Vintage Simmons Drums (UK) Users Group

Hi everyone....I've recently come into ownership of an SDS7 kit. It's a basic 5 - drum pad model ( kick, snare, three toms ) and it also has a kit  selector pad. I've now discovered that there's a problem with the " brain" in that the whole right - hand, programming and selector part of the module has an intermittent power fault and the LED display with the rotary selecter switch doesn't light up at all. I'm no electronics guru so I've no idea where to start. Is there anyone who does an accredited repair service for a Simmons of this vintage in the UK ? Am I even wasting my time trying to GET it repaired ?? Any pointers gratefully recieved....
Thanks, Tony

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Tony Henderson skrev 2013-04-30 15:37:

> Hi everyone....I've recently come into ownership of an SDS7 kit. It's a
> basic 5 - drum pad model ( kick, snare, three toms ) and it also has a
> kit selector pad. I've now discovered that there's a problem with the "
> brain" in that the whole right - hand, programming and selector part of
> the module has an intermittent power fault and the LED display with the
> rotary selecter switch doesn't light up at all. I'm no electronics guru
> so I've no idea where to start. Is there anyone who does an accredited
> repair service for a Simmons of this vintage in the UK ? Am I even
> wasting my time trying to GET it repaired ?? Any pointers gratefully
> recieved....
> Thanks, Tony

It certainly deserves getting fixed. And if you decide it's not worth it
I bet there are a few in here ready to take on the challenge. Check with
James at Synth Repair to at least get a quote. He's a good guy with good
reputation.
http://www.synthrepairservices.com/

If it gets too expensive, you might sell it off in parts. Heretic - yes,
but just don't throw it out!

But there might even be help had here... Let's wait and see. Znd once
again, welcome! :)

--
electronically yours, jesper

- -- --- ---- ----- ---- --- -- -
www.electronic-obsession.se

also, these are old enough ( and the caps they used were cheap enough ) that they are completely out of spec.

early digital hates this enough to completely break down when it is the case.

a recap and new battery may be all of the issue.
 
z



NEW ALLIANCE EAST!!!!

--------------------------------------


New Alliance East - Mastering

New Alliance East - Facebook

X :::: B :::: S




________________________________
From: jesper <jesper@...>
To: Simmons_Drums@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Tuesday, April 30, 2013 9:51 AM
Subject: Re: [Simmons Drums] Need some help, folks....



 
Tony Henderson skrev 2013-04-30 15:37:

> Hi everyone....I've recently come into ownership of an SDS7 kit. It's a
> basic 5 - drum pad model ( kick, snare, three toms ) and it also has a
> kit selector pad. I've now discovered that there's a problem with the "
> brain" in that the whole right - hand, programming and selector part of
> the module has an intermittent power fault and the LED display with the
> rotary selecter switch doesn't light up at all. I'm no electronics guru
> so I've no idea where to start. Is there anyone who does an accredited
> repair service for a Simmons of this vintage in the UK ? Am I even
> wasting my time trying to GET it repaired ?? Any pointers gratefully
> recieved....
> Thanks, Tony

It certainly deserves getting fixed. And if you decide it's not worth it
I bet there are a few in here ready to take on the challenge. Check with
James at Synth Repair to at least get a quote. He's a good guy with good
reputation.
http://www.synthrepairservices.com/

If it gets too expensive, you might sell it off in parts. Heretic - yes,
but just don't throw it out!

But there might even be help had here... Let's wait and see. Znd once
again, welcome! :)

--
electronically yours, jesper

- -- --- ---- ----- ---- --- -- -
www.electronic-obsession.se



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi Tony,
 
I had my SDS7 repaired here a few years ago:
 
http://adcdrums.co.uk/Contact.aspx
 
Chris    


________________________________
From: Tony Henderson <tonyhenderson@...>
To: "Simmons_Drums@yahoogroups.com" <Simmons_Drums@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Tuesday, 30 April 2013, 14:37
Subject: [Simmons Drums] Need some help, folks....


 

Hi everyone....I've recently come into ownership of an SDS7 kit. It's a basic 5 - drum pad model ( kick, snare, three toms ) and it also has a kit  selector pad. I've now discovered that there's a problem with the " brain" in that the whole right - hand, programming and selector part of the module has an intermittent power fault and the LED display with the rotary selecter switch doesn't light up at all. I'm no electronics guru so I've no idea where to start. Is there anyone who does an accredited repair service for a Simmons of this vintage in the UK ? Am I even wasting my time trying to GET it repaired ?? Any pointers gratefully recieved....
Thanks, Tony

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]




[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Or Colin at Koby drums. I think he was doing repairs at ADC.

