ARP AXXE. Can it be "patched out"?

[Wild Zebra]

Just like the topic says. Someone gave my buddy a beat up Axxe and he wanted to know if there was a way to patch it out. I reckon it could, but I wouldn't know were to start. I guess with a schem and a little knudge in the right direction.

[elektro80]

I reckon it could be done, but it makes more sense to restore it.

[ickystay]

Here's a patched out Axxe:

http://www.cykong.com/Synths/ARP%20Axxe%20AS%20Modular/ArpAxxeModular(AS).htm

I was hoping this guy would show how his was done (and save me the trouble with my Axxe pcb), but I guess not.

There is a nice service manual on the web. You'll have to google it up. My folder is called "Axxe2300servicemanual" so it must have been a zip file.

edit- here> http://www.synthdiy.com/show/showproduct.asp?id=914

[v-un-v]

[ian-s]

Patching out would be good for integrating with other modular gear. As a stand alone synth though, the Axxe has almost every possible routing covered with a panel control. It can do this because it has so few modules.

[v-un-v]

The Axxe and The Oddysey (and 'The little brother'- remember that one?? ) were the business. They were the instruments of my dreams when I was a kid. It wasn't so much the sound, but the routing possibilities.

However, modular synthesis today is an expensive business, and modding a monofonik synth is (was) a cheap way of getting some good vanilla modules for a cheap(ish) price.

[ickystay]

Hmm. The last bit of the url stops being clickable.

Try here and scroll down to his Axxe:

http://www.cykong.com/Synths/synths.htm

[Wild Zebra]

Well thanks for the words and links so far. I'll have to ask my friend what he wants to get out of it. He's got a 2600 so maybe he wants a little expander? Some things aren't working, but maybe it just needs and old fashioned cleaning.

[Wild Zebra]

I finally got to that site. I have a Korg 700. Hmmmmm I see alittle modding in my future. I'm sure this is the type of thing my friend has in mind. Too bad there isn't a tutorial on the AXXE too.

[piedwagtail]

I patched out a Solus,wasn't too difficult.
I found the service manual later.
But basically just tapped out the test points.
Most of the Arps seem to have consistent test points marked TP1...etc. on the boards and they are relatively easy to sort out.Saw,Square,Lfo,filter,env etc.
The oscillator is half an Odyssey,so just trace from that service manual.The traces will look the same.Filter same.

Of course someone might bust in to say,that they should all be buffered with opamps but i found in practice it does alright without.

I personally don't think an Axxe has much collector value,just dive in....it is a good learning experience.
I found the 70s Arp PCBs to be a bugger to desolder compared to say 70s SEMs,the traces often flake,so if you upgrade the filter resistors,a good mod,bypass rather than replace.
Dealing with just the test point solder islands will not be so daunting.

Robert

[Wild Zebra]

Thanks !