Discussion about the Korg PolySix synthesizer

>I've just listed my finished/working Polysix on eBay (I was given two
>to check/repair/rehome by a friend after her partner passed away) -
>I've done everything I can do with the information in the service
>guide, and only one thing bugs me now.
>
>When I switch it on, and first play a tone, it is flat/out of tune.
>It comes up to tune as the synth 'warms up' - very quickly, say a
>couple of seconds at most.
>
>Is this normal? There's no mention of this behaviour anywhere.
>Everything else works exactly as it should.
>
>The Polysix is listed on eBay in the UK - if this behaviour is a
>problem, I will revise my listing. Both Polysixes did it, but one has
>now developed a fault with the programmer with only a few LEDs
>illuminating, patch storage and programming messed up, so it's harder
>to detect over all the other bugs ;)
>
>To my mind, it's acceptable and normal behaviour for an analogue
>polysynth, but if there is a failed capacitor or component causing
>whatever generates a reference frequency (for example) to come up to
>speed, I'd like to be able to replace it if needed
>
>It is in tune when played, and doesn't go out of tune - my Akai
>AX73 has to have the autotune button pressed when first switched on!
>
>Richard
>
>--
>Tasty Other - Because Far Too Much in Life Makes Sense
>Music for download - coming soon (RIP MP3.com)
>G.A.S.
><http://www.dmc12.demon.co.uk/music/>http://www.dmc12.demon.co.uk/music/
>Platform: PowerMac G5 2.0GHz Dual, 20" LCD, Logic, Hammerfall.
>
>

>Ah, good. Then it really is behaving as it should!
>
>Any ideas on one which displays maybe 5 of the 8 patch LEDs when
>starting, only allows selection of certain patches, has a known-good
>KLM-371 board, known-good KLM-368, and was working fine, then
>suddenly developed this behaviour? Won't program properly either.
>I've checked all the connections and they're fine.
>
>I'm thinking "Replace 367", but that's not exactly easy these days.
>
>Richard
>
>--
>Tasty Other - Because Far Too Much in Life Makes Sense
>Music for download - coming soon (RIP MP3.com)
>G.A.S.
><http://www.dmc12.demon.co.uk/music/>http://www.dmc12.demon.co.uk/music/
>Platform: PowerMac G5 2.0GHz Dual, 20" LCD, Logic, Hammerfall.
>
>

--- In PolySix@yahoogroups.com, "Roman" <modular@...> wrote:
>
> about the effect problem - measure the voltage at CN03 on KLM367 and
see if
> they change when you turn the following:
> effect speed
> effect type
> VCA attenuation
> VCF resonance
> you should also see slow changing voltage if you have selected VCA
> modulation by LFO
> If they change, and not stay the same all the time, then your effect
board
> might be broken. But if one pins of CN03 doesn't appear to carry
changing
> voltage no matter what switch/pot you turn from above mentioned -
that means
> you still have some traces broken after battery leakage. If you also
say you
> cannot save - the fault may be in CN06 area, as aero/sputnik979 have
> discovered recently.
>
> Roman
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "rignellio" <rignellio@...>
> To: <PolySix@yahoogroups.com>
> Sent: Sunday, July 30, 2006 3:18 PM
> Subject: [PolySix] Polysix: effects don't work, has to be in manual
mode to
> sound
>
>
> > Hi,
> >
> > I've read through some posts on similar lines but couldn't find much
> > that specifically related to my problem. Apologies in advance because
> > I know you get these kind of posts all the time.
> >
> > I got a Polysix recently for next to nothing, the battery had leaked
> > but from a quick inspection it looked reasonably healthy, plus it
> > still made sound.
> > So i proceeded to follow the Polysix battery replacement procedure on
> > Old Crow's site, and now it is working better than before but still
> > has some major functions missing:
> >
> > a) The programmer isn't working, and it has to be in Manual for it to
> > work properly. Nothing can be saved to the memory.
> >
> > b) Also none of the effects work, and it has to be set to 'Phaser' for
> > it to sound at all. Note there is no Phaser effect audible and the
> > Speed/Intensity knob has no effect.
> >
> > So I reckon either a chip or a combination of traces are faulty. Most
> > of the pins around the chips look ok but I'm very inexperienced with
> > electronics. But hey, I got this far.
> > How can I test IC31 or IC22 for problems? And if they are broken, can
> > anyone recommend a place to get spares in the UK?
> >
> > Thanks,
> > Richard
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > PolySix "Digiest" Page: http://www.acc.umu.se/~amber/Poly6
> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
>

