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Minimoog D pitch drifting

Minimoog D pitch drifting

2012-06-28 by Gil

I'm handling a friend's mini, which acts strangely. The overall pitch (of the entire machine) will change suddenly, up and down, not to far from the correct pitch but a few semitones... It affects all oscillators at the same time. Is this a known issue in old minimoogs? I would usually suspect either power supply main voltage instability, bad caps or transistors, but being it affecting all 3 oscillators, I tend to think it is not oscillator circuit related ? :/ I'm new to minimoogs so any help would be appreciated... Thanks !

Re: Minimoog D pitch drifting

2012-06-28 by Quazimodo

Gil,

Sounds to me like you need to "solder" the flags onto the wires (they are only *crimped* as standard) on certain (selected) connectors.

I have some notes somewhere of which ones those are - you may be able to Google it though.

It's a tedious job - I did it on my latest Mini which displayed those exact symptoms. It is now solid and probably my "best" of the three I own.

Hope this helps, please let us know.

Cheers,
TOM



--- In vintagesynthrepair@yahoogroups.com, "Gil" <gilwe@...> wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
> I'm handling a friend's mini, which acts strangely. The overall pitch (of the entire machine) will change suddenly, up and down, not to far from the correct pitch but a few semitones... It affects all oscillators at the same time. Is this a known issue in old minimoogs? I would usually suspect either power supply main voltage instability, bad caps or transistors, but being it affecting all 3 oscillators, I tend to think it is not oscillator circuit related ? :/ I'm new to minimoogs so any help would be appreciated... Thanks !
>

Re: [vintagesynthrepair] Minimoog D pitch drifting

2012-06-28 by Roger J

There are basically two Minis, the later Moog (Norlin then owned Moog) being more adjustable and tracks better on the hi end, because of the extra VCO adjustment. They sent out kits to convert to the later more trackable VCOs back in the day.  You had to drill extra holes in the back cover to make the new adjustments to the VCOs.   


There are mods to reduce tune drift and to create a dead or off zone in the bender.  Both models drift a few cents here or there.  But your steps and I assume all 3 VCOs drift in unison.  This suggests some common item like the bender pot or an unstable supply voltage.  
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>________________________________
> From: Gil <gilwe@...>
>To: vintagesynthrepair@yahoogroups.com 
>Sent: Thursday, June 28, 2012 5:55 AM
>Subject: [vintagesynthrepair] Minimoog D pitch drifting
> 
>
>  
>I'm handling a friend's mini, which acts strangely. The overall pitch (of the entire machine) will change suddenly, up and down, not to far from the correct pitch but a few semitones... It affects all oscillators at the same time. Is this a known issue in old minimoogs? I would usually suspect either power supply main voltage instability, bad caps or transistors, but being it affecting all 3 oscillators, I tend to think it is not oscillator circuit related ? :/ I'm new to minimoogs so any help would be appreciated... Thanks !
>
>
> 
>
>

Re: [vintagesynthrepair] Re: Minimoog D pitch drifting

2012-06-28 by Roger J

Quaz, What do you mean by FLAGS?
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>________________________________
> From: Quazimodo <noddyspuncture@...>
>To: vintagesynthrepair@yahoogroups.com 
>Sent: Thursday, June 28, 2012 9:03 AM
>Subject: [vintagesynthrepair] Re: Minimoog D pitch drifting
> 
>
>  
>Gil,
>
>Sounds to me like you need to "solder" the flags onto the wires (they are only *crimped* as standard) on certain (selected) connectors.
>
>I have some notes somewhere of which ones those are - you may be able to Google it though.
>
>It's a tedious job - I did it on my latest Mini which displayed those exact symptoms. It is now solid and probably my "best" of the three I own.
>
>Hope this helps, please let us know.
>
>Cheers,
>TOM
>
>--- In vintagesynthrepair@yahoogroups.com, "Gil" <gilwe@...> wrote:
>>
>> I'm handling a friend's mini, which acts strangely. The overall pitch (of the entire machine) will change suddenly, up and down, not to far from the correct pitch but a few semitones... It affects all oscillators at the same time. Is this a known issue in old minimoogs? I would usually suspect either power supply main voltage instability, bad caps or transistors, but being it affecting all 3 oscillators, I tend to think it is not oscillator circuit related ? :/ I'm new to minimoogs so any help would be appreciated... Thanks !
>>
>
>
> 
>
>

Re: Minimoog D pitch drifting

2012-06-28 by Quazimodo

The connectors the boards push into when fitted and pressed home.




--- In vintagesynthrepair@yahoogroups.com, Roger J <winking_n_nodding@...> wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
> Quaz, What do you mean by FLAGS?
>

Re: [vintagesynthrepair] Re: Minimoog D pitch drifting

2012-06-28 by Roger J

Okay, the PCB edge connectors.  I have always just cleaned the copper with a type writer eraser and a film of Cranolin to retard future oxidation; re-tentioning the socket pins if needed. I do agree that the most reliable connection is point to point soldered!  Just a pain to work on later!
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>________________________________
> From: Quazimodo <noddyspuncture@hotmail.com>
>To: vintagesynthrepair@yahoogroups.com 
>Sent: Thursday, June 28, 2012 9:46 AM
>Subject: [vintagesynthrepair] Re: Minimoog D pitch drifting
> 
>
>  
>The connectors the boards push into when fitted and pressed home.
>
>--- In vintagesynthrepair@yahoogroups.com, Roger J <winking_n_nodding@...> wrote:
>>
>> Quaz, What do you mean by FLAGS?
>> 
>
>
> 
>
>

Re: [vintagesynthrepair] Re: Minimoog D pitch drifting

2012-06-28 by Malte Rogacki

No, no, no:

You're not supposed to solder the connector to the PCB, just the wires to
the connectors! The stock ones are only crimped.

But before you jump to this let's examine the problem a bit deeper. Since
all three oscillators are affected it is very likely that the source sits
somewhere before the summing amp of each oscillator. I'd try to see if one
of the various control voltages suddenly changes. Same for the supply
voltages.
The common control voltages are

- Bend
- Tune
- Keyboard
- Mod
- Ext

if I'm not mistaken.

Re: Minimoog D pitch drifting

2012-06-28 by Quazimodo

On my Mini these crimped connectors DID affect all oscillators equally! In fact, the tuning drifted - but also the SPAN (Scale?) drifted, again equally for all Oscillators. So not only was the synth out-of-tune... but also out-of-tune with itself over the octaves... if you get my meaning. The higher end went "sharper" etc.

Easy way to check... take the back off and just move those wires slightly with a pencil... see if the symptoms come and go.

