The Electra Forums

Hey, everyone!

I have a Dynamic Fuzz MPC module that has something wrong with it. It definitely makes a fuzzy sound, but is barely audible. I have another of the same module, so I know what it's supposed to sound like. I was wondering if anyone here has had a similar problem and knows how to fix it. I don't really want to put a lot of money into repairing it, as I already have one that works and don't need two in the first place. Also, if anyone's interested in buying the module as a project, let me know.

Thanks,

Matthew

I just got a broken one of the bay a few weeks ago, and replaced all the components so it was all new

I think it was probably one of the caps on mine, but the whole thing was encased in wax, so it was hard to tell, and some of the components got damaged with my method of wax extraction....

I'd start with the caps and transitors.

I can send you all the resistors for it if you want?

_________________
My Electra Pages
I have too many projects!

That would be great. How did you extract the wax, and how might you recommend doing it differently to minimize damage to the components? I'm pretty good at fixing and setting up my guitars, but I haven't done a lot of circuit board work, so I'm wary of just making things worse.

Also, how much were the resistors? I'm happy to pay for the cost of the parts.

Thanks!

Matthew

Although a "stinky" solution, you can remove the potting by using your soldering iron - it just melts away. It also can be cut away with an exacto type hobby knife, but it is dangerous. Some electra folk can't be trusted with sharp objects!

(talking about myself of course)

The bit about what to change - yeah if the soldering is all good, contacts clean, and it does not go in/out when you wiggle items the transistors and the caps are good bets.

_________________
Thorny

my apologies for double posting this but since i misposted this info in another thread, i thought i should repost it here where the discussion originally took place... and make it easier for others who might be looking for info on the subject ..
**************************

you guys are killing me with how difficult you make cleaning up one of these modules...so... for what its worth, here is how i do it

first of all, get yourself two little tin plates... like the ones you are left with after eating one of those individual serving meat pies... carefully cut an X in the bottom of one, and fold the pieces back so as to let the potted module hang into the tin plate without falling through.... set this plate on top of the other... set the pair on a stove burner and turn on VERY low



if necessary, turn up the heat a little if needed... eventually, the heat will start to do its work on the hot glue compound these things come packed in.... there will still be a thin layer of the glue clinging to the circuit board, but this can be scraped off while the module is cooling... the module can also be returned to heat as necessary... i found that using a dental pick that has a flat edge is great for scraping off the residue as needed.... repeat this second process as needed till board is as clean as needed to work on... what you will be left with is a dish of glue (this is 3 or 4 modules worth) and a module ready for servicing



this is my tube sound module that i had to splice a broken wire on the big brown cap.... should have probably replaced it but fixing it seems to have it working just fine... so that is what i did...



anyways... hope this is of some help to you guys... its sure a lot easier than carving a module out of a block of glue with a knife (and much safer too) and it is a lot less effort than trying to do it with a soldering iron...

now... if you are thinking about trying to fix one of the early modules that are cast in concrete... i could sure use a couple of tips there..

_________________
Live Better Electra-ly
http://www.therathole.org/leia/visitors_axes/leia/leia.html