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Post by bobtodd on May 14, 2017 19:55:04 GMT
Hi all,
At long last I have acquired a Fusion 8HD with 120GB hard drive. It was on sale on Gumtree and the very nice gent selling it was an hours drive away so went over today and picked it up.
The good bits;
120GB hard drive
Max RAM installed
original 80GB hard drive as a spare
Chicken systems Fusion convertor
M Gear sustain and expression pedals
appears to be fully working.
The bad bits;
The gent I purchased it from smoked and this is evident as keys are yellowed, rubber buttons are caked in grime.
It's been abused by a previous owner. According to the gent I bought it from he purchased it from a school! So it's got scrapes, dents, scratches and feet missing from the bottom.
I think it could do with a service as the volume knob causes crackling when turning but does go from 0 to full volume and works ok when I stop turning it. Also a couple of the lower keys need a firmer press to engage.
All this for the princely sum of £300.
Anybody got any ideas on cleaning smoke and crude from keys etc
Has anybody had dealings with Alesis UK as I want to get it serviced.
Thanks in advance for any help.
Bob.
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Post by parametric on May 15, 2017 3:43:34 GMT
That's a bargain Bob, especially in view of the expanded memory, also the 120Gb Drive for that matter. You're in for an exciting time . . .  I gave more than double that for my 8HD back in 2009 - unexpanded and 80Gb Drive. As regards servicing - best to ask (Phone them). It was Akai/Alesis for a While, but now it's InMusic - and it would be good to hear how they react . . . . Volume knob crackle is quite common. My recently acquired 6HD arrived with it - and a non-playing key . . . You have to open her up and locate the volume pot and squirt some servisol® switch cleaner into it - and give it a bit of a workout . . . Servisol® Switch CleanerIt will then be quiet . . . The non-playing note turned out to be a badly seated contact strip, which I removed, cleaned and refitted (properly) and is now perfect again. The Fusion, being a PROPER metal case, should respond to a kitchen spray type cleaner, but perhaps try hot water and washing up liquid first. Similarly, the keys. Last resort would be IPA isopropyl alcohol (Chemist should stock it). This famously doesn't dissolve plastics, but will remove most other stains . . Try on one key first - just to be sure. DON'T be tempted to try other "Solvents", Acetone, for instance WILL destroy most plastics. You may find that the lower key problem might be due to the case not being accurately fitted back together. It was probably opened in it's former life to fit the HD and/or the memory expansion - and there's a bit of a knack to getting it all lined up properly when closing it up . . . . Hope That Helps parametric |
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Post by bobtodd on May 15, 2017 6:21:27 GMT
Hi Parametric,
Thanks for your reply. Yeah I think I have a bargain, just wish he hadn't smoked! I spent 2 hours last night cleaning the rubber buttons with kitchen roll and warm water. Got most of the gunk of but that horrible stale smell is still there unfortunately. I also noticed one of the audio out black plastic covers is a bit broken and wondered how easy it is to replace it with one of the other ones on the synth that I wont use?
Whilst I was at the sellers home we ran it through the diagnostics and it passed with flying colours so should, fingers crossed, be good to go.
That's interesting you should say that about the bottom keys not working because of the case not being put back together properly because that's the end with a bad dent in it and the case hasn't been aligned correct with the plastic end cheeks. Will take the front case off and give the volume knob a squirt of switch cleaner.
Thanks for the tips on cleaning the keys etc. I will certainly look into that. Just so glad to have a fusion again, whilst at the sellers I was going through all the Hollow Sun sounds Steve had graciously put up on the Alesis website and was smiling in seconds at the great programs he made.
Again thank you so much for your help it is much appreciated.
Bob.
