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A bit of help with a Polivoks

A bit of help with a Polivoks

2009-08-09 by davehaefner

I have a Polivoks synth that was in excellent shape (until UPS got hold of it...long story). I have a few questions for anyone who is using one in the US:

I got the Polivoks while still living in the UK, so the power requirements (220v 50Hz) matched, and all I needed to do was find an adapter for the power plug. However here in the US the power at the wall is 120V 60Hz. Now I can find a step-up transformer to get 220V no problem, but there do not appear to be any cycle converters left on the market that go from 60hz to 50hz. My question is: does the Polivoks rely on the incoming power for timing? Will having a 60hz supply affect the oscillators or LFOs?

Next (of course) I don't suppose there is anyone in the US that can supply parts for the synth?

Finally (for now) does anyone know where to find a schematic translated into english? This synth will make a lovely project or two, but part matching to modern components will be a problem if I cannot identify the originals.

Dave

Re: [vintagesynthrepair] A bit of help with a Polivoks

2009-08-09 by Antoine DeschĂȘnes

I doubt anything is AC-referenced in the synth. The transformer will only run cooler on 60Hz. Many parts apparently have equivalents with other common parts. They used different part numbers in USSR.

There's a bit of info here:
http://www.muztech.com/eng/themes.php
http://www.geocities.com/rusynth/polivoks.htm

-- Antoine DeschĂȘnes
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2009/8/9 davehaefner <davehaefner@...>
I have a Polivoks synth that was in excellent shape (until UPS got hold of it...long story). I have a few questions for anyone who is using one in the US:

I got the Polivoks while still living in the UK, so the power requirements (220v 50Hz) matched, and all I needed to do was find an adapter for the power plug. However here in the US the power at the wall is 120V 60Hz. Now I can find a step-up transformer to get 220V no problem, but there do not appear to be any cycle converters left on the market that go from 60hz to 50hz. My question is: does the Polivoks rely on the incoming power for timing? Will having a 60hz supply affect the oscillators or LFOs?

Next (of course) I don't suppose there is anyone in the US that can supply parts for the synth?

Finally (for now) does anyone know where to find a schematic translated into english? This synth will make a lovely project or two, but part matching to modern components will be a problem if I cannot identify the originals.

Dave




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