Cheers,
TOM



--- In vintagesynthrepair@yahoogroups.com, Malte Rogacki <gacki@...> wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
> No, no, no:
> 
> You're not supposed to solder the connector to the PCB, just the wires to
> the connectors! The stock ones are only crimped.
> 
> But before you jump to this let's examine the problem a bit deeper. Since
> all three oscillators are affected it is very likely that the source sits
> somewhere before the summing amp of each oscillator. I'd try to see if one
> of the various control voltages suddenly changes. Same for the supply
> voltages.
> The common control voltages are
> 
> - Bend
> - Tune
> - Keyboard
> - Mod
> - Ext
> 
> if I'm not mistaken.
>

Re: Minimoog D pitch drifting

2012-06-28 by Gil

Thanks, I'm supposed to get it in, in a few days, so I assume I will have a better idea what's going in there... That particular one if told to be the first version of the Minimoog D. I don't think it has been played much as the pratt-read keys are totally in one level and the bushes are not sticky as you would expect from that old keyboard. One the other hand it looks as it has suffered some abuse, might be only thrown at storage for years... Testing for voltage stability will surely tell something about the problem being supply related or a contact issue as Tom suggested - although I can't see how a drift could be observed without seeing a drop in voltage - it IS supposed to be voltage controlled after all :/ 



--- In vintagesynthrepair@yahoogroups.com, "Quazimodo" <noddyspuncture@...> wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
> On my Mini these crimped connectors DID affect all oscillators equally! In fact, the tuning drifted - but also the SPAN (Scale?) drifted, again equally for all Oscillators. So not only was the synth out-of-tune... but also out-of-tune with itself over the octaves... if you get my meaning. The higher end went "sharper" etc.
> 
> Easy way to check... take the back off and just move those wires slightly with a pencil... see if the symptoms come and go.
> 
> Cheers,
> TOM
> 
> 
> 
> --- In vintagesynthrepair@yahoogroups.com, Malte Rogacki <gacki@> wrote:
> >
> > No, no, no:
> > 
> > You're not supposed to solder the connector to the PCB, just the wires to
> > the connectors! The stock ones are only crimped.
> > 
> > But before you jump to this let's examine the problem a bit deeper. Since
> > all three oscillators are affected it is very likely that the source sits
> > somewhere before the summing amp of each oscillator. I'd try to see if one
> > of the various control voltages suddenly changes. Same for the supply
> > voltages.
> > The common control voltages are
> > 
> > - Bend
> > - Tune
> > - Keyboard
> > - Mod
> > - Ext
> > 
> > if I'm not mistaken.
> >
>

Re: [vintagesynthrepair] Re: Minimoog D pitch drifting

2012-06-28 by lhammond

You didn't undo teh connector by teh pitch wheel when you looked at the
bushings did you?  Sometimes a poor connection there is a cause of issues.
 the factory used to plastic tie it together.  lorne
Show quoted textHide quoted text
> On my Mini these crimped connectors DID affect all oscillators equally! In
> fact, the tuning drifted - but also the SPAN (Scale?) drifted, again
> equally for all Oscillators. So not only was the synth out-of-tune... but
> also out-of-tune with itself over the octaves... if you get my meaning.
> The higher end went "sharper" etc.
>
> Easy way to check... take the back off and just move those wires slightly
> with a pencil... see if the symptoms come and go.
>
> Cheers,
> TOM
>
>
>
> --- In vintagesynthrepair@yahoogroups.com, Malte Rogacki <gacki@...>
> wrote:
>>
>> No, no, no:
>>
>> You're not supposed to solder the connector to the PCB, just the wires
>> to
>> the connectors! The stock ones are only crimped.
>>
>> But before you jump to this let's examine the problem a bit deeper.
>> Since
>> all three oscillators are affected it is very likely that the source
>> sits
>> somewhere before the summing amp of each oscillator. I'd try to see if
>> one
>> of the various control voltages suddenly changes. Same for the supply
>> voltages.
>> The common control voltages are
>>
>> - Bend
>> - Tune
>> - Keyboard
>> - Mod
>> - Ext
>>
>> if I'm not mistaken.
>>
>
>
>

Re: [vintagesynthrepair] Minimoog D pitch drifting

2012-06-29 by Paulo Palmieri

Hi Gil,
Probably there is a variation in the cv voltage that controls the oscillators.
I experienced similar issues on the osc 1 of a RA Moog model (the first earlier version) and the only thing that solved the problem was replacing the 2n4058 transistors.
Please, provide more info such like serial number and if your oscillator board has only transistors or 2 ICS SG3821 or CA/LM3046 or 3 UA726 ICs.
Regards,
Paulo Palmieri
Show quoted textHide quoted text
----- Original Message -----
From: Gil
Sent: Thursday, June 28, 2012 9:55 AM
Subject: [vintagesynthrepair] Minimoog D pitch drifting

I'm handling a friend's mini, which acts strangely. The overall pitch (of the entire machine) will change suddenly, up and down, not to far from the correct pitch but a few semitones... It affects all oscillators at the same time. Is this a known issue in old minimoogs? I would usually suspect either power supply main voltage instability, bad caps or transistors, but being it affecting all 3 oscillators, I tend to think it is not oscillator circuit related ? :/ I'm new to minimoogs so any help would be appreciated... Thanks !

Re: Minimoog D pitch drifting

2012-06-29 by Gil

Thanks. Serial is 12044. Supposed to get it in a few days so I'll be able to tell what it exactly uses (or do you know be the serial number?)


--- In vintagesynthrepair@yahoogroups.com, "Paulo Palmieri" <paulopalmieri@...> wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
> Hi Gil,
> 
> Probably there is a variation in the cv voltage that controls the oscillators.
> I experienced similar issues on the osc 1 of a RA Moog model (the first earlier version) and the only thing that solved the problem was replacing the 2n4058 transistors.
> Please, provide more info such like serial number and if your oscillator board has only transistors or 2 ICS SG3821 or CA/LM3046 or 3 UA726 ICs.
> 
> Regards,
> 
> Paulo Palmieri
> 
> 
>   ----- Original Message ----- 
>   From: Gil 
>   To: vintagesynthrepair@yahoogroups.com 
>   Sent: Thursday, June 28, 2012 9:55 AM
>   Subject: [vintagesynthrepair] Minimoog D pitch drifting
> 
> 
>     
>   I'm handling a friend's mini, which acts strangely. The overall pitch (of the entire machine) will change suddenly, up and down, not to far from the correct pitch but a few semitones... It affects all oscillators at the same time. Is this a known issue in old minimoogs? I would usually suspect either power supply main voltage instability, bad caps or transistors, but being it affecting all 3 oscillators, I tend to think it is not oscillator circuit related ? :/ I'm new to minimoogs so any help would be appreciated... Thanks !
>

Re: Minimoog D pitch drifting

2012-06-29 by Quazimodo

So it's a late, *stable* one... OK, then it will probably be much like I said in the first place.

Check those flags...!



--- In vintagesynthrepair@yahoogroups.com, "Gil" <gilwe@...> wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
> 
> Thanks. Serial is 12044. Supposed to get it in a few days so I'll be able to tell what it exactly uses (or do you know be the serial number?)
> 
> 
> --- In vintagesynthrepair@yahoogroups.com, "Paulo Palmieri" <paulopalmieri@> wrote:
> >
> > Hi Gil,
> > 
> > Probably there is a variation in the cv voltage that controls the oscillators.
> > I experienced similar issues on the osc 1 of a RA Moog model (the first earlier version) and the only thing that solved the problem was replacing the 2n4058 transistors.
> > Please, provide more info such like serial number and if your oscillator board has only transistors or 2 ICS SG3821 or CA/LM3046 or 3 UA726 ICs.
> > 
> > Regards,
> > 
> > Paulo Palmieri
> > 
> > 
> >   ----- Original Message ----- 
> >   From: Gil 
> >   To: vintagesynthrepair@yahoogroups.com 
> >   Sent: Thursday, June 28, 2012 9:55 AM
> >   Subject: [vintagesynthrepair] Minimoog D pitch drifting
> > 
> > 
> >     
> >   I'm handling a friend's mini, which acts strangely. The overall pitch (of the entire machine) will change suddenly, up and down, not to far from the correct pitch but a few semitones... It affects all oscillators at the same time. Is this a known issue in old minimoogs? I would usually suspect either power supply main voltage instability, bad caps or transistors, but being it affecting all 3 oscillators, I tend to think it is not oscillator circuit related ? :/ I'm new to minimoogs so any help would be appreciated... Thanks !
> >
>

Re: [vintagesynthrepair] Re: Minimoog D pitch drifting

2012-06-30 by Paulo Palmieri

That´s right. To affect the 3 oscillators maybe the countour generator could be the problem or the PCB conectors already commented here.
This is the late version more stable than the first generation.
Good luck and be in touch!
Paulo Palmieri
Show quoted textHide quoted text
----- Original Message -----
From: Quazimodo
Sent: Friday, June 29, 2012 4:51 PM
Subject: [vintagesynthrepair] Re: Minimoog D pitch drifting

So it's a late, *stable* one... OK, then it will probably be much like I said in the first place.

