Elka EK 22, broken, lost voice, blown fuses

[Sigma]

,
Hello.

Ive got a problem, i own an Elka EK 22 6 voice polyphonic analog, it has recently had some problems......

It keeps blowing fuses after lke ten minuetes of play, it sometimes has a dead voice in poly mode and sometimes a note will stick for a few seconds more thn it should kind of like if that sound is supposed to fade out it will stick on then cut out, ive changed the fuses a few times and this keeps t powered up for ten minutes or so, i think it may be the transformer letting in too much current, anyone have anyone suggestions???? Its an awsome synth with great sounds, need help!!!!!!

[valis]

Hello,
That's too bad about your Elka. Those always seemed like cool machines. A transformer issue certainly seems possible. It'd probably be best to take a look at the schematics (if you can find some) and see if it's drawing the correct amount of power and if it the device is still properly grounded. Although it seems obvious, it also seems like a good idea to make sure it is working with the correct voltage for the country/continent it is approved for (i.e. 117-120 volts in America)

You probably want to be careful using it. If it is having power issues it could damage components. If you don't feel comfortable working on this issue it may be best to take to a experienced tech.

Sorry I can't be of more help. Hope you get this figured out!

David

[Sigma]

Ive stopped using it for now, it's an Italian synth, im from the UK so voltage should be the same, I jus need some help diognosing the problem, finding schematics for this thing is impossible! anyone know where I can find a copy???

[valis]

Yeah, I looked around for schematics for you as well and couldn't find anything. I found the User's Manual but sadly there was no schematics contained within it. I really don't have any idea where to find the schematics except to start emailing the usual vintage manual suppliers.

There should be certain likely issues that a skilled technician could diagnose without the schematics and that might be your best bet.

And also, I have a Italian Crumar Performer that runs on 117V so it's not a given that synths run on the current of their place of origin. That being said, I would be surprised if that was the issue with your Elka since you said it had been working well before this issue started..

-David

[Sigma]

I might take it to my friends dad who is a technical consulant and has worked on analog audio equipment, including help build the electric lady studios in London, he has alot of bits and bobs lying around, he was there when i needed help building my theremin.

Ill post a demo of the Elka when i get it fixed up.

[valis]

I might take it to my friends dad who is a technical consulant and has worked on analog audio equipment, including help build the electric lady studios in London.

That's a great resource you have available. I'd definitely take advantage of it if he's willing to look at your synth. Let us know what the diagnosis is as I am curious to the source of the problem. Good Luck.

-David

[Sigma]

I purchased the schematics online, got a multimeter, but i dont know what the heck im doing or where to start, ha.

[cornutt]

Start by checking the power supply output voltages, and see if they match the schematic.