--- In Simmons_Drums@yahoogroups.com, Chris Cronin <gushi1@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Tony,
>  
> I had my SDS7 repaired here a few years ago:
>  
> http://adcdrums.co.uk/Contact.aspx
>  
> Chris    
>
>
> ________________________________
> From: Tony Henderson <tonyhenderson@...>
> To: "Simmons_Drums@yahoogroups.com" <Simmons_Drums@yahoogroups.com>
> Sent: Tuesday, 30 April 2013, 14:37
> Subject: [Simmons Drums] Need some help, folks....
>
>
>  
>
> Hi everyone....I've recently come into ownership of an SDS7 kit. It's a basic 5 - drum pad model ( kick, snare, three toms ) and it also has a kit  selector pad. I've now discovered that there's a problem with the " brain" in that the whole right - hand, programming and selector part of the module has an intermittent power fault and the LED display with the rotary selecter switch doesn't light up at all. I'm no electronics guru so I've no idea where to start. Is there anyone who does an accredited repair service for a Simmons of this vintage in the UK ? Am I even wasting my time trying to GET it repaired ?? Any pointers gratefully recieved....
> Thanks, Tony
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

You can do a test on your own without being an experienced tech. Unscrew the front and take all modules out, check, if the small centering pins are still in the edge connector of the backplane and not accidentally stuck in the slot of the modules.
Now unscrew the 4 screws of the panel with the rotary encoder. You find 2 PCBs behind it: The RAM/ROM to the right and then the CPU. Pull both out.
Also check, if the centering pins of these are still in place. Clean the gold plated fingers of the cards.
Insert the RAM and move it back and forth in the connector. If there is some stain or oxide inside, the chance to get rid of it with that way is big. Same with the CPU. When you think, it is enough, check, that the two cards are in the exact position in the connector (with a torch) and power up. If some segments on the display are lit know, start again. The right startup display must be "01"
Check also the RAM battery. If it has something green outside, replace it.
Good luck
Michael

----- Original Message -----
From: Tony Henderson
To: Simmons_Drums@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Tuesday, April 30, 2013 3:37 PM
Subject: [Simmons Drums] Need some help, folks....



Hi everyone....I've recently come into ownership of an SDS7 kit. It's a basic 5 - drum pad model ( kick, snare, three toms ) and it also has a kit selector pad. I've now discovered that there's a problem with the " brain" in that the whole right - hand, programming and selector part of the module has an intermittent power fault and the LED display with the rotary selecter switch doesn't light up at all. I'm no electronics guru so I've no idea where to start. Is there anyone who does an accredited repair service for a Simmons of this vintage in the UK ? Am I even wasting my time trying to GET it repaired ?? Any pointers gratefully recieved....
Thanks, Tony

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

This is great ! Thanks very much.... I'll get the screwdriver out now !!
Cheers,
Tony

Sent from my iPhone

On 1 May 2013, at 05:59, "Michael Buchner" <buchnerelectronics@...> wrote:

> You can do a test on your own without being an experienced tech. Unscrew the front and take all modules out, check, if the small centering pins are still in the edge connector of the backplane and not accidentally stuck in the slot of the modules.
> Now unscrew the 4 screws of the panel with the rotary encoder. You find 2 PCBs behind it: The RAM/ROM to the right and then the CPU. Pull both out.
> Also check, if the centering pins of these are still in place. Clean the gold plated fingers of the cards.
> Insert the RAM and move it back and forth in the connector. If there is some stain or oxide inside, the chance to get rid of it with that way is big. Same with the CPU. When you think, it is enough, check, that the two cards are in the exact position in the connector (with a torch) and power up. If some segments on the display are lit know, start again. The right startup display must be "01"
> Check also the RAM battery. If it has something green outside, replace it.
> Good luck
> Michael
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Tony Henderson
> To: Simmons_Drums@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Tuesday, April 30, 2013 3:37 PM
> Subject: [Simmons Drums] Need some help, folks....
>
> Hi everyone....I've recently come into ownership of an SDS7 kit. It's a basic 5 - drum pad model ( kick, snare, three toms ) and it also has a kit selector pad. I've now discovered that there's a problem with the " brain" in that the whole right - hand, programming and selector part of the module has an intermittent power fault and the LED display with the rotary selecter switch doesn't light up at all. I'm no electronics guru so I've no idea where to start. Is there anyone who does an accredited repair service for a Simmons of this vintage in the UK ? Am I even wasting my time trying to GET it repaired ?? Any pointers gratefully recieved....
> Thanks, Tony
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Just want to say a huge thanks to everyone who came back with replies to my request for help.... not only the fastest but the best response to any forum I've ever been on ! Always trust a drummer .....! I'll let you know how I get on, and thanks again !
Cheers,
Tony Henderson

Sent from my iPhone

On 30 Apr 2013, at 14:51, jesper <jesper@...> wrote:

