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!
cleaning/replacing tr-606 tact switches
Forum rules
READ: VSE Board-Wide Rules and Guidelines
If your Help request has been solved, please edit your first post in order to select the
Topic Icon to let others know your topic has been solved.
READ: VSE Board-Wide Rules and Guidelines
If your Help request has been solved, please edit your first post in order to select the

-
- Junior Member
- Posts: 150
- Joined: Fri Jan 14, 2011 4:07 am
- Hybrid88
- Synth Explorer
- Posts: 2251
- Joined: Sat Jan 17, 2009 8:26 am
- Gear: V-Synth, and other stuff...
- Location: Australia
Re: cleaning/replacing tr-606 tact switches
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.
I'd also recommend you get them all done at the same time.

-
- Junior Member
- Posts: 150
- Joined: Fri Jan 14, 2011 4:07 am
Re: cleaning/replacing tr-606 tact switches
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)
Would you say it's pointless trying to clean the more troublesome switches in the mean time? (limited funds atm)
- Hybrid88
- Synth Explorer
- Posts: 2251
- Joined: Sat Jan 17, 2009 8:26 am
- Gear: V-Synth, and other stuff...
- Location: Australia
Re: cleaning/replacing tr-606 tact switches
You can always try, but they're probably sealed in which case it will do nothing. 

-
- Active Member
- Posts: 275
- Joined: Mon Nov 15, 2010 7:00 pm
- Gear: not enough space here
- Location: earth
Re: cleaning/replacing tr-606 tact switches
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.
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.
Re: cleaning/replacing tr-606 tact switches
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.
I am no longer in pursuit of vintage synths. The generally absurd inflation from demand versus practical use and maintenance costs is no longer viable. The internet has suffocated and vanquished yet another wonderful hobby. Too bad.
--Solderman no more.
--Solderman no more.
Re: cleaning/replacing tr-606 tact switches
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
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
-
- Junior Member
- Posts: 150
- Joined: Fri Jan 14, 2011 4:07 am
Re: cleaning/replacing tr-606 tact switches
Is $150 a reasonable amount to have all the switches changed (labor only I'm supplying new alps switches)?
- Cybercardinal
- Supporting Member!
- Posts: 482
- Joined: Tue Jun 13, 2006 12:16 pm
- Location: Denmark