SPARE PARTS, PROTOTYPES AND NEW MODULES
FOR THE EMS SYNTHI AKS/VCS3
New for 2010: EMS Synthi HiFLi clone
for details click here
Latest item acquired:(NOT FOR SALE!) complete EMS TKS clone with built in 1024 bit RAM module (4 times standard KS memory).
The TKS is basically a Keyboard sequencer (KS) PCB from the Synthi AKS housed in a wooden case. Originally designed for use with a VCS3(II) to give it the same features as the Synthi AKS.
4/5/09 : SORRY ALL ADVANCED ORDERS FOR THESE UNITS HAVE NOW BEEN FILLED!
More info on the Synthi Control Console here
I will post audio samples with the control console linked to my Synthi A clone and VCS3(mk2)+DK2
in the near future...
Custom VCS3 and Synthi A(KS) Add-On and Interface Units
PLEASE NOTE I DO NOT PROVIDE SCHEMATICS!
I am offering a spare parts service for rare and obsolete components for the EMS synthi A/AKS and VCS3 for those repairing/renovating these fantastic machines!
Please email digitana2002@yahoo.co.uk for availibility.
I am not seeking to make any great profit from this service just that I am a big EMS fan and having had the difficulty of sourcing parts during my VCS3 renovation project a few years back, I thought I would try and put together a source of rare components for other EMS/Synthi users/techs out there. I hope to keep adding to my stock as and when I come across new sources. The only other source I know of is of course Robin at EMS.
My service is not intended to compete with his (if it ever could!) but given the rarity of some synthi parts, I think it’s no bad thing to have more than one source if possible.
Keyboard Leads for VCS3 and Synthi AKS.
These are the keyboard leads that connect the DK1/2 keyboard to the VCS3 or Synthi AKS and also used to connect the touch keyboard/sequencer on the AKS to the main unit. These are high quality leads with metal Jones connectors on each end. They contain 100k resistors for the Input Channel lines as specified in the EMS schematics. Right angle plug version also available for the aks.
All tested working on my own VCS3. Price: £25 each
REVERB TANKS
New Accutronics reverb tanks that are the closest replacements to the original synthi reverb tanks that have long since disappeared. Reverb tanks often wear out on synthi’s in my experience. Whilst they can sometimes be repaired its a delicate task.
Information on replacing original synthi tanks with new type from Accutronics can be found here.
RARE SEMICONDUCTORS
Transistors
NPN/PNP
BFY51 (psu), UA309K (psu KS), TIP3055 (psu), 2N5172, bc169, AC187 (Ge), AC176K (power Ge), AC128 (Ge),
2N4288, 2N706, bc258A. p.o.a.
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FET
2N5163, 2N5461. £3 each
The ‘Achilles heel’ of the VCS3/Synthi AKS are the now obsolete and ultra rare semiconductors that it uses. Luckiliy there are only a few..unluckily they are uber-rare and often only available at high cost (and hundreds of $$ minimum order) from obsolete/military IC vendors.
Ring Modulator IC
Mullard TAB101 (very rare germanium transistor array based modulator.) £18 each Back in Stock!
Reverb Driver Audio Amplifier IC
MFC6070 (Motorola 1 watt audio amplifier IC)..another uber-rarity Price:£25 each
These are NOS 1970’s in original Motorola Packaging. Sorry for the higher price but I had to pay very high wire/shipping costs and then a hefty UK Customs bill for good measure!
74 series Logic
7410,7404,7493,7430,7400,7474, 74LS03, 74LS13, DM74150N. p.o.a
Keyboard Sequencer Memory Chips
MM5056H 10 lead, can. (ultra ultra rare old school PMOS shift registers ) Price: £30 each
MM5056N DIP version also available (same price).
Unfortunately there seems to be two versions of the KS produced, those using the can type 10-lead (MF7104)
and later versions that used the plastic MM5056N DIP 10 pin type. You may have to verify which type of memory chip your KS uses by opening up the plastic lid of the KS and looking at the top left hand part of the pcb where the memory chips are located. Those using the MM5056 have 3 chips, those using the MF7104 can-style use 6.
The MM5056H (can) and MM5056N (plastic DIP) can be used interchangably on the later KS versions. The tab on the can type marks location between pin1 and pin 10.
The platic DIP version as the usual indent marking location of pin1.
I am trying to source a supply of MF7104..but they are even harder than MM5056 to locate!
Voltage Regulator
UA309K (used as voltage regulator on the KS part of the Synthi AKS).
Price:£5 each
Synthi Related Sites worth visiting:-
Simply the best Synthi site
on the Web!
Fantastic site
with wonderful info on very rare EMS devices!
Great, insightful documentry largely about EMS and its origins
featuring interviews with EMS founders David Cockerell, the late Tristram Cary
and Peter Zinovieff. Must see!
Analog Days Book By Trevor Pinch and Frank Trocco. Excellent Chapter on EMS history (fine wines, antiques
and DEC PDP-8 computers and of course Synthis! )
Please feel free to make use of any material/images on my site(s) (unless original copyright is owned by other persons) or link to it without my permission.
Please note : Neither I nor this website and its products
have any affiliation with EMS(Cornwall)
which is still run by Robin Wood.
Note: The name ‘DIGITANA’ was given by Peter Zinovieff to the prototype Synthi 100.
This website has no affiliation/connection with the site “www.digitana.co.uk”
Thanks to Sandro for recreating the Digitana ‘attache case’ Logo.
Email digitana2002@yahoo.co.uk
Digitana, 07/01/2010
