DIY Synth Repair

rjd2 · Post by **rjd2** » Fri Jul 18, 2008 1:56 pm

yup, simple logic can get you quite far. ive sourced bad ic's in synths before, even when i had NO idea what the pin voltages SHOULD look like, merely by comparing all the same chips in the circuit.

also, another tip. contrary to public opinion, im not aware of any synth that actually carries lethal voltage/amperage, but nevertheless, amp techs have a technique that keeps you safe:

if you are using a voltmeter, clip the - lead to a ground in the synth, and then when poking with the + lead, use ONE HAND. if you can avoid current travelling from one hand to another(think about it-right thru your heart), you severely decrease your odds of a serious injury.

adamstan · Post by **adamstan** » Fri Jul 18, 2008 2:36 pm

rjd2 wrote:contrary to public opinion, im not aware of any synth that actually carries lethal voltage/amperage,

Any synth with built-in power supply will have points that are connected to mains voltage, and often these points are accesible. If you keep away from power supply however, you are safe in most cases - actual synth circuits are mostly indeed low-voltage, with +-15V max.

rjd2 · Post by **rjd2** » Fri Jul 18, 2008 4:02 pm

adamstan wrote:
rjd2 wrote:contrary to public opinion, im not aware of any synth that actually carries lethal voltage/amperage,
Any synth with built-in power supply will have points that are connected to mains voltage, and often these points are accesible. If you keep away from power supply however, you are safe in most cases - actual synth circuits are mostly indeed low-voltage, with +-15V max.

sorry, should have qualified that-im in the US. maybe your 240 is dangerous(although i have gotten bit by that too), but a 110 bite is nothing. got one this morning!

th0mas · Post by **th0mas** » Fri Jul 18, 2008 4:26 pm

rjd2 wrote:
adamstan wrote:
rjd2 wrote:contrary to public opinion, im not aware of any synth that actually carries lethal voltage/amperage,
Any synth with built-in power supply will have points that are connected to mains voltage, and often these points are accesible. If you keep away from power supply however, you are safe in most cases - actual synth circuits are mostly indeed low-voltage, with +-15V max.
sorry, should have qualified that-im in the US. maybe your 240 is dangerous(although i have gotten bit by that too), but a 110 bite is nothing. got one this morning!

That is really really stupid advice. 110 can easily be lethal. That's stupider than welding your synth. It's not the volts, its the amps.

rjd2 · Post by **rjd2** » Fri Jul 18, 2008 5:57 pm

well, i stand corrected. apparently all my past bites have lulled me into a false sense of security.

nevertheless, that's why i suggested the one handed thing, as a means of safety.