Heirloom Estey Patriot broken.

[Guest]

Hello everyone,

I have a "Estey Patriot" that was handed down to me after my great grandmother passed away close to 10 years ago. It has always worked fantastic, but doesn't get the playtime/attention it deserves. Well tonight i decided i would try it tinker with it for a little bit....well that didn't go as planned. The Organ has been setting in my spare bedroom unplugged for close to a year and tonight when i plugged it in and let it set for about 10-15 seconds it started making a very loud humming sound. I could toggle the different buttons and the LED's would illuminate or turn off according the to button, but the sound never went away. So i turned to volume knob on the right all the way down to turn it off and then unplugged it. I waited about 1 minute and powered it back on. This time the buttons would no longer react to my presses and the grandma's preset selection was the only lights illuminated. Well after some reading the wife thought she found a reset

http://www.fixya.com/support/t152666...0T3LGIvDrmlzMw

we did this now none of the buttons are illuminated and they are now non responsive but i still have the dang buzz.


My Organ looks exactly like this one https://www.organforum.com/forums/sh...hlight=Patriot The only difference being on the back sticker my model is written in pink pen not stenciled on like this one.

Thanks everyone.

[andyg]

OK, if you've read the other thread you'll know that this is an Orla organ that Fletchers imported directy and gave an 'American' name to help it sell. It's from the 90ss so maybe 25+ years old.

Loud hums are usually indicative of two things: 1) Loose ground connections or 2) Power supply problems

First, read the 'sticky' thread on safety at the top of this section. If for some reason it doesn't open, PM me with your email address and I'll send you a copy. Open the organ up and look for anything obviously unplugged or loose. Then check all the internal plug and socket connectors. It's a small organ so there shouldn't be that many. One at a time, unplug them and firmly reseat them. Now turn on again and see if things have been sorted out.

If the hum persists, you're looking at the power supply. There are hazardous voltages here so be careful. To find the power supply, look where the AC cord goes into the organ and follow it to a section where you'll usually find a large-ish transformer and some large can shaped objects called electrolytic capacitors, or e-caps for short. Visually check these for signs of bulging or leaking but don't touch them. Smell the area for any strong odours. Organs don't like being sat around for long periods unused and e-caps can deteriorate over time.

If it's a power supply issue, then it's a job for a technician. Depending on where you are, that may be tricky as there aren't that many left these days and some won't work on older instruments. You can google mitatechs to find details of people