> Tony Henderson skrev 2013-04-30 15:37:
> > Hi everyone....I've recently come into ownership of an SDS7 kit. It's a
> > basic 5 - drum pad model ( kick, snare, three toms ) and it also has a
> > kit selector pad. I've now discovered that there's a problem with the "
> > brain" in that the whole right - hand, programming and selector part of
> > the module has an intermittent power fault and the LED display with the
> > rotary selecter switch doesn't light up at all. I'm no electronics guru
> > so I've no idea where to start. Is there anyone who does an accredited
> > repair service for a Simmons of this vintage in the UK ? Am I even
> > wasting my time trying to GET it repaired ?? Any pointers gratefully
> > recieved....
> > Thanks, Tony
>
> It certainly deserves getting fixed. And if you decide it's not worth it
> I bet there are a few in here ready to take on the challenge. Check with
> James at Synth Repair to at least get a quote. He's a good guy with good
> reputation.
> http://www.synthrepairservices.com/
>
> If it gets too expensive, you might sell it off in parts. Heretic - yes,
> but just don't throw it out!
>
> But there might even be help had here... Let's wait and see. Znd once
> again, welcome! :)
>
> --
> electronically yours, jesper
>
> - -- --- ---- ----- ---- --- -- -
> www.electronic-obsession.se
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Tony Henderson skrev 2013-05-01 11:05:

> This is great ! Thanks very much.... I'll get the screwdriver out now !!
> Cheers,
> Tony

Yes, the best thing is always to check yourself first. But from the
original Q you sounded like a guy not daring to peek inside. :)

Also, this groups sure is great. Many skilled techs, many with knowledge
and histories from the business. Also friendly and fun 99% of the time.

We hope you get the SDS-7 sorted and that you stick around!

--
electronically yours, jesper

- -- --- ---- ----- ---- --- -- -
www.electronic-obsession.se

--- In Simmons_Drums@yahoogroups.com, Tony Henderson <tonyhenderson@...> wrote:

>
> Hi everyone....I've recently come into ownership of an SDS7 kit. It's a basic 5 - drum pad model ( kick, snare, three toms ) and it also has a kit  selector pad. I've now discovered that there's a problem with the " brain" in that the whole right - hand, programming and selector part of the module has an intermittent power fault and the LED display with the rotary selecter switch doesn't light up at all. I'm no electronics guru so I've no idea where to start. Is there anyone who does an accredited repair service for a Simmons of this vintage in the UK ? Am I even wasting my time trying to GET it repaired ?? Any pointers gratefully recieved....

Very carefully clean the edge connectors and check that the keys that line up with the keyway in the edge of the board is correctly fitted.

Remove the battery, and check *very very carefully* that it hasn't piddled electrolyte all over the board. This is extremely difficult to fix. Search for similar battery problems with Korg Polysixes if you want to know the full horror.

Check the power supply outputs carefully. IIRC they are +/-15V DC and +5V DC. As long as the 15V rails are reasonably close and +5V is within about +/- 0.2V it should be good. Check the PSU ripple under load.

DO NOT "RE-CAP" IT. You'll only give yourself even more faults. "Re-capping" equipment pretty much only ever makes things worse. Electrolytic capacitors just don't fail in equipment like this - about the only place you'll find genuinely faulty electrolytics is in very old (1930s-ish) equipment, and modern cheap crappy switched-mode power supplies. In something like 20-odd years of repairing electronic equipment I've found about a dozen electrolytics that were genuinely faulty, and only one of those in a synth - my own Polysix ;-)

Now, disc ceramic capacitors, they're another story altogether...

--
Gordonjcp MM0YEQ

On 01 May 2013 at 15:30 gordonjcp <gordon@...> wrote:

>
>
> DO NOT "RE-CAP" IT. You'll only give yourself even more faults. "Re-capping"
> equipment pretty much only ever makes things worse. Electrolytic capacitors
> just don't fail in equipment like this - about the only place you'll find
> genuinely faulty electrolytics is in very old (1930s-ish) equipment, and
> modern cheap crappy switched-mode power supplies. In something like 20-odd
> years of repairing electronic equipment I've found about a dozen electrolytics
> that were genuinely faulty, and only one of those in a synth - my own Polysix
> ;-)
>
> Now, disc ceramic capacitors, they're another story altogether...
>

You've clearly never had the "pleasure" of dealing with an ARP Omni then. The
tantalum capacitors in those tend to have failed long ago, although that's only
the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the Omni - the power supply has a design
flaw that causes components to die, and the sliders fall to bits :-/

Chris

On 01/05/13 16:58, chris@... wrote:

> You've clearly never had the "pleasure" of dealing with an ARP Omni then. The
> tantalum capacitors in those tend to have failed long ago, although that's only
> the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the Omni - the power supply has a design
> flaw that causes components to die, and the sliders fall to bits :-/
>

Ah, tantalums give up their magic smoke noisy and messily though, so
they're a dead giveaway ;-)

--
Gordonjcp MM0YEQ