cleaning/replacing tr-606 tact switches

[elsquirrel]

I acquired a 606 recently and some of the buttons are a little flakey. The all eventually work if you hit them hard enough or in the right way. My question is this: Given it's probably 4 or 5 buttons, would it be easier to just replace them? I remember reading somewhere that comparable tact switch are still made. And if so, what would the difficulty rating be? My experience so far is changing batteries and juno 106 chips and that's about it.

Any advice on tips appreciated, thanks!

[Hybrid88]

It's a pain cause the circuit board of these old machines is made of cellulose (basically glue and cardboard) meaning it's really easy to lift the copper traces/pads, which is very bad news. Heat control and solder time are the key to avoiding this, but that comes with practice and skill. I would get a pro to do it personally, use the ALPS tactile switches as alternatives as they're top quality replacements.

I'd also recommend you get them all done at the same time.

[elsquirrel]

Thanks for in the info. Might hold out a bit longer and just get it done by qualified hands then. Sounds like it could go wrong quickly.

Would you say it's pointless trying to clean the more troublesome switches in the mean time? (limited funds atm)

[Hybrid88]

You can always try, but they're probably sealed in which case it will do nothing.

[Explorer]

http://www.vintageplanet.nl sells complete sets off switches for 13,05 euro.
Maybe there are sets available at evilbay,didn't check it.

It's very easy to replace them yourself if you know how to use a soldering iron.
Otherwise somebody with knowledge would be better if you doubt your own skills.

[Solderman]

I did this for every switch in my TB303, and it really isn't all the tough for an unmodded TR606 if, as mentioned, you take care not to burn the traces while soldering. As they are sealed, replacement of the switches is unfortunately the only option here. I used SKHCAA alps switches, which work in the 606, 303 and SH-101 center buttons, and the difference is profound. Only problem is, they don't really last, same as the originals don't.

[Altitude]

These are the same tacts used on x0xb0xes, shruthis, etc. As common as they come:
http://www.digikey.com/product-search/e ... =EG1821-ND

I'll +1 about being extra cautious with deslodering them, the best way to do it is to cut the 4 legs, then gently desolder the pins one at a time

[elsquirrel]

Is $150 a reasonable amount to have all the switches changed (labor only I'm supplying new alps switches)?

[Cybercardinal]

http://www.technologytransplant.com/pro ... cts_id=103