--- In PolySix@yahoogroups.com, Richard Kilpatrick <richard@...> wrote:
>
>
> On 31 Jul 2006, at 22:12, rignellio wrote:
>
> > Hi Roman,
> >
> > I read through the the Sputniik/Aero thread and he looks like he's a
> > bit further on than me!
> >
> > I found one really short trace which was broken and fixed that, I
> > don't know if there is a map of where the traces go because it's
> > difficult when they are under IC's etc. Anyway I've been thorough and
> > I can't see any problems with them. However I am prepared to be proved
> > wrong.
> >
> > I didn't give a complete analysis of everything that's wrong with my
> > machine:
> >
> > - The octave is only switchable between 16' and 8', 4' sounds the same
> > as 16'
> >
> > - PW functions exactly the same as PWM
> >
> > - The Sub Osc will take the Polysix out of Manual mode when switching
> > to -1, but you can just press Manual again. -2 does the same but
> > Manual won't work with the switch in that position.
> >
> > - The VCA Attenuator isn't working at all
> >
> > I tested the pins on CN03 and I get these results:
> >
> > pin 1 varies between -5v and +4v depending on where the Effects
> > Speed/Intensity knob is
> > pins 2,3,4 are all reading 0.1v constantly
> > pins 5,6 are constant around -4-5v
> > pin 7 changes from around -5v to +5v depending on where the Resonance
> > knob is.
>
> Whoa! Exactly what mine is doing. Freaky.
>
> Richard
>
> --
> Tasty Other - Because Far Too Much in Life Makes Sense
> Music for download - coming soon (RIP MP3.com)
> G.A.S. http://www.dmc12.demon.co.uk/music/
> Platform: PowerMac G5 2.0GHz Dual, 20" LCD, Logic, Hammerfall.
>

> speed, I'd like to be able to replace it if needed
>
> It is in tune when played, and doesn't go out of tune - my Akai
> AX73 has to have the autotune button pressed when first switched on!
>
> Richard
>
> --
> Tasty Other - Because Far Too Much in Life Makes Sense
> Music for download - coming soon (RIP MP3.com)
> G.A.S. http://www.dmc12.demon.co.uk/music/
> Platform: PowerMac G5 2.0GHz Dual, 20" LCD, Logic, Hammerfall.
>

--- In PolySix@yahoogroups.com, "Roman" <modular@...> wrote:
>
> looks to me like you still have broken traces on P11 and D03 lines.
> S check with continuity meter 2 networks (part designator and pin
number):
> IC31-3
> IC26-14
> CN06-6
> CN10-1
> IC33-9
> IC28-13
> IC34-13
>
> second one:
> IC22-28
> CN06-8
> CN10-7
>
> also check if IC31 (74LS08) is working properly. This poor little guy
> usually suffers the most from battery leakage
>
> hope that helps
>
> Roman
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "rignellio" <rignellio@...>
> To: <PolySix@yahoogroups.com>
> Sent: Monday, July 31, 2006 11:12 PM
> Subject: [PolySix] Re: Polysix: effects don't work, has to be in
manual mode
> to sound
>
>
> > Hi Roman,
> >
> > I read through the the Sputniik/Aero thread and he looks like he's a
> > bit further on than me!
> >
> > I found one really short trace which was broken and fixed that, I
> > don't know if there is a map of where the traces go because it's
> > difficult when they are under IC's etc. Anyway I've been thorough and
> > I can't see any problems with them. However I am prepared to be proved
> > wrong.
> >
> > I didn't give a complete analysis of everything that's wrong with my
> > machine:
> >
> > - The octave is only switchable between 16' and 8', 4' sounds the same
> > as 16'
> >
> > - PW functions exactly the same as PWM
> >
