What's wrong with my ESQ-1?

[inverse]

I just bought an ESQ-1 off ebay, and yeah... looks like I got burned. It acts fine when first turned on, but as soon as I press a few keys it begins to emit this terrible, distorted squealing noise. What would cause this?

[memo]

I just bought an ESQ-1 off ebay, and yeah... looks like I got burned. It acts fine when first turned on, but as soon as I press a few keys it begins to emit this terrible, distorted squealing noise. What would cause this?

The first thing to do whenever an Ensoniq unit is acting funky is to simply reset it. Their operating systems are really strange, and if anything gets corrupted, it can produce weird sounds, no sounds, constant sounds, or other strangeness.

Reset an ESQ-1: http://www.buchty.net/ensoniq/hidden-functions.html

Use the Record + Soft Button #1 (top left of the buttons near the screen). If you have an older OS, all of the patches will be reset to a "Brass" patch. New OS will have the presets.

[Maschinengeist]

A bad capacitor do that. Nothing terrible or unfixable. Comes from the PSU (Power Supply). Check for an oily looking cap.

NEVER TOUCH IT WITH YOUR HANDS!!!! DANGER!!!

You must discharge it before anything. Please Google "Discharge Capacitor"

If a visual check reveals nothing wrong, test with a multimeter.

If you need the PSU schematics, I've got it. Just lemme know.

The problem could come from elsewhere, but usually the noise comes from there. Check that sport first before venturing elsewhere.


Let us know how your investigation goes.










Once of these days, I'll wite a tutorial about it. With pictures. Promise

[inverse]

memo: I've tried resetting the unit. It didn't help.

Maschinengeist: From what I've read at this site (http://www.pic101.com/ensoniq/faq.htm), I suspected PSU issues. I checked out the power supply board, but as my electrical knowledge is next to nil, I'm not really sure what to look for. It did look a little grimy in there. I'll try discharging and then cleaning off the cylinders, but I don't know how to use a multimeter and wouldn't be comfortable removing and replacing a capacitor.

I guess electrical skills are requisite for vintage synth enthusiasts...

Thanks both of you.

[Maschinengeist]

Since you're not too familiar with electricity, soldering and testing, the wise move would be to seek a professional. It's better to pay a few bucks than risking to further damage the ESQ-1 (or risk electrocution).

Good luck!

But if we can help you more, just drop by and tell us what we can do for you.