A4 MK1 failing on encoder level test

Elektron Gear Analog Keys/Four
1

I’m beeing offered a used A4, which is a bit beat up.

I did a button test using the test mode (hold YES while powering on the unit). All buttons work except I get a “ENCODER LEVEL FAILED” error allot of the time when doing the “turn encoders” part of the test process. About 50% of the time I get through the whole test without errors, but 50% of the time I will stop at some encoder with this error, and before the error I think I see that the encoder is jumping between values. It seems to be always the same 2-3 encoders.

Now when I’m using the synth the buttons seem to work fine, at least the jump that I seem to see when doing the test, is not affecting the buttons enough to bother me or even be noticed.

Is this encoder level test something I should take seriously? Should I be worried?

Should I skip buying this A4 MK1 because this might be an indication of some problems in the near future?

-Freeman

2

I now see that when using the encoders, f.x. in performance mode. Then the encoders that seem to fail frequently, are not functioning exactly like the ones who do not fail.

I tested this by turning the encoders a fixed amount. On the good encoders I go from 0 to approximately 108 (out of 127) in this fixed amount of turning. But on the failing ones I sometimes to go full 108, while sometimes stopping lower, even at 40 in some cases.

I’m starting to get the hunch that I should not go for this unit of A4. :slight_smile:

Anyone know if failing encoders are something that’s hard to fix?

3

Encoders are reparable, by Elektron or a reasonable technician. You could contact Elektron for details of parts.

Regarding your purchase, you need to take account of a likely repair into consideration.

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