Virus surgery: Re-Potting 101 (warning - many photos!)

[namnibor]

I love the build-quality on Access AND Waldorf Synths (the Microwave XT and Waldorf Q Rack are literally built like military specification and could easily be used as a boat anchor, only of course if the synths were beyond repair)....the German build quality is quite impressive and leaves the Asia-Pacific Synth Companie's plastic, casio build quality in the dust!!
My studio cat is NOT FAT, he is a breed that are known for their larger size and have reputational name of being "the gentle giants of cats"...Maine Coone Cats. They also are incredibly smart and all four paws are webbed---he drinks water by cupping his paw in water up to mouth!! He is actually assumed the role of being a therapy animal as I am a recently disabled USA Military Veteran and literally gets my attention to follow him where medications are kept three times a day to remind me...he also lays upside down below my Virus B and Waldorf Blofeld Black keyboard two tier when I am playing or sound tweaking...think he likes the synths!! HA! Do an internet search on that breed as he is of normal size and stature for a male....my mother calls him the black panther...lol!

back to topic: I wanted to thank you for posting part numbers for encoders/pots as that could be very helpful in future but not even a mile from me is an electronics authorized repair place for many synth brands and if should need anything such as your endeavor with both Virii out of warranty, would probably just go there after sysex dump back-up of sounds.

Very cool pics!
Robert

[chimney chop]

i've opened up an INDIGO 2 and two INDIGO 1's.

i found my current INDIGO 1 also has the toothpick but the other INDIGO's did not.

weird!

[Timo]

Originally Posted by chimney chop

Timo, some of the buttons that see more use on my Indigo feel loose and slightly mushy.

did you find that popping them off and reinstalling resolved this issue at all?
(that is if you had loose buttons like i do)

Hi Chimney, I've not had a problem with loose buttons, and flipping the caps off and replacing them didn't affect anything. I merely flipped them off in case I were to accidentally nick them with the soldering iron.

You could try flipping off the caps and replacing them first, make sure they're on correctly. Use a plastic spatula or something that is broad but isn't sharp to lever them out. Otherwise if you are having trouble with the button switches in use, if they're erratic or not very responsive or similar, you may need to replace them (involving de-soldering and replacing from the PCB).

[Vevolis]

Originally Posted by Timo

Hi Chimney, I've not had a problem with loose buttons, and flipping the caps off and replacing them didn't affect anything. I merely flipped them off in case I were to accidentally nick them with the soldering iron.

You could try flipping off the caps and replacing them first, make sure they're on correctly. Use a plastic spatula or something that is broad but isn't sharp to lever them out. Otherwise if you are having trouble with the button switches in use, if they're erratic or not very responsive or similar, you may need to replace them (involving de-soldering and replacing from the PCB).

Would you happen to know the best method of cleaning the button switches? I'm having the same problem and am not quite ready to re-solder my Virus KC and source new parts. I've seen a lot of different tutorials saying to use contact cleaner, to not use contact cleaner, to use rubbing alcohol, etc...

[Fylthy]

Originally Posted by Timo

Hi Chimney, I've not had a problem with loose buttons, and flipping the caps off and replacing them didn't affect anything. I merely flipped them off in case I were to accidentally nick them with the soldering iron.

You could try flipping off the caps and replacing them first, make sure they're on correctly. Use a plastic spatula or something that is broad but isn't sharp to lever them out. Otherwise if you are having trouble with the button switches in use, if they're erratic or not very responsive or similar, you may need to replace them (involving de-soldering and replacing from the PCB).

Hi Timo, I need to resolder on some new tactile switches. Do you happen to know what the replacement switch part is and/or where it can be sourced? Cheers, and thanks in advance

[Timo]

Originally Posted by Fylthy

Hi Timo, I need to resolder on some new tactile switches. Do you happen to know what the replacement switch part is and/or where it can be sourced? Cheers, and thanks in advance

Hi Fylthy, unfortunately I do not know which switches are used.

I got my pots from Access Music's hardware branch in Germany - Synthesizer Service - so I assume they also know which switches were used. Send them an email and they may be able to advise further.

[solitud]

Hey, thanks a lot for the images. Really helpful.
I just have replaced the LCD on my Indigo 2 and was not sure if the disassemble procedure is the same.

I can confirm it is nearly identical.
Small difference is the keyboard where the strip is connected to the left instead the middle.
If one want to change just the display you don't need to disassemble the keyboard, though. But you still have to disassemble the sides.

Attention on the wireing of the display, two of the cables on the ribbon connector are "twisted".

BTW. I don't had toothsticks but a lot of hot glue on some connectors.

[rtofvnt]

Hi,
I know this is a quite old post but is there a chance for high res photos of Indigo 1 main pcb where I could check capacitors polarisation?
I think I messed up with mine when I was replacing all due to LCD starting to fail.
Thanks in advance.
Cheers

[Timo]

I'll open up my Indigo v1 and take a photo for you some time tomorrow when I get spare time.

[rtofvnt]

Thanks Timo,
I will owe you a big one.
Cheers