Check those flags...!

--- In vintagesynthrepair@yahoogroups.com, "Gil" wrote:
>
>
> Thanks. Serial is 12044. Supposed to get it in a few days so I'll be able to tell what it exactly uses (or do you know be the serial number?)
>
>
> --- In vintagesynthrepair@yahoogroups.com, "Paulo Palmieri" <paulopalmieri@> wrote:
> >
> > Hi Gil,
> >
> > Probably there is a variation in the cv voltage that controls the oscillators.
> > I experienced similar issues on the osc 1 of a RA Moog model (the first earlier version) and the only thing that solved the problem was replacing the 2n4058 transistors.
> > Please, provide more info such like serial number and if your oscillator board has only transistors or 2 ICS SG3821 or CA/LM3046 or 3 UA726 ICs.
> >
> > Regards,
> >
> > Paulo Palmieri
> >
> >
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: Gil
> > To: vintagesynthrepair@yahoogroups.com
> > Sent: Thursday, June 28, 2012 9:55 AM
> > Subject: [vintagesynthrepair] Minimoog D pitch drifting
> >
> >
> >
> > I'm handling a friend's mini, which acts strangely. The overall pitch (of the entire machine) will change suddenly, up and down, not to far from the correct pitch but a few semitones... It affects all oscillators at the same time. Is this a known issue in old minimoogs? I would usually suspect either power supply main voltage instability, bad caps or transistors, but being it affecting all 3 oscillators, I tend to think it is not oscillator circuit related ? :/ I'm new to minimoogs so any help would be appreciated... Thanks !
> >
>

Re: Minimoog D pitch drifting

2012-07-09 by Gil

Hi all !

So I received it a week ago and did the following -
1. I took all PCB's out and cleaned the connectors
2. I rewires a few bad solder joints going to the pitch and modulation wheels
3. I cleaned the PCB sockets and checked for tight connectivity between the PCB's and flags
4. Replaced the 1458 ICs in the generic tuning circuit (where the Tune pot goes)

I see the tuning problem less then before but it still happens from time to time. I *think* it happens more when playing certain keys in the middle of the keyboard (although I don't see why it will only happen when playing this specific area). sometimes, the pitch will raise and fall as I push some keys down (like when using after-touch) - can bad kayboard PCB cause this ?

Also, in the specific machine, the master Tune potentiometer doesn't reflect the tune. The "default" tunning is a down that what it should be. The Tune pot shows correct resistance values when rotating it, and the soldering and connection to the sockets (and then PCB) looks ok... Which is weird. Also, tapping on the pot, it doesn't seem to reflect the tuning at all, as if it is dead... but it is not :/





--- In vintagesynthrepair@yahoogroups.com, "Paulo Palmieri" <paulopalmieri@...> wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
> That´s right. To affect the 3 oscillators maybe the countour generator could be the problem or the PCB conectors already commented here.
> This is the late version more stable than the first generation.
> 
> Good luck and be in touch!
> 
> Paulo Palmieri
> 
> 
>   ----- Original Message ----- 
>   From: Quazimodo 
>   To: vintagesynthrepair@yahoogroups.com 
>   Sent: Friday, June 29, 2012 4:51 PM
>   Subject: [vintagesynthrepair] Re: Minimoog D pitch drifting
> 
> 
>     
>   So it's a late, *stable* one... OK, then it will probably be much like I said in the first place.
> 
>   Check those flags...!
> 
>   --- In vintagesynthrepair@yahoogroups.com, "Gil" <gilwe@> wrote:
>   >
>   > 
>   > Thanks. Serial is 12044. Supposed to get it in a few days so I'll be able to tell what it exactly uses (or do you know be the serial number?)
>   > 
>   > 
>   > --- In vintagesynthrepair@yahoogroups.com, "Paulo Palmieri" <paulopalmieri@> wrote:
>   > >
>   > > Hi Gil,
>   > > 
>   > > Probably there is a variation in the cv voltage that controls the oscillators.
>   > > I experienced similar issues on the osc 1 of a RA Moog model (the first earlier version) and the only thing that solved the problem was replacing the 2n4058 transistors.
>   > > Please, provide more info such like serial number and if your oscillator board has only transistors or 2 ICS SG3821 or CA/LM3046 or 3 UA726 ICs.
>   > > 
>   > > Regards,
>   > > 
>   > > Paulo Palmieri
>   > > 
>   > > 
>   > > ----- Original Message ----- 
>   > > From: Gil 
>   > > To: vintagesynthrepair@yahoogroups.com 
>   > > Sent: Thursday, June 28, 2012 9:55 AM
>   > > Subject: [vintagesynthrepair] Minimoog D pitch drifting
>   > > 
>   > > 
>   > > 
>   > > I'm handling a friend's mini, which acts strangely. The overall pitch (of the entire machine) will change suddenly, up and down, not to far from the correct pitch but a few semitones... It affects all oscillators at the same time. Is this a known issue in old minimoogs? I would usually suspect either power supply main voltage instability, bad caps or transistors, but being it affecting all 3 oscillators, I tend to think it is not oscillator circuit related ? :/ I'm new to minimoogs so any help would be appreciated... Thanks !
>   > >
>   >
>

Re: [vintagesynthrepair] Re: Minimoog D pitch drifting

2012-07-09 by Roger J

The pitch changes as a key go down indicates a resistive connection between the contact and bus rod.  Often they are worn, sometimes damage through bad maintenance.  There are many ways to correct, some very imaginative to stupid.  The bus and contact have a thin gold plating, once worn off, problem area.  


I remove the bus rod to allow better access to the keys side contact.  A good desoldering skill set is required as the plastic can be damaged by too much heat .  Sometime I just rotate it 90 degrees to give a new gold area to contact.  One guy told me he used unwaxedd, so dental floss wet with contact cleaner and sawed it back and forth.  Main thing, as the contact strikes, you do not want changes, as voltage equals pitch.

Drill a hole in the pot with a small drill to allow pot spray to be shot  in. Insert the drill into the chuck so only an 1/8 inch sticks out, cut off or grind off if to long.  This prevent the drill from going to far into the pot and doing damage.  The metal is hard, so patience.