> > - The Sub Osc will take the Polysix out of Manual mode when switching
> > to -1, but you can just press Manual again. -2 does the same but
> > Manual won't work with the switch in that position.
> >
> > - The VCA Attenuator isn't working at all
> >
> > I tested the pins on CN03 and I get these results:
> >
> > pin 1 varies between -5v and +4v depending on where the Effects
> > Speed/Intensity knob is
> > pins 2,3,4 are all reading 0.1v constantly
> > pins 5,6 are constant around -4-5v
> > pin 7 changes from around -5v to +5v depending on where the Resonance
> > knob is.
> >
> > I'm going to test CN06 and i'll tell you what I find there shortly.
> > Thanks for the help,
> >
> > Rich
> >
> >
> >
> > --- In PolySix@yahoogroups.com, "Roman" <modular@> wrote:
> > >
> > > about the effect problem - measure the voltage at CN03 on KLM367 and
> > see if
> > > they change when you turn the following:
> > > effect speed
> > > effect type
> > > VCA attenuation
> > > VCF resonance
> > > you should also see slow changing voltage if you have selected VCA
> > > modulation by LFO
> > > If they change, and not stay the same all the time, then your effect
> > board
> > > might be broken. But if one pins of CN03 doesn't appear to carry
> > changing
> > > voltage no matter what switch/pot you turn from above mentioned -
> > that means
> > > you still have some traces broken after battery leakage. If you also
> > say you
> > > cannot save - the fault may be in CN06 area, as aero/sputnik979 have
> > > discovered recently.
> > >
> > > Roman
> > >
> > > ----- Original Message -----
> > > From: "rignellio" <rignellio@>
> > > To: <PolySix@yahoogroups.com>
> > > Sent: Sunday, July 30, 2006 3:18 PM
> > > Subject: [PolySix] Polysix: effects don't work, has to be in manual
> > mode to
> > > sound
> > >
> > >
> > > > Hi,
> > > >
> > > > I've read through some posts on similar lines but couldn't
find much
> > > > that specifically related to my problem. Apologies in advance
because
> > > > I know you get these kind of posts all the time.
> > > >
> > > > I got a Polysix recently for next to nothing, the battery had
leaked
> > > > but from a quick inspection it looked reasonably healthy, plus it
> > > > still made sound.
> > > > So i proceeded to follow the Polysix battery replacement
procedure on
> > > > Old Crow's site, and now it is working better than before but
still
> > > > has some major functions missing:
> > > >
> > > > a) The programmer isn't working, and it has to be in Manual
for it to
> > > > work properly. Nothing can be saved to the memory.
> > > >
> > > > b) Also none of the effects work, and it has to be set to
'Phaser' for
> > > > it to sound at all. Note there is no Phaser effect audible and the
> > > > Speed/Intensity knob has no effect.
> > > >
> > > > So I reckon either a chip or a combination of traces are
faulty. Most
> > > > of the pins around the chips look ok but I'm very
inexperienced with
> > > > electronics. But hey, I got this far.
> > > > How can I test IC31 or IC22 for problems? And if they are
broken, can
> > > > anyone recommend a place to get spares in the UK?
> > > >
> > > > Thanks,
> > > > Richard
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > PolySix "Digiest" Page: http://www.acc.umu.se/~amber/Poly6
> > > > Yahoo! Groups Links
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > PolySix "Digiest" Page: http://www.acc.umu.se/~amber/Poly6
> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
>

