Ruined???

[Saubrey]

Hey everyone,
So, the other day I picked up my Novation X-Station to hook it up and I hadn't played it in a couple of weeks. When I picked it up, water started pouring out of the keys!! I had been storing it on a shelf under a window unit and I guess condensation from the unit had dripped in. There was not a huge amount of water, but enough to be concerned. I haven't turned it on yet, just in case the components are still wet. I don't want to short it out.

Is there probably already damage? How long should I wait to turn it on? Should I take it apart?

I'm crossing my fingers!

Thanks,
Saubrey

[pricklyrobot]

If it wasn't powered up when the water got in it, chances are it's fine. Open it up, to whatever extent you can, and let it air out (ideally for a day or so, just to be safe); hitting the insides with some canned air wouldn't hurt either. When you're absolutely sure it's totally dry, plug it back in and give it a shot. Assuming it wasn't powered up and wet at the same time, you shouldn't have any short circuits.

*I'm assuming this was [relatively] clean water we're talking about. If not, some contact cleaner on the effected parts (after they've dried) might be in order, to remove any gunk.

[nathanscribe]

It must absolutely be dry before you switch it on. Absolutely. Any water in there at all that might be causing a short could potentially kill your synth. Leave it as long as you feel able to before trying it. Days. And if you're confident enough, don't just open it up; dismantle it and check all parts for water hiding in places you might not otherwise notice. Dry them and reassemble. Any residue would be best removed before use.

[Saubrey]

Thanks pricklyrobot and nathanscribe!

I figured that there wouldn't be any damage if it weren't powered up. I'll let it sit for a few days, open it up, dry it and clean anything that looks suspect.

As an aside, is anyone familiar with the joystick mechanism on the X-Staion? I've been meaning to open it up to look at it because the switch on the underside of the synth that is supposed to disable the spring is not working.

Thanks again,

Saubrey

[Malpine Walis]

Hello, I have been lurking here for a week or so but this is certainly one area where I can help.

In addition to being a musician, I also build and overclock computers. This often involves water cooling and while it can be done safely, accidents do happen. When they do, there is a standard way to clean up the mess and save the computer.

Ethanol is strongly hydrophilic. So go to the liquor store and get some grain alcohol. Fully disassemble the synth and remove any pooled water. Then clean everything with the booze. If there are chips or other components that you just can't get to, put them in a jar and cover them with the booze. Let them sit overnight and then dry them off in a very well ventilated area (don't want to start a fire after all). When the alcohol is gone, so will the water be.

As a side note, ethanol is strongly dielectric so it is safe to power up stuff while it is submerged. Not that you would do this with a synth but I do know people who have run computers with the boards submerged in cooled liquid. In fact, a couple of my friends have set world records by pouring liquid nitrogen directly on the processors.

[Huppo]

I had a Casio CTK-1000 that I got new and had against the wall in front of a window. It was during the winter and there was some ice damming or something which caused water to run down inside the window and collect inside the molded plastic bottom of the synth. And there was plenty of it..at least a liter or so.

I dumped it out and let the thing air dry for a few days near a heat source (but away from windows) then cranked it back up. It never had any issues at all and worked great until I sold it. I presume it still works to this day.