R
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>________________________________
> From: Gil <gilwe@...>
>To: vintagesynthrepair@yahoogroups.com 
>Sent: Monday, July 9, 2012 8:40 AM
>Subject: [vintagesynthrepair] Re: Minimoog D pitch drifting
> 
>
>  
>Hi all !
>
>So I received it a week ago and did the following -
>1. I took all PCB's out and cleaned the connectors
>2. I rewires a few bad solder joints going to the pitch and modulation wheels
>3. I cleaned the PCB sockets and checked for tight connectivity between the PCB's and flags
>4. Replaced the 1458 ICs in the generic tuning circuit (where the Tune pot goes)
>
>I see the tuning problem less then before but it still happens from time to time. I *think* it happens more when playing certain keys in the middle of the keyboard (although I don't see why it will only happen when playing this specific area). sometimes, the pitch will raise and fall as I push some keys down (like when using after-touch) - can bad kayboard PCB cause this ?
>
>Also, in the specific machine, the master Tune potentiometer doesn't reflect the tune. The "default" tunning is a down that what it should be. The Tune pot shows correct resistance values when rotating it, and the soldering and connection to the sockets (and then PCB) looks ok... Which is weird. Also, tapping on the pot, it doesn't seem to reflect the tuning at all, as if it is dead... but it is not :/
>
>--- In vintagesynthrepair@yahoogroups.com, "Paulo Palmieri" <paulopalmieri@...> wrote:
>>
>> That´s right. To affect the 3 oscillators maybe the countour generator could be the problem or the PCB conectors already commented here.
>> This is the late version more stable than the first generation.
>> 
>> Good luck and be in touch!
>> 
>> Paulo Palmieri
>> 
>> 
>>   ----- Original Message ----- 
>>   From: Quazimodo 
>>   To: vintagesynthrepair@yahoogroups.com 
>>   Sent: Friday, June 29, 2012 4:51 PM
>>   Subject: [vintagesynthrepair] Re: Minimoog D pitch drifting
>> 
>> 
>> 
>>   So it's a late, *stable* one... OK, then it will probably be much like I said in the first place.
>> 
>>   Check those flags...!
>> 
>>   --- In vintagesynthrepair@yahoogroups.com, "Gil" <gilwe@> wrote:
>>   >
>>   > 
>>   > Thanks. Serial is 12044. Supposed to get it in a few days so I'll be able to tell what it exactly uses (or do you know be the serial number?)
>>   > 
>>   > 
>>   > --- In vintagesynthrepair@yahoogroups.com, "Paulo Palmieri" <paulopalmieri@> wrote:
>>   > >
>>   > > Hi Gil,
>>   > > 
>>   > > Probably there is a variation in the cv voltage that controls the oscillators.
>>   > > I experienced similar issues on the osc 1 of a RA Moog model (the first earlier version) and the only thing that solved the problem was replacing the 2n4058 transistors.
>>   > > Please, provide more info such like serial number and if your oscillator board has only transistors or 2 ICS SG3821 or CA/LM3046 or 3 UA726 ICs.
>>   > > 
>>   > > Regards,
>>   > > 
>>   > > Paulo Palmieri
>>   > > 
>>   > > 
>>   > > ----- Original Message ----- 
>>   > > From: Gil 
>>   > > To: vintagesynthrepair@yahoogroups.com 
>>   > > Sent: Thursday, June 28, 2012 9:55 AM
>>   > > Subject: [vintagesynthrepair] Minimoog D pitch drifting
>>   > > 
>>   > > 
>>   > > 
>>   > > I'm handling a friend's mini, which acts strangely. The overall pitch (of the entire machine) will change suddenly, up and down, not to far from the correct pitch but a few semitones... It affects all oscillators at the same time. Is this a known issue in old minimoogs? I would usually suspect either power supply main voltage instability, bad caps or transistors, but being it affecting all 3 oscillators, I tend to think it is not oscillator circuit related ? :/ I'm new to minimoogs so any help would be appreciated... Thanks !
>>   > >
>>   >
>>
>
>
> 
>
>

Re: [vintagesynthrepair] Re: Minimoog D pitch drifting

2012-07-09 by lhammond

I use felt pipecleaners as you can bend them around contacts and they
absorb cleaning liquids.  But the best is to pullthe rodd and buff it on
the sort of machine a jeweller will have.  And rotate it if worn.

lorne
Show quoted textHide quoted text
> The pitch changes as a key go down indicates a resistive connection
> between the contact and bus rod.  Often they are worn, sometimes damage
> through bad maintenance.  There are many ways to correct, some very
> imaginative to stupid.  The bus and contact have a thin gold plating,
> once worn off, problem area. 
>
>
> I remove the bus rod to allow better access to the keys side contact.  A
> good desoldering skill set is required as the plastic can be damaged by
> too much heat .  Sometime I just rotate it 90 degrees to give a new gold
> area to contact.  One guy told me he used unwaxedd, so dental floss wet
> with contact cleaner and sawed it back and forth.  Main thing, as the
> contact strikes, you do not want changes, as voltage equals pitch.
>
> Drill a hole in the pot with a small drill to allow pot spray to be shot 
> in. Insert the drill into the chuck so only an 1/8 inch sticks out, cut
> off or grind off if to long.  This prevent the drill from going to far
> into the pot and doing damage.  The metal is hard, so patience.
>
> R
>
>
>
>
>>________________________________
>> From: Gil <gilwe@...>
>>To: vintagesynthrepair@yahoogroups.com
>>Sent: Monday, July 9, 2012 8:40 AM
>>Subject: [vintagesynthrepair] Re: Minimoog D pitch drifting
>>
>>
>> 
>>Hi all !
>>
>>So I received it a week ago and did the following -
>>1. I took all PCB's out and cleaned the connectors
>>2. I rewires a few bad solder joints going to the pitch and modulation
>> wheels
>>3. I cleaned the PCB sockets and checked for tight connectivity between
>> the PCB's and flags
>>4. Replaced the 1458 ICs in the generic tuning circuit (where the Tune
>> pot goes)
>>
>>I see the tuning problem less then before but it still happens from time
>> to time. I *think* it happens more when playing certain keys in the
>> middle of the keyboard (although I don't see why it will only happen when
>> playing this specific area). sometimes, the pitch will raise and fall as
>> I push some keys down (like when using after-touch) - can bad kayboard
>> PCB cause this ?
>>
>>Also, in the specific machine, the master Tune potentiometer doesn't
>> reflect the tune. The "default" tunning is a down that what it should be.
>> The Tune pot shows correct resistance values when rotating it, and the
>> soldering and connection to the sockets (and then PCB) looks ok... Which
>> is weird. Also, tapping on the pot, it doesn't seem to reflect the tuning
>> at all, as if it is dead... but it is not :/
>>
>>--- In vintagesynthrepair@yahoogroups.com, "Paulo Palmieri"
>> <paulopalmieri@...> wrote:
>>>
>>> That´s right. To affect the 3 oscillators maybe the countour generator
>>> could be the problem or the PCB conectors already commented here.
>>> This is the late version more stable than the first generation.
>>>
>>> Good luck and be in touch!
>>>
>>> Paulo Palmieri
>>>
>>>
>>>   ----- Original Message -----
>>>   From: Quazimodo
>>>   To: vintagesynthrepair@yahoogroups.com
>>>   Sent: Friday, June 29, 2012 4:51 PM
>>>   Subject: [vintagesynthrepair] Re: Minimoog D pitch drifting
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>   So it's a late, *stable* one... OK, then it will probably be much
>>> like I said in the first place.
>>>
>>>   Check those flags...!
>>>
>>>   --- In vintagesynthrepair@yahoogroups.com, "Gil" <gilwe@> wrote:
>>>   >
>>>   >
>>>   > Thanks. Serial is 12044. Supposed to get it in a few days so I'll
>>> be able to tell what it exactly uses (or do you know be the serial
>>> number?)
>>>   >
>>>   >
>>>   > --- In vintagesynthrepair@yahoogroups.com, "Paulo Palmieri"
>>> <paulopalmieri@> wrote:
>>>   > >
>>>   > > Hi Gil,
>>>   > >
>>>   > > Probably there is a variation in the cv voltage that controls the
>>> oscillators.
>>>   > > I experienced similar issues on the osc 1 of a RA Moog model (the
>>> first earlier version) and the only thing that solved the problem
>>> was replacing the 2n4058 transistors.
>>>   > > Please, provide more info such like serial number and if your
>>> oscillator board has only transistors or 2 ICS SG3821 or
>>> CA/LM3046 or 3 UA726 ICs.
>>>   > >
>>>   > > Regards,
>>>   > >
>>>   > > Paulo Palmieri
>>>   > >
>>>   > >
>>>   > > ----- Original Message -----
>>>   > > From: Gil
>>>   > > To: vintagesynthrepair@yahoogroups.com
>>>   > > Sent: Thursday, June 28, 2012 9:55 AM
>>>   > > Subject: [vintagesynthrepair] Minimoog D pitch drifting
>>>   > >
>>>   > >
>>>   > >
>>>   > > I'm handling a friend's mini, which acts strangely. The overall
>>> pitch (of the entire machine) will change suddenly, up and down,
>>> not to far from the correct pitch but a few semitones... It
>>> affects all oscillators at the same time. Is this a known issue
>>> in old minimoogs? I would usually suspect either power supply
>>> main voltage instability, bad caps or transistors, but being it
>>> affecting all 3 oscillators, I tend to think it is not oscillator
>>> circuit related ? :/ I'm new to minimoogs so any help would be
>>> appreciated... Thanks !
>>>   > >
>>>   >
>>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>