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Post by parametric on May 15, 2017 17:12:12 GMT
Hi Bob, Hadn't realised you've had a Fusion Before? I have most all of the documentation that has ever been available inc Service Manual, take apart details etc. if you need them . . . If you can be bothered, you can probably release the Plastic bezels from the lid and wash them completely . . . That will probably give better access to the buttons for more thorough cleaning . . . . Numarks details are: NUMARK ALESIS EUROPE LTD Unit 3, Nexus Park Lysons Avenue Ash Vale Hampshire GU12 5QE United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0) 1252 896040 Should you wish to enquire about servicing - or even a list of spares they might hold? Other suppliers are: syntaur.com/alesis_fusion.html and www.instrumentalparts.com/alfu8hdsppa8.htmlThe Audio out damage you describe sounds like the "nut" that screws onto the jack socket? They are commonly plastic OR METAL . . . Not sure if they alone can be obtained as spares. You may need to buy a whole chassis-mount Jack socket to get a new one . . . As far as I know, its a universal standard, so Any nut should fit . . . The feet maybe now difficult to source . . . . But I think there is enough room inside to fit others that may be of suitable size . . ? Since we lost Steve sadly a few years ago, HollowSun continues, with Mario at the Helm. Last time I checked, Steve's Three Commercial Banks for the Fusion are still available - Now apparently Free (Nebulae, Taurus and Novacord). . . . Try here: www.payloadz.com/d1/default.aspx?id=1384397The HollowSun FreeBanks were just a taster . . . ATB parametric |
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Post by bobtodd on May 15, 2017 18:30:42 GMT
Hi parametric,
I noticed today the power supply connector in black plastic is damaged and the base is missing a screw, whilst a screw has been replaced with a silver one that doesn't tighten! lol.
I contacted Alesis today regarding servicing and was told it is £30 for 1/2hr labour plus any parts that need to be replaced. Also shipping is £10 to return the unit.
Parts are scarce unfortunately and nowhere do they have a volume potentiometer. I was told the UK and US have 90% of the spares plus Germany has the rest.
I was told they may have parts they can take from old Fusions( if found), that are sat in the 'synth graveyard' but would only check this out if the Fusion was booked in for a service.
Minimum charge is £30 even if they can't repair it 100% due to lack of spares but I was told they would try to sort out any problems best they could. The chap I spoke to was very helpful.
Thanks for all your advice/info. Going to install the Chicken Systems Fusion creator in a moment and see what that's like.
Bye for now.
Bob
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Post by parametric on May 15, 2017 23:24:50 GMT
Hi Bob,
Good to know that servicing IS possible - although the Parts situation doesn't sound too promising . . . .
I'm surprised at only £10 to ship the 8HD - Its very heavy . . . . I would suggest that YOU deliver it - especially if you don't have the original boxes . . .
There was an inner AND an outer BOX . . . I have an Aluminium Flight case for the 8HD - which would be OK for Courier, I guess . . . .
The IEC Panel-mount Mains Socket I would suggest - is not special to the Fusion and is a common part - should be easy to source (even Maplins) and fit
From memory, The leads from the PSU are a simple spade-fit to the rear of the socket . . . .
I doubt the volume control is special either. You need to know WHAT it is though - Log or Linear, the Value - eg 10k and the size, and placement of the pins (legs) . . .
Some of this may be marked on the pot itself, or on the pcb nearby. The BOM in the Service manual is sometimes helpful, but mostly quotes Alesis part Nos which is only useful if Alesis
have any . . .
In most cases, a suitable equivalent will do. Another point is spindle length and diameter (if you want to use the original knob . . . . )
Both these items I would say are do-able yourself, much cheaper than Alesis will charge . . . .
SOMEWHERE within this forum, <Jesse> posted details of the screw sizes used, having sourced them and bought some . . . .
In the UK, ScrewFix are probably a good place to start.
I would personally hold-off sending it to Alesis, until you get a problem you can't easily deal with . . .
Some of the pcbs are Hundreds of quid as spare parts . . . . So best not to go there if you don't have to . . . IYSWIM . . .
Buying a broken Fusion starts to become attractive as a "spares kit" . . . . .
parametric
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Post by bobtodd on May 16, 2017 6:12:43 GMT
Hi parametric,
That's great news about the power supply socket. It does seem ok, maybe just cosmetic rather than a real issue. The volume pot seems to be better now its in a non smoking environment and I have wiggled it about a fair bit.
Last night I was going to install the CS creator. Went on the Fusion for what I thought was 1/2hr and finished 3 hours later! This thing is a beast LOL!
