How to Replace disk drive in Ensoniq EPS

[nogginj]

Howdy
I am going to try and install the HxC SD Floppy Emulator into my Ensoniq EPS Classic.

I was wondering if anybody had any tips or experience with getting to the drive in these things.

There are a lot of screws on the bottom, and I want to do this modification as cleanly as possible.

If anyone has any advice, or anything like remembering what you have to do to get at ONLY the disk drive, it would be appreciated.

Once I get the thing open, I will start taking pictures and update this thread.

So far, I have found this article that gives me some idea of what to expect:
http://www.ensoniqsamplers.com/epsasr/014.html

It seems I have to undo ALL screws on the bottom of the unit? Can anyone confirm this?

Thanks yall.

-J

[nogginj]

I was once asked, "Young man, tell me, what's a google?".
They key was to search for the 'service manual'. Hopefully this makes it a little easier for the next person.

From the EPS service manual:

Replacing the EPS Disk Drive
1. Remove all cables connected to the EPS, including the power cable.
2. Remove the four (4) screws that fasten the control panel with a 2.5mm hex wrench.
NOTE: These are machine screws.
3. Turn the unit over, top down, and remove the four (4) screws that attach the wheel assembly to the case. See Figure 12 for location of screws. Return the unit to an upright position and raise the control panel. Carefully lift the wheel assembly out of the case.
4. Disconnect the two cables from the Disk Drive, paying particular attention to the polarity. (See Important things to know - the disk drive, page 2).
5. Remove the four (4) screws and star washers that attach the disk drive to the wheel assembly.
6. Carefully slide the Disk Drive out of the wheel assembly. Remove the two (2) screws and star washers that attach the metal plate to the bottom of the disk drive.
7. Immediately place the defective drive in the anti-static bag that the new drive came in. Attach the metal plate to the new Disk Drive using the two screws and star washers. (See Important things to know - the disk drive page 2).
8. Slide the new Disk Drive into place and mount it using the four screws and star washers. Reconnect the two cables, paying particular attention to the alignment of pins and connectors.
9. Re-attach the wheel assembly to the case using the four screws.
10. Power up, test the unit, and close the control panel.

[nogginj]

The modification was a success. That service manual really saved my a*s from undoing way more screws than I needed to.



Goodbye floppies, hello SD card.