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Conference napalm::commusic_v1

Title:* * Computer Music, MIDI, and Related Topics * *
Notice:Conference has been write-locked. Use new version.
Moderator:DYPSS1::SCHAFER
Created:Thu Feb 20 1986
Last Modified:Mon Aug 29 1994
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:2852
Total number of notes:33157

1704.0. "Ensoniq ESQ1 Has Broken Key - Help" by PAULJ::HARRIMAN (Official Vt. Leaf-Peep Guide) Thu Sep 29 1988 13:31

    
    This didn't seem to fit in any of the other notes with keyword "ESQ-1"
    so here goes...
    
    The other night my almost-two-year-old ESQ-1 broke a key. I wasn't
    even playing it, my partner was, and everyone in the room said he
    wasn't beating on it. 
    
    Anyway, the key popped up about an inch. Stretched it's little spring
    contact all out of proportion, etc.
    
    So I took the board apart (first time for everything I guess) and
    inspected the damage.
    
    Yup, it was damaged. There is a molded nylon/plastic form running
    the length of the keyboard assembly that has protrusions which serve
    as key stops. These have little rubber bumpers on them. The key
    travels downward, and the top of a slot rests against the top of
    the stop, and when the key is released, the bottom of the slot rests
    against the bottom of the stop. 
    
    I'm trying Duco cement first. Assuming it works, that's the end
    of it. If it doesn't then does anyone know a good glue for what
    looks like nylon, and failing that, has anyone else had this problem,
    and does anyone know how much a new keyboard costs for an ESQ-1?
    
    ugh.
    
    /pjh
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1704.1Sticky situation...WEFXEM::COTEName changed to protect innocenceThu Sep 29 1988 13:4410
    Only problem with Duco cement is if perchance it doesn't work, it's
    hard as hell (impossible?) to clean the surface so you can start
    over with something else.
    
    I'd be inclined to use a two part epoxy mixture or one of the
    cyano-acrylates and hope for the best...
    
    Edd
    
    P.S. What broke? The key or part of the keybed assembly?
1704.2Yeah, I thought about that...PAULJ::HARRIMANOfficial Vt. Leaf-Peep GuideThu Sep 29 1988 13:538
    
    part of the keybed assembly. The key is fine. The spring contact
    got a bit stretched, so I'm going to have to take some slack and
    readjust it. I checked it before I left for work this morning (cemented
    it last night) and it seems to be solid. The keybed is a unibody,
    i.e. it is one big plastic piece. It will not be economical to replace.
    
    /pjh
1704.3Testor's works well, too.DYO780::SCHAFERBrad ... DTN 433-2408Thu Sep 29 1988 14:3312
    Another idea is to try Testor's model glue (for plastic model cars). It
    actually contains a solvent (acetone, I believe) that effectively welds
    the parts together. 

    If Duco chokes, give that a try - and make sure it sets up well before
    any pressure is applied.  Sorry for the bad news.  8-(

    Just a thought - have you tried calling Ensoniq?  They might be real
    nice about something unusual like this (which could bery well be a mfg.
    defect) and replace it free of charge.  Worth a shot, anyway.

-b
1704.4Alesis was better...WEFXEM::COTEName changed to protect innocenceThu Sep 29 1988 14:417
    > have you tried calling Ensoniq?
    
    Lemme know if this works. I called them a couple weeks ago about
    the body-rot on my Mirage. Seemed like the last thing they wanted
    to do was help...
    
    Edd
1704.5PAULJ::HARRIMANOfficial Vt. Leaf-Peep GuideThu Sep 29 1988 15:3815
    
    Yeah, Brad, Testor's is the next try, if Duco doesn't do it.
    Considering where the fracture is, I don't think cyanoacrylate-based
    glues will work well (too much sideways force). I smeared extra
    glue all over the outside of the fracture, then trimmed it back
    before it set, so I know I got as good a bond as I am going to get
    with Duco.
    
    As far as I know, Ensoniq will most likely send a new keyboard,
    for a price. If I can't get the key fixed, that's the next step.
    I'm long off the warranty.
    
    /pjh
    
    
1704.6Maybe I'm cuter than you, Eddrick. &*}DYO780::SCHAFERBrad ... DTN 433-2408Thu Sep 29 1988 15:4714
RE: .4

    That's amazing.  When I got my ESQ-Ms without documentation (or even
    rack mounting ears) AND in brain-damage mode (memory was corrupted), I
    called Ensoniq and the guy didn't hesitate to send me a full rack-mount
    kit, two brand new manuals, and even two power cords (that I didn't ask
    for).

    He also stepped me thru the reset sequence and told me about a few
    hidden menu options when he found out I was a s/w type. 

    Didn't charge me a cent for anything.  They even paid the postage.

-b
1704.7I'll bet you are!!! 8*)WEFXEM::COTEName changed to protect innocenceThu Sep 29 1988 15:5610
    When I called I simply asked if I could buy a new top panel (the
    part with all the silk screening on it) for my Mirage. Since my
    problem probably doesn't come up tooooooo often, I figured going
    to my local dealer would only send the dealer to Malvern . Why
    pay the middleman?
    
    No dice, they didn't even wanna talk....
    
    Edd (who bought a nice can of black Rust-O-Leum and at least took
         care of the body rot on his drive cover...)
1704.8NRPUR::DEATONThu Sep 29 1988 16:278
RE < Note 1704.7 >

>    Edd (who bought a nice can of black Rust-O-Leum and at least took
>         care of the body rot on his drive cover...)

	That'll teach ya to keep the mirage out of our New England pot-hole
ridden salted roads.

1704.9the customer is always right!LEDDEV::HASTINGSThu Sep 29 1988 20:2218
    re: .4
    Edd,
    	I called Ensoniq about upgrading my ESQ software last week and
    got a similar response. Thursday night at the Union gig I took the
    opportunity to flame at the Ensoniq rep about this. He explained
    that Ensoniq is changing over to DEC vaxes and everyone there is
    going crazy with the extra work. As a result they are a bit cranky
    right now. I don't know if this makes you feel any better or not.
    I know I felt better as the rep was pushing the latest and greatest
    Ensoniq gear. Kinda made me feel like he really listened. He even
    wanted to know the name of the teck that gave me the hard time.
    	FWIW let hope this is only temporary and will get better in
    the future. If all else fails *BITCH* to their managers! When they
    realize they have unhappy cu$tomer$ they will probably look to improve
    the situation.
    
    		Mark
    
1704.10Dual purposeCSC32::G_HOUSEBack in BlackThu Sep 29 1988 20:228
    re: .3
    
    >Another idea is to try Testor's model glue 
    
    Yeah, good stuff.  If it doesn't work on the ESQ, you can always
    sniff it.    ;^)
    
    Greg