I think the entire Nebulae and Novachord libraries are installed which are quite stunning. For some reason some of the Hollow Sun free banks kept coming up with the dreaded sample missing error code. So I think I will reformat the hard drive once I have backed it up and reinstall the sound banks again.
Yes I will hold off sending it to Alesis. I looked on Instrumenaltparts.com and noticed the price of the PCB boards! Damn they are expensive.
As a last resort I think your right if I had to bite the bullet, stripping the 8HD down for spares would help me recoup my money spent but I truly hope it never comes to that as I am having so much fun again.
Thanks
Bob
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Post by parametric on May 16, 2017 13:15:28 GMT
Bob - I meant of course - strip ANOTHER Fusion down for spares - NOT yours  Given that yours was so "reasonably priced" - acquiring another, even "for parts or not working" might seem expensive . . . BUT - salvaging even a single pcb would probably "save" the cost . . . . FWIW - I think ALL the parts are COMMON* between the 8HD and the 6HD - except of course the CASE and the Keybed itself . . So Either one "busted" would be a good "spares kit" * The BOM for the 8HD and 6HD are listed separately in the Service Manual - So cross-referencing the part Nos would CONFIRM this . . . . It's not a bad ideal to reinstall - even the OS and the ROM Content - just to make sure you have the latest (which is 1.24 BTW) It kind of refreshes everything - so you KNOW you are playing with a full deck - so to speak. As far as CS Converter is concerned (the one on the Alesis Site) - its the old original one. It still works - and I have used it. After Years of asking they DID release a newer one - Fusion Creator. A number of us did get involved in the beta test stage, but IMO it was very buggy and features were missing or not working and early fixes didn't seem to address the problems well . . . I gave up on it, and don't know what the current situation is . . . . ? Perhaps Jesse knows better? parametric P.S. In the OTHER Forum, Jesse posted a list of parts with Alesis Part Nos and Prices. It is from 2010 - but you'll still need to know WHICH pot it is . . . www.promusicproducts.com/forum/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=5554ATB |
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Post by bobtodd on May 16, 2017 23:45:46 GMT
Bob - I meant of course - strip ANOTHER Fusion down for spares - NOT yours Argh! Sorry LOL. well tonight I reformatted the hard drive, reinstalled the O.S 1.24 and reloaded Hollow Sun 1-10 and Nebulae and Novachord. All working perfectly. I am extremely pleased I bought this. It may look like it's seen better days but it hasn't done anything strange yet! I did notice the hard drive making a weird noise every once in a while, like a bird sqwaking! and the hard drive is a little noisy and hums but man does this thing soud awesome. I was trying to upload some pictures of it to see what you think but the file sizes look to big to upload. Any ideas how to up load the pics? Cheers Bob |
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jiffy
Junior Member
Posts: 253
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Post by jiffy on May 17, 2017 8:30:20 GMT
Did you save the pictures in jpg format?
If you did, then you could reduce the actual size of the picture to reduce file size.
If you are a Windows man, Paint will do this!
Paul
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Post by parametric on May 17, 2017 12:58:15 GMT
I did notice the hard drive making a weird noise every once in a while, like a bird sqwaking! and the hard drive is a little noisy and hums Check this link for my SSD Upgrade: fusioneer.proboards.com/thread/2726/ssd-holy-grail-finally[bear in mind some of the links may have expired by now, but acesupplier is still around] Both my Fusions have this upgrade, and the 8HD has been running flawlessly for 3 years now . . . parametric |
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Post by bobtodd on May 17, 2017 21:27:27 GMT
Hi Jiffy, Thanks for tip. Did what you said and it worked perfectly. Parametric thanks for the link. Think I will invest in a SSD drive. I have got your walkthrough on how to fit so shouldn't be a problem fitting it. Just uploaded 3 pictures of the Fusion. Hopefully they will look ok. |
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Post by bobtodd on May 17, 2017 21:29:16 GMT
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Post by bobtodd on May 17, 2017 21:30:59 GMT
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Post by Jesse on May 18, 2017 12:08:00 GMT
Alesis Fusion affectionately known as "The Beast" Great, looks like it cleaned up real nice  |
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