--- In PolySix@yahoogroups.com, "Roman" <modular@...> wrote:
>
> If IC32 is broken, you would have problems with storing and recalling
> patches.
> But if you want to try, you can get replacement from me - generic
part on
> small PCB adapter.
> I'm going on vacations in a moment, so just brief here.
>
> Roman
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "rignellio" <rignellio@...>
> To: <PolySix@yahoogroups.com>
> Sent: Sunday, August 13, 2006 3:05 AM
> Subject: [PolySix] Re: Polysix: effects don't work, has to be in
manual mode
> to sound
>
>
> > Hi Roman,
> >
> > Checked all these traces and everything is fine. The only trace I have
> > had to fix so far was on the little trace coming down off pin 12 on
> > IC32. IC32 is giving off around 5v turned on, and 0v off, which I
> > assume is normal.
> >
> > In my last post I mentioned fixing another trace but I was in bad
> > light and found this wasn't correct. I've removed this now and the
> > Resonance is working again so consider that resolved. The other
> > problems (programmer, no fx, vca atten not working, sub osc etc) are
> > all still evident, but aside from those it is sounding great.
> >
> > All the traces seem ok so I suspect there is a problem with IC32, as
> > that's where the majority of damage took place? Anything I can check
> > further on this chip? And where can I find a replacement in the UK?
> >
> > Thanks,
> >
> > Tim
> >
> > --- In PolySix@yahoogroups.com, "Roman" <modular@> wrote:
> > >
> > > looks to me like you still have broken traces on P11 and D03 lines.
> > > S check with continuity meter 2 networks (part designator and pin
> > number):
> > > IC31-3
> > > IC26-14
> > > CN06-6
> > > CN10-1
> > > IC33-9
> > > IC28-13
> > > IC34-13
> > >
> > > second one:
> > > IC22-28
> > > CN06-8
> > > CN10-7
> > >
> > > also check if IC31 (74LS08) is working properly. This poor
little guy
> > > usually suffers the most from battery leakage
> > >
> > > hope that helps
> > >
> > > Roman
> > >
> > > ----- Original Message -----
> > > From: "rignellio" <rignellio@>
> > > To: <PolySix@yahoogroups.com>
> > > Sent: Monday, July 31, 2006 11:12 PM
> > > Subject: [PolySix] Re: Polysix: effects don't work, has to be in
> > manual mode
> > > to sound
> > >
> > >
> > > > Hi Roman,
> > > >
> > > > I read through the the Sputniik/Aero thread and he looks like
he's a
> > > > bit further on than me!
> > > >
> > > > I found one really short trace which was broken and fixed that, I
> > > > don't know if there is a map of where the traces go because it's
> > > > difficult when they are under IC's etc. Anyway I've been
thorough and
> > > > I can't see any problems with them. However I am prepared to
be proved
> > > > wrong.
> > > >
> > > > I didn't give a complete analysis of everything that's wrong
with my
> > > > machine:
> > > >
> > > > - The octave is only switchable between 16' and 8', 4' sounds
the same
> > > > as 16'
> > > >
> > > > - PW functions exactly the same as PWM
> > > >
> > > > - The Sub Osc will take the Polysix out of Manual mode when
switching
> > > > to -1, but you can just press Manual again. -2 does the same but
> > > > Manual won't work with the switch in that position.
> > > >
> > > > - The VCA Attenuator isn't working at all
> > > >
> > > > I tested the pins on CN03 and I get these results:
> > > >
> > > > pin 1 varies between -5v and +4v depending on where the Effects
> > > > Speed/Intensity knob is
> > > > pins 2,3,4 are all reading 0.1v constantly
> > > > pins 5,6 are constant around -4-5v
> > > > pin 7 changes from around -5v to +5v depending on where the
Resonance
> > > > knob is.
> > > >
> > > > I'm going to test CN06 and i'll tell you what I find there
shortly.
> > > > Thanks for the help,
> > > >
> > > > Rich
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > --- In PolySix@yahoogroups.com, "Roman" <modular@> wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > > about the effect problem - measure the voltage at CN03 on
KLM367 and
> > > > see if
> > > > > they change when you turn the following:
> > > > > effect speed
> > > > > effect type
> > > > > VCA attenuation
> > > > > VCF resonance
> > > > > you should also see slow changing voltage if you have
selected VCA
> > > > > modulation by LFO
> > > > > If they change, and not stay the same all the time, then
your effect
> > > > board
> > > > > might be broken. But if one pins of CN03 doesn't appear to carry
> > > > changing
> > > > > voltage no matter what switch/pot you turn from above
mentioned -
> > > > that means
> > > > > you still have some traces broken after battery leakage. If
you also
> > > > say you
> > > > > cannot save - the fault may be in CN06 area, as
aero/sputnik979 have
> > > > > discovered recently.
> > > > >
> > > > > Roman
> > > > >
> > > > > ----- Original Message -----
> > > > > From: "rignellio" <rignellio@>
> > > > > To: <PolySix@yahoogroups.com>
> > > > > Sent: Sunday, July 30, 2006 3:18 PM
> > > > > Subject: [PolySix] Polysix: effects don't work, has to be in
manual
> > > > mode to
> > > > > sound
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > > Hi,
> > > > > >
> > > > > > I've read through some posts on similar lines but couldn't
> > find much
> > > > > > that specifically related to my problem. Apologies in advance
> > because
> > > > > > I know you get these kind of posts all the time.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > I got a Polysix recently for next to nothing, the battery had
> > leaked
> > > > > > but from a quick inspection it looked reasonably healthy,
plus it
> > > > > > still made sound.
> > > > > > So i proceeded to follow the Polysix battery replacement
> > procedure on
> > > > > > Old Crow's site, and now it is working better than before but
> > still
> > > > > > has some major functions missing:
> > > > > >
> > > > > > a) The programmer isn't working, and it has to be in Manual
> > for it to
> > > > > > work properly. Nothing can be saved to the memory.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > b) Also none of the effects work, and it has to be set to
> > 'Phaser' for
> > > > > > it to sound at all. Note there is no Phaser effect audible
and the
> > > > > > Speed/Intensity knob has no effect.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > So I reckon either a chip or a combination of traces are
> > faulty. Most
> > > > > > of the pins around the chips look ok but I'm very
> > inexperienced with
> > > > > > electronics. But hey, I got this far.
> > > > > > How can I test IC31 or IC22 for problems? And if they are
> > broken, can
> > > > > > anyone recommend a place to get spares in the UK?
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Thanks,
> > > > > > Richard
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > > PolySix "Digiest" Page: http://www.acc.umu.se/~amber/Poly6
> > > > > > Yahoo! Groups Links
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > PolySix "Digiest" Page: http://www.acc.umu.se/~amber/Poly6
> > > > Yahoo! Groups Links
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > PolySix "Digiest" Page: http://www.acc.umu.se/~amber/Poly6
> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
>