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Conference napalm::commusic_v1

Title:	* * Computer Music, MIDI, and Related Topics * *
Notice:	Conference has been write-locked. Use new version.
Moderator:	DYPSS1::SCHAFER

Created:	Thu Feb 20 1986
Last Modified:	Mon Aug 29 1994
Last Successful Update:	Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:	2852
Total number of notes:	33157

2397.0. "D-10 SWITCH PROBLEMS" by PCOJCT::RYAN () Wed Jul 25 1990 15:28

    Help...I'm having a problem with my 2 year old D-10. Several of the
    front panel buttons are intermittant. Originally the prime offenders
    where the switches that were used the most, leading me to believe that
    they were simply wearing out. However, after closer inspection, I've
    noticed that one or two of the other, lesser, used switches are having
    the same problem. I am now suspecting that the problem may be dust/dirt
    in addition to wear.
    
    I use the keyboard 1-2 hrs. per day and it is set up in my basement.
    The environment is not particuarly dirty, but, basements being basements
    there is a bit of dust in the air. I do attempt to cover the equipment
    when not in use.
    
    My friendly Roland repair place will order the replacement part(s) to
    corect this problem, he is fairly sure that it will be necessary to
    replace the entire board, since the switches are part of that
    sub-assembly. This sound like big bucks to me.
    
    Can anyone offer any advice? Have you seen this before? Can I do
    anything myself to correct this problem? Can I use a spray contact
    cleaner (E.G. Radio Shack)? Compressed air?
    
    I don't mind paying for a repair if necessary, I'd hate to pay someone
    if it's something simple I can do myself. What do you folks think??
    
    Gary Ryan
    DTN-8-332-3999

T.R	Title	User	Personal Name	Date	Lines
2397.1	...bet they ain't worn out.	WEFXEM::COTE	Oh wait! Oh-oh! To be!	`Wed Jul 25 1990 16:08`	5
	Can you describe the switches? My HR16 responded INCREDIBLY to a rubber eraser. Edd
2397.2	go fer it	GLOWS::COCCOLI	where's Pokey?	`Wed Jul 25 1990 16:48`	9
	Open er up, Gary. I would. 8^) RichC
2397.3	Might want to try cleaning them yourself	CSC32::MOLLER	Who you gonna call? Code Busters!	`Wed Jul 25 1990 19:45`	7
	My TR-505 got crudded up, such that somethings wouldn't turn off. I took the case apart & washed the top part of the case, as well as the switches in water (there were no electronics in either part). Once dried & re- assembled, it all worked great. The switches that I'm talking about are the 'rubberized' contacts - these were easy to clean. Jens
2397.4	more info on switches	PCOJCT::RYAN		`Wed Jul 25 1990 21:24`	20
	Hi, folks.. thanks for the quick response....The switches remind me of the old Texas instrument calculators..(If that helps) ..travel up.down is minimal, mabey 1/16-1/8 inch. There is a positive "clik" at the bottom of the travel. Interestingly, Even though the function is intermittant, i always get a good, positive clik....Also, if this adds anything, the prime offender is now intermittant about 40-50% of the time. This is when i press the switch in a normal manner, I've noticed that if I "roll" my finger acros the switch, either right to left of left to right it works every time. The switches are a hair short of 1/2 inch wide I realize this info is a little sketchy, i do appreciate any and all thoughts on this. I do think I'll pop the top and have a look, can't let all those years fixing Vax'es go to waste...I'll stay in touch. PS: Thanks for the tip on the 505, I have one also, so far no problem (Well....the tempo drifts abit, That's another story) but I know where to start if it pops up.... Gary
2397.5	Better living through....	RANGER::EIRIKUR	Eir�kur Hallgr�msson	`Thu Jul 26 1990 01:56`	9
	If they turn out to be "sealed" microswitches, try floating some Cramolin (audiophile snake oil, but works) into them by dropping it on a crack and spraying some Radio Shack residue-free contact cleaner on top of it. This fixes flakey computer keyboard switches. It may even fix it up with out the Cramolin, which is just a contact treatment/anti-oxidant. Eirikur
2397.6	Easily fixed	HEART::MACHIN		`Thu Jul 26 1990 04:40`	11
	I had exactly the same problem with mine (D20). Take off the bottom, then you need to take out a couple of boards inside to get at the switches (not as difficult as it sounds -- a few screws, but there's lots of give in the rbbon cables so you don't need to disconnect anything). The switches are those sealed-looking types, but a good blast of contact cleaner/lubricant renders them good as new. The panel buttins are all held in with double-sided tape, so you needn't worry about anything falling out. Richard.