My Machinedrum has been problematic recently. It doesn’t load the OS. Instead it quickly freezes with nothing and/or bizarre characters on the screen. It is able to go into test mode upon start up and checks out ok though.
After a lot of trial and error, I discovered I’m able to (temporarily) fix the issue by reconnecting the cables from the power switch (e.g. pull the connector out and put it back). But then hours or a day or so later I’m back where I started.
So I suspect I have a temperamental power switch? Checking to see if others have had similar issues, and what you did to address it?
I understand Elektron doesn’t service these machines anymore, and my MD is one of my long-time favorite boxes so I don’t want to lose it over what appears to be a simple issue.
Thanks!
Rule out the power supply 1st. Keep in mind if it’s a mk1, it’s a NOT DC power supply, it’s AC, which isn’t the norm.
If it is the barrel jack/power switch, those are pretty easy to replace.
He means if it’s a mk1 it’s not a DC power supply, it’s 6v AC.
Also try cleaning the contacts on the ribbon cables and their plugs where the cables insert. Canned air and some isopropyl alcohol should be fine if you don’t have contact cleaner, just allow time for it to dry.
Corrected…….
Ty @shigginpit
There are a number of threads about this issue with both the Machinedrum and Monomachine, here’s one.
The current fix is to reseat the ribbon cables inside the machines. In my case, slightly bending the pins the cables connect to so that the connectors are tighter solved the issue on my Monomachine and I haven’t had any issues for over a year. I do expect for this to come up again though, and it seems to be a thing with these old machines. My Machinedrum doesn’t suffer from this yet.
This reseating of cables is what Elektron support officially recommends, or at least that what they have recommended to me directly.
i had this issue - take the machine apart, undo all the ribbon clips, and then redo them, put it back together and it will all be working fine
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I know this thread is a bit older but it bears reminding all MD owners (and Monomachine too I think).
This has happened with my MD mk2 uw+ twice (over several years). Freezing, jumbled characters on screen, loading to test menu, black screen etc.
Cleaning header pins & ribbon cables with deoxit D5 fixed it both times.
Both times were after long periods not being turned on, in particularly dank environment.
It’s not very complicated to do yourself if you’re careful, even if you’re not very tech savvy.
This has been my experience. Some MDs may differ slightly?
Unplug adapter. Remove the 10 knobs, faceplate (screws are torx bits, I’ve seen people say they stripped these. Use the right tool), then all the silver board mounting screws.
Try to touch the board on the edges only.
There are 3 cables to reach under the user interface board and disconnect so that you can safely remove this top board to access the ribbon connectors. These cables don’t have lots of extra length but enough to reach under and unplug carefully. They only go 1 way so no worries about marking them.
Just reseating the ribbon connector will likely work but I recommend deoxit.
Best to at least turn on if not use, your MD regularly. Although this may happen even with daily use, I don’t know.
I hope this helps someone.
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