8)
-repaired interface-board & portamento circuit
-loaded factory presets
TEST = OK!

The weight of my JP-8A was 31.700 kg and volume 0,239 m3


I'm so happy to have my Jup8 fixed and give a warm welcome to
Christophe to these boards,the guy who fixed it!!!

cheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeersssss
















--- In Roland_Jupiters@yahoogroups.com, Dana Fiorucci
<dfiorucci@...> wrote:

>
> I agree after the Jupiter series I never had a real desire to buy

any

> of their synths.
> I agree also the Jupiter 8 is definitely the Rolls Royce of Roland.
> I did some programming for the factory patches on the Jupiter 6

and it

> didn't have near the warmth as the 8 but it was still a great

synth.

> Yeah I agree they market these quasi analog machines because they

know

> analog is what everyone wants and if they can't get the real thing

they

> figure they will settle for anything packaged like the old stuff.
> I sure would like to see Roland and other manufacturers do vintage

line

> of synths where the rebuild the old stuff close to the same specs.
> They could take advantage of new technologies in the areas that

would

> not affect the sound.
> Look what Moog did with the Voyager and now the Little Phatty.
>
> Good Luck on your repairs and do keep us posted on the progress.
> Dana
>
> Hi Dana,I just returned from Roland Belgium.They are gonna do as

much

> as
> they can!
> DID YOU KNOW that the big boss of Roland (Japan) visited the

Belgian

> Roland
> factory,and he DOESN'T WANT THAT ROLAND KEEPS FIXING OLD

MACHINES

> anymore!!!
> So I was one of the last ones to have an old synth fixed at

Roland :-)

> When
> I came in the technician said : Aaahhh,the Rolls Royce of

Roland" :-)

> I find it a bit hypocrit : they don't want to fix the machines

that

> made
> Roland big but on the other hand they name their new machines
> sh201,MC808
> etcetc....All the same crappy softsynths in different packages :-

)

> I!ll keep you informed if my Jupitter survives,if not something

inside

> me
> will die :-)
> Cheeersss and thanks for the super info!
> -Visit Dana's Synth Site
> http://members.cox.net/synths
>