TR-909 repair

[Jack Rock]

Hi guys,

I'm about to buy a used 909, and I just need to ask some questions to make sure I won't regret anything.

I've checked the firmware on the unit by holding track 1 at powerup, and it seems that it's an old version 1.
Will this be a problem?
Also some of the pots are a little scratchy and the first step key stays down when pressed.

Are these "easy" fixes, or should I return the unit and wait for another one in better condition?
Do you guys know of any 909 service wizards in northern europe? Preferably in Scandinavia or Germany.

[agodi]

x-tended in Berlin do roland guaranteed repairs
http://www.xtended.de/

[sorgenkind]

eprom 1 (it doesn't really have a firmware since it has no OS) is not so tight when sync'd to external midi clock, and it might lose the the tempo even when running alone, with no incoming midi. I had this happening after some years, it would just lose the tempo, even when running alone.
I suggest you to get eprom v.4

I sent my unit to this guy:
http://www.diprec.com/tr909/tr909.htm
he changed the chip, cleaned the machine up a bit and did some minor service (batteries compartment was broke and some other minor stuff), but if you want to have it repaired somewhere else you might just order the chip.
Now my 909 is running like a charm despite its 27 years (it was built in 1983...)

and it's a lot of fun, expecially in "external instrument" mode.

have fun if you decide to buy it!

[Jack Rock]

Thanks guys!

After some massaging the pots seem to be getting less scratchy. At first the tuning of most of the sounds was jumping around almost randomly and the level pots were uselessly noisy. But apparently it just needed some tender use to get straight. Now it's pumping!!! Yeah!

I'm gonna keep it.
That kick ... Oh boy!