Re: Minimoog D pitch drifting

2012-07-09 by Gil

Cleaning the keyboard contact with alcohol cleaner, I could play for a couple of hours without seeing the problem. How likely that this was caused by bad key contacts ? how does this (resistance) affect the pitch ?



--- In vintagesynthrepair@yahoogroups.com, "lhammond" <lhammond@...> wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
> I use felt pipecleaners as you can bend them around contacts and they
> absorb cleaning liquids.  But the best is to pullthe rodd and buff it on
> the sort of machine a jeweller will have.  And rotate it if worn.
> 
> lorne
> 
> > The pitch changes as a key go down indicates a resistive connection
> > between the contact and bus rod.  Often they are worn, sometimes damage
> > through bad maintenance.  There are many ways to correct, some very
> > imaginative to stupid.  The bus and contact have a thin gold plating,
> > once worn off, problem area. 
> >
> >
> > I remove the bus rod to allow better access to the keys side contact.  A
> > good desoldering skill set is required as the plastic can be damaged by
> > too much heat .  Sometime I just rotate it 90 degrees to give a new gold
> > area to contact.  One guy told me he used unwaxedd, so dental floss wet
> > with contact cleaner and sawed it back and forth.  Main thing, as the
> > contact strikes, you do not want changes, as voltage equals pitch.
> >
> > Drill a hole in the pot with a small drill to allow pot spray to be shot 
> > in. Insert the drill into the chuck so only an 1/8 inch sticks out, cut
> > off or grind off if to long.  This prevent the drill from going to far
> > into the pot and doing damage.  The metal is hard, so patience.
> >
> > R
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >>________________________________
> >> From: Gil <gilwe@...>
> >>To: vintagesynthrepair@yahoogroups.com
> >>Sent: Monday, July 9, 2012 8:40 AM
> >>Subject: [vintagesynthrepair] Re: Minimoog D pitch drifting
> >>
> >>
> >>Â 
> >>Hi all !
> >>
> >>So I received it a week ago and did the following -
> >>1. I took all PCB's out and cleaned the connectors
> >>2. I rewires a few bad solder joints going to the pitch and modulation
> >> wheels
> >>3. I cleaned the PCB sockets and checked for tight connectivity between
> >> the PCB's and flags
> >>4. Replaced the 1458 ICs in the generic tuning circuit (where the Tune
> >> pot goes)
> >>
> >>I see the tuning problem less then before but it still happens from time
> >> to time. I *think* it happens more when playing certain keys in the
> >> middle of the keyboard (although I don't see why it will only happen when
> >> playing this specific area). sometimes, the pitch will raise and fall as
> >> I push some keys down (like when using after-touch) - can bad kayboard
> >> PCB cause this ?
> >>
> >>Also, in the specific machine, the master Tune potentiometer doesn't
> >> reflect the tune. The "default" tunning is a down that what it should be.
> >> The Tune pot shows correct resistance values when rotating it, and the
> >> soldering and connection to the sockets (and then PCB) looks ok... Which
> >> is weird. Also, tapping on the pot, it doesn't seem to reflect the tuning
> >> at all, as if it is dead... but it is not :/
> >>
> >>--- In vintagesynthrepair@yahoogroups.com, "Paulo Palmieri"
> >> <paulopalmieri@> wrote:
> >>>
> >>> That´s right. To affect the 3 oscillators maybe the countour generator
> >>> could be the problem or the PCB conectors already commented here.
> >>> This is the late version more stable than the first generation.
> >>>
> >>> Good luck and be in touch!
> >>>
> >>> Paulo Palmieri
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>   ----- Original Message -----
> >>>   From: Quazimodo
> >>>   To: vintagesynthrepair@yahoogroups.com
> >>>   Sent: Friday, June 29, 2012 4:51 PM
> >>>   Subject: [vintagesynthrepair] Re: Minimoog D pitch drifting
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>   So it's a late, *stable* one... OK, then it will probably be much
> >>> like I said in the first place.
> >>>
> >>>   Check those flags...!
> >>>
> >>>   --- In vintagesynthrepair@yahoogroups.com, "Gil" <gilwe@> wrote:
> >>>   >
> >>>   >
> >>>   > Thanks. Serial is 12044. Supposed to get it in a few days so I'll
> >>> be able to tell what it exactly uses (or do you know be the serial
> >>> number?)
> >>>   >
> >>>   >
> >>>   > --- In vintagesynthrepair@yahoogroups.com, "Paulo Palmieri"
> >>> <paulopalmieri@> wrote:
> >>>   > >
> >>>   > > Hi Gil,
> >>>   > >
> >>>   > > Probably there is a variation in the cv voltage that controls the
> >>> oscillators.
> >>>   > > I experienced similar issues on the osc 1 of a RA Moog model (the
> >>> first earlier version) and the only thing that solved the problem
> >>> was replacing the 2n4058 transistors.
> >>>   > > Please, provide more info such like serial number and if your
> >>> oscillator board has only transistors or 2 ICS SG3821 or
> >>> CA/LM3046 or 3 UA726 ICs.
> >>>   > >
> >>>   > > Regards,
> >>>   > >
> >>>   > > Paulo Palmieri
> >>>   > >
> >>>   > >
> >>>   > > ----- Original Message -----
> >>>   > > From: Gil
> >>>   > > To: vintagesynthrepair@yahoogroups.com
> >>>   > > Sent: Thursday, June 28, 2012 9:55 AM
> >>>   > > Subject: [vintagesynthrepair] Minimoog D pitch drifting
> >>>   > >
> >>>   > >
> >>>   > >
> >>>   > > I'm handling a friend's mini, which acts strangely. The overall
> >>> pitch (of the entire machine) will change suddenly, up and down,
> >>> not to far from the correct pitch but a few semitones... It
> >>> affects all oscillators at the same time. Is this a known issue
> >>> in old minimoogs? I would usually suspect either power supply
> >>> main voltage instability, bad caps or transistors, but being it
> >>> affecting all 3 oscillators, I tend to think it is not oscillator
> >>> circuit related ? :/ I'm new to minimoogs so any help would be
> >>> appreciated... Thanks !
> >>>   > >
> >>>   >
> >>>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>
>

Re: Minimoog D pitch drifting

2012-07-09 by narfman96

Hi Gil,

CV pitch is one volt per octave in the Minimoog. It doesn't take much of a resistive connection to throw the scale off.  

--- In vintagesynthrepair@yahoogroups.com, "Gil" <gilwe@...> wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
> Cleaning the keyboard contact with alcohol cleaner, I could play for a couple of hours without seeing the problem. How likely that this was caused by bad key contacts ? how does this (resistance) affect the pitch ?
> 
> 
> 
> --- In vintagesynthrepair@yahoogroups.com, "lhammond" <lhammond@> wrote:
> >
> > I use felt pipecleaners as you can bend them around contacts and they
> > absorb cleaning liquids.  But the best is to pullthe rodd and buff it on
> > the sort of machine a jeweller will have.  And rotate it if worn.
> > 
> > lorne
> > 
> > > The pitch changes as a key go down indicates a resistive connection
> > > between the contact and bus rod.  Often they are worn, sometimes damage
> > > through bad maintenance.  There are many ways to correct, some very
> > > imaginative to stupid.  The bus and contact have a thin gold plating,
> > > once worn off, problem area. 
> > >
> > >
> > > I remove the bus rod to allow better access to the keys side contact.  A
> > > good desoldering skill set is required as the plastic can be damaged by
> > > too much heat .  Sometime I just rotate it 90 degrees to give a new gold
> > > area to contact.  One guy told me he used unwaxedd, so dental floss wet
> > > with contact cleaner and sawed it back and forth.  Main thing, as the
> > > contact strikes, you do not want changes, as voltage equals pitch.
> > >
> > > Drill a hole in the pot with a small drill to allow pot spray to be shot 
> > > in. Insert the drill into the chuck so only an 1/8 inch sticks out, cut
> > > off or grind off if to long.  This prevent the drill from going to far
> > > into the pot and doing damage.  The metal is hard, so patience.
> > >
> > > R
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >>________________________________
> > >> From: Gil <gilwe@>
> > >>To: vintagesynthrepair@yahoogroups.com
> > >>Sent: Monday, July 9, 2012 8:40 AM
> > >>Subject: [vintagesynthrepair] Re: Minimoog D pitch drifting
> > >>
> > >>
> > >>Â 
> > >>Hi all !
> > >>
> > >>So I received it a week ago and did the following -
> > >>1. I took all PCB's out and cleaned the connectors
> > >>2. I rewires a few bad solder joints going to the pitch and modulation
> > >> wheels
> > >>3. I cleaned the PCB sockets and checked for tight connectivity between
> > >> the PCB's and flags
> > >>4. Replaced the 1458 ICs in the generic tuning circuit (where the Tune
> > >> pot goes)
> > >>
> > >>I see the tuning problem less then before but it still happens from time
> > >> to time. I *think* it happens more when playing certain keys in the
> > >> middle of the keyboard (although I don't see why it will only happen when
> > >> playing this specific area). sometimes, the pitch will raise and fall as
> > >> I push some keys down (like when using after-touch) - can bad kayboard
> > >> PCB cause this ?
> > >>
> > >>Also, in the specific machine, the master Tune potentiometer doesn't
> > >> reflect the tune. The "default" tunning is a down that what it should be.
> > >> The Tune pot shows correct resistance values when rotating it, and the
> > >> soldering and connection to the sockets (and then PCB) looks ok... Which
> > >> is weird. Also, tapping on the pot, it doesn't seem to reflect the tuning
> > >> at all, as if it is dead... but it is not :/
> > >>
> > >>--- In vintagesynthrepair@yahoogroups.com, "Paulo Palmieri"
> > >> <paulopalmieri@> wrote:
> > >>>
> > >>> That´s right. To affect the 3 oscillators maybe the countour generator
> > >>> could be the problem or the PCB conectors already commented here.
> > >>> This is the late version more stable than the first generation.
> > >>>
> > >>> Good luck and be in touch!
> > >>>
> > >>> Paulo Palmieri
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>   ----- Original Message -----
> > >>>   From: Quazimodo
> > >>>   To: vintagesynthrepair@yahoogroups.com
> > >>>   Sent: Friday, June 29, 2012 4:51 PM
> > >>>   Subject: [vintagesynthrepair] Re: Minimoog D pitch drifting
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>   So it's a late, *stable* one... OK, then it will probably be much
> > >>> like I said in the first place.
> > >>>
> > >>>   Check those flags...!
> > >>>
> > >>>   --- In vintagesynthrepair@yahoogroups.com, "Gil" <gilwe@> wrote:
> > >>>   >
> > >>>   >
> > >>>   > Thanks. Serial is 12044. Supposed to get it in a few days so I'll
> > >>> be able to tell what it exactly uses (or do you know be the serial
> > >>> number?)
> > >>>   >
> > >>>   >
> > >>>   > --- In vintagesynthrepair@yahoogroups.com, "Paulo Palmieri"
> > >>> <paulopalmieri@> wrote:
> > >>>   > >
> > >>>   > > Hi Gil,
> > >>>   > >
> > >>>   > > Probably there is a variation in the cv voltage that controls the
> > >>> oscillators.
> > >>>   > > I experienced similar issues on the osc 1 of a RA Moog model (the
> > >>> first earlier version) and the only thing that solved the problem
> > >>> was replacing the 2n4058 transistors.
> > >>>   > > Please, provide more info such like serial number and if your
> > >>> oscillator board has only transistors or 2 ICS SG3821 or
> > >>> CA/LM3046 or 3 UA726 ICs.
> > >>>   > >
> > >>>   > > Regards,
> > >>>   > >
> > >>>   > > Paulo Palmieri
> > >>>   > >
> > >>>   > >
> > >>>   > > ----- Original Message -----
> > >>>   > > From: Gil
> > >>>   > > To: vintagesynthrepair@yahoogroups.com
> > >>>   > > Sent: Thursday, June 28, 2012 9:55 AM
> > >>>   > > Subject: [vintagesynthrepair] Minimoog D pitch drifting
> > >>>   > >
> > >>>   > >
> > >>>   > >
> > >>>   > > I'm handling a friend's mini, which acts strangely. The overall
> > >>> pitch (of the entire machine) will change suddenly, up and down,
> > >>> not to far from the correct pitch but a few semitones... It
> > >>> affects all oscillators at the same time. Is this a known issue
> > >>> in old minimoogs? I would usually suspect either power supply
> > >>> main voltage instability, bad caps or transistors, but being it
> > >>> affecting all 3 oscillators, I tend to think it is not oscillator
> > >>> circuit related ? :/ I'm new to minimoogs so any help would be
> > >>> appreciated... Thanks !
> > >>>   > >
> > >>>   >
> > >>>
> > >>
> > >>
> > >>
> > >>
> > >>
> >
>

Re: Minimoog D pitch drifting

2012-10-02 by Gil

Just updating that the problem was solved mainly by cleaning the key contacts. So basically it did happen as a result of dirty keyboard contacts I believe.



--- In vintagesynthrepair@yahoogroups.com, "narfman96" <narfman96@...> wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
> Hi Gil,
> 
> CV pitch is one volt per octave in the Minimoog. It doesn't take much of a resistive connection to throw the scale off.  
> 
> --- In vintagesynthrepair@yahoogroups.com, "Gil" <gilwe@> wrote:
> >
> > Cleaning the keyboard contact with alcohol cleaner, I could play for a couple of hours without seeing the problem. How likely that this was caused by bad key contacts ? how does this (resistance) affect the pitch ?
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > --- In vintagesynthrepair@yahoogroups.com, "lhammond" <lhammond@> wrote:
> > >
> > > I use felt pipecleaners as you can bend them around contacts and they
> > > absorb cleaning liquids.  But the best is to pullthe rodd and buff it on
> > > the sort of machine a jeweller will have.  And rotate it if worn.
> > > 
> > > lorne
> > > 
> > > > The pitch changes as a key go down indicates a resistive connection
> > > > between the contact and bus rod.  Often they are worn, sometimes damage
> > > > through bad maintenance.  There are many ways to correct, some very
> > > > imaginative to stupid.  The bus and contact have a thin gold plating,
> > > > once worn off, problem area. 
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > I remove the bus rod to allow better access to the keys side contact.  A
> > > > good desoldering skill set is required as the plastic can be damaged by
> > > > too much heat .  Sometime I just rotate it 90 degrees to give a new gold
> > > > area to contact.  One guy told me he used unwaxedd, so dental floss wet
> > > > with contact cleaner and sawed it back and forth.  Main thing, as the
> > > > contact strikes, you do not want changes, as voltage equals pitch.
> > > >
> > > > Drill a hole in the pot with a small drill to allow pot spray to be shot 
> > > > in. Insert the drill into the chuck so only an 1/8 inch sticks out, cut
> > > > off or grind off if to long.  This prevent the drill from going to far
> > > > into the pot and doing damage.  The metal is hard, so patience.
> > > >
> > > > R
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >>________________________________
> > > >> From: Gil <gilwe@>
> > > >>To: vintagesynthrepair@yahoogroups.com
> > > >>Sent: Monday, July 9, 2012 8:40 AM
> > > >>Subject: [vintagesynthrepair] Re: Minimoog D pitch drifting
> > > >>
> > > >>
> > > >>Â 
> > > >>Hi all !
> > > >>
> > > >>So I received it a week ago and did the following -
> > > >>1. I took all PCB's out and cleaned the connectors
> > > >>2. I rewires a few bad solder joints going to the pitch and modulation
> > > >> wheels
> > > >>3. I cleaned the PCB sockets and checked for tight connectivity between
> > > >> the PCB's and flags
> > > >>4. Replaced the 1458 ICs in the generic tuning circuit (where the Tune
> > > >> pot goes)
> > > >>
> > > >>I see the tuning problem less then before but it still happens from time
> > > >> to time. I *think* it happens more when playing certain keys in the
> > > >> middle of the keyboard (although I don't see why it will only happen when
> > > >> playing this specific area). sometimes, the pitch will raise and fall as
> > > >> I push some keys down (like when using after-touch) - can bad kayboard
> > > >> PCB cause this ?
> > > >>
> > > >>Also, in the specific machine, the master Tune potentiometer doesn't
> > > >> reflect the tune. The "default" tunning is a down that what it should be.
> > > >> The Tune pot shows correct resistance values when rotating it, and the
> > > >> soldering and connection to the sockets (and then PCB) looks ok... Which
> > > >> is weird. Also, tapping on the pot, it doesn't seem to reflect the tuning
> > > >> at all, as if it is dead... but it is not :/
> > > >>
> > > >>--- In vintagesynthrepair@yahoogroups.com, "Paulo Palmieri"
> > > >> <paulopalmieri@> wrote:
> > > >>>
> > > >>> That´s right. To affect the 3 oscillators maybe the countour generator
> > > >>> could be the problem or the PCB conectors already commented here.
> > > >>> This is the late version more stable than the first generation.
> > > >>>
> > > >>> Good luck and be in touch!
> > > >>>
> > > >>> Paulo Palmieri
> > > >>>
> > > >>>
> > > >>>   ----- Original Message -----
> > > >>>   From: Quazimodo
> > > >>>   To: vintagesynthrepair@yahoogroups.com
> > > >>>   Sent: Friday, June 29, 2012 4:51 PM
> > > >>>   Subject: [vintagesynthrepair] Re: Minimoog D pitch drifting
> > > >>>
> > > >>>
> > > >>>
> > > >>>   So it's a late, *stable* one... OK, then it will probably be much
> > > >>> like I said in the first place.
> > > >>>
> > > >>>   Check those flags...!
> > > >>>
> > > >>>   --- In vintagesynthrepair@yahoogroups.com, "Gil" <gilwe@> wrote:
> > > >>>   >
> > > >>>   >
> > > >>>   > Thanks. Serial is 12044. Supposed to get it in a few days so I'll
> > > >>> be able to tell what it exactly uses (or do you know be the serial
> > > >>> number?)
> > > >>>   >
> > > >>>   >
> > > >>>   > --- In vintagesynthrepair@yahoogroups.com, "Paulo Palmieri"
> > > >>> <paulopalmieri@> wrote:
> > > >>>   > >
> > > >>>   > > Hi Gil,
> > > >>>   > >
> > > >>>   > > Probably there is a variation in the cv voltage that controls the
> > > >>> oscillators.
> > > >>>   > > I experienced similar issues on the osc 1 of a RA Moog model (the
> > > >>> first earlier version) and the only thing that solved the problem
> > > >>> was replacing the 2n4058 transistors.
> > > >>>   > > Please, provide more info such like serial number and if your
> > > >>> oscillator board has only transistors or 2 ICS SG3821 or
> > > >>> CA/LM3046 or 3 UA726 ICs.
> > > >>>   > >
> > > >>>   > > Regards,
> > > >>>   > >
> > > >>>   > > Paulo Palmieri
> > > >>>   > >
> > > >>>   > >
> > > >>>   > > ----- Original Message -----
> > > >>>   > > From: Gil
> > > >>>   > > To: vintagesynthrepair@yahoogroups.com
> > > >>>   > > Sent: Thursday, June 28, 2012 9:55 AM
> > > >>>   > > Subject: [vintagesynthrepair] Minimoog D pitch drifting
> > > >>>   > >
> > > >>>   > >
> > > >>>   > >
> > > >>>   > > I'm handling a friend's mini, which acts strangely. The overall
> > > >>> pitch (of the entire machine) will change suddenly, up and down,
> > > >>> not to far from the correct pitch but a few semitones... It
> > > >>> affects all oscillators at the same time. Is this a known issue
> > > >>> in old minimoogs? I would usually suspect either power supply
> > > >>> main voltage instability, bad caps or transistors, but being it
> > > >>> affecting all 3 oscillators, I tend to think it is not oscillator
> > > >>> circuit related ? :/ I'm new to minimoogs so any help would be
> > > >>> appreciated... Thanks !
> > > >>>   > >
> > > >>>   >
> > > >>>
> > > >>
> > > >>
> > > >>
> > > >>
> > > >>
> > >
> >
>

Re: [vintagesynthrepair] Re: Minimoog D pitch drifting

2012-10-02 by Keith Winstanley

Come in late on this one, there is a product in the UK called 'Silverdip' it's great for removing tarnish but make sure you clean it all off, worked wonders on my minimoog and pro1 buss bars.
Something I always bang on about is soldering the flag connectors to the wires, this cured 100% of the problems I was having with my mini, no more hum, no more crosstalk, it's a PITA but worth the effort

Cheers

Keith
Show quoted textHide quoted text
On 2 Oct 2012, at 10:20, Gil <gilwe@hotmail.com> wrote:

> Just updating that the problem was solved mainly by cleaning the key contacts. So basically it did happen as a result of dirty keyboard contacts I believe.
> 
> --- In vintagesynthrepair@yahoogroups.com, "narfman96" <narfman96@...> wrote:
> >
> > Hi Gil,
> > 
> > CV pitch is one volt per octave in the Minimoog. It doesn't take much of a resistive connection to throw the scale off. 
> > 
> > --- In vintagesynthrepair@yahoogroups.com, "Gil" <gilwe@> wrote:
> > >
> > > Cleaning the keyboard contact with alcohol cleaner, I could play for a couple of hours without seeing the problem. How likely that this was caused by bad key contacts ? how does this (resistance) affect the pitch ?
> > > 
> > > 
> > > 
> > > --- In vintagesynthrepair@yahoogroups.com, "lhammond" <lhammond@> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > I use felt pipecleaners as you can bend them around contacts and they
> > > > absorb cleaning liquids. But the best is to pullthe rodd and buff it on
> > > > the sort of machine a jeweller will have. And rotate it if worn.
> > > > 
> > > > lorne
> > > > 
> > > > > The pitch changes as a key go down indicates a resistive connection
> > > > > between the contact and bus rod.  Often they are worn, sometimes damage
> > > > > through bad maintenance.  There are many ways to correct, some very
> > > > > imaginative to stupid.  The bus and contact have a thin gold plating,
> > > > > once worn off, problem area. 
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > I remove the bus rod to allow better access to the keys side contact.  A
> > > > > good desoldering skill set is required as the plastic can be damaged by
> > > > > too much heat .  Sometime I just rotate it 90 degrees to give a new gold
> > > > > area to contact.  One guy told me he used unwaxedd, so dental floss wet
> > > > > with contact cleaner and sawed it back and forth.  Main thing, as the
> > > > > contact strikes, you do not want changes, as voltage equals pitch.
> > > > >
> > > > > Drill a hole in the pot with a small drill to allow pot spray to be shot 
> > > > > in. Insert the drill into the chuck so only an 1/8 inch sticks out, cut
> > > > > off or grind off if to long.  This prevent the drill from going to far
> > > > > into the pot and doing damage.  The metal is hard, so patience.
> > > > >
> > > > > R
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >>________________________________
> > > > >> From: Gil <gilwe@>
> > > > >>To: vintagesynthrepair@yahoogroups.com
> > > > >>Sent: Monday, July 9, 2012 8:40 AM
> > > > >>Subject: [vintagesynthrepair] Re: Minimoog D pitch drifting
> > > > >>
> > > > >>
> > > > >> 
> > > > >>Hi all !
> > > > >>
> > > > >>So I received it a week ago and did the following -
> > > > >>1. I took all PCB's out and cleaned the connectors
> > > > >>2. I rewires a few bad solder joints going to the pitch and modulation
> > > > >> wheels
> > > > >>3. I cleaned the PCB sockets and checked for tight connectivity between
> > > > >> the PCB's and flags
> > > > >>4. Replaced the 1458 ICs in the generic tuning circuit (where the Tune
> > > > >> pot goes)
> > > > >>
> > > > >>I see the tuning problem less then before but it still happens from time
> > > > >> to time. I *think* it happens more when playing certain keys in the
> > > > >> middle of the keyboard (although I don't see why it will only happen when
> > > > >> playing this specific area). sometimes, the pitch will raise and fall as
> > > > >> I push some keys down (like when using after-touch) - can bad kayboard
> > > > >> PCB cause this ?
> > > > >>
> > > > >>Also, in the specific machine, the master Tune potentiometer doesn't
> > > > >> reflect the tune. The "default" tunning is a down that what it should be.
> > > > >> The Tune pot shows correct resistance values when rotating it, and the
> > > > >> soldering and connection to the sockets (and then PCB) looks ok... Which
> > > > >> is weird. Also, tapping on the pot, it doesn't seem to reflect the tuning
> > > > >> at all, as if it is dead... but it is not :/
> > > > >>
> > > > >>--- In vintagesynthrepair@yahoogroups.com, "Paulo Palmieri"
> > > > >> <paulopalmieri@> wrote:
> > > > >>>
> > > > >>> That´s right. To affect the 3 oscillators maybe the countour generator
> > > > >>> could be the problem or the PCB conectors already commented here.
> > > > >>> This is the late version more stable than the first generation.
> > > > >>>
> > > > >>> Good luck and be in touch!
> > > > >>>
> > > > >>> Paulo Palmieri
> > > > >>>
> > > > >>>
> > > > >>> ----- Original Message -----
> > > > >>> From: Quazimodo
> > > > >>> To: vintagesynthrepair@yahoogroups.com
> > > > >>> Sent: Friday, June 29, 2012 4:51 PM
> > > > >>> Subject: [vintagesynthrepair] Re: Minimoog D pitch drifting
> > > > >>>
> > > > >>>
> > > > >>>
> > > > >>> So it's a late, *stable* one... OK, then it will probably be much
> > > > >>> like I said in the first place.
> > > > >>>
> > > > >>> Check those flags...!
> > > > >>>
> > > > >>> --- In vintagesynthrepair@yahoogroups.com, "Gil" <gilwe@> wrote:
> > > > >>> >
> > > > >>> >
> > > > >>> > Thanks. Serial is 12044. Supposed to get it in a few days so I'll
> > > > >>> be able to tell what it exactly uses (or do you know be the serial
> > > > >>> number?)
> > > > >>> >
> > > > >>> >
> > > > >>> > --- In vintagesynthrepair@yahoogroups.com, "Paulo Palmieri"
> > > > >>> <paulopalmieri@> wrote:
> > > > >>> > >
> > > > >>> > > Hi Gil,
> > > > >>> > >
> > > > >>> > > Probably there is a variation in the cv voltage that controls the
> > > > >>> oscillators.
> > > > >>> > > I experienced similar issues on the osc 1 of a RA Moog model (the
> > > > >>> first earlier version) and the only thing that solved the problem
> > > > >>> was replacing the 2n4058 transistors.
> > > > >>> > > Please, provide more info such like serial number and if your
> > > > >>> oscillator board has only transistors or 2 ICS SG3821 or
> > > > >>> CA/LM3046 or 3 UA726 ICs.
> > > > >>> > >
> > > > >>> > > Regards,
> > > > >>> > >
> > > > >>> > > Paulo Palmieri
> > > > >>> > >
> > > > >>> > >
> > > > >>> > > ----- Original Message -----
> > > > >>> > > From: Gil
> > > > >>> > > To: vintagesynthrepair@yahoogroups.com
> > > > >>> > > Sent: Thursday, June 28, 2012 9:55 AM
> > > > >>> > > Subject: [vintagesynthrepair] Minimoog D pitch drifting
> > > > >>> > >
> > > > >>> > >
> > > > >>> > >
> > > > >>> > > I'm handling a friend's mini, which acts strangely. The overall
> > > > >>> pitch (of the entire machine) will change suddenly, up and down,
> > > > >>> not to far from the correct pitch but a few semitones... It
> > > > >>> affects all oscillators at the same time. Is this a known issue
> > > > >>> in old minimoogs? I would usually suspect either power supply
> > > > >>> main voltage instability, bad caps or transistors, but being it
> > > > >>> affecting all 3 oscillators, I tend to think it is not oscillator
> > > > >>> circuit related ? :/ I'm new to minimoogs so any help would be
> > > > >>> appreciated... Thanks !
> > > > >>> > >
> > > > >>> >
> > > > >>>
> > > > >>
> > > > >>
> > > > >>
> > > > >>
> > > > >>
> > > >
> > >
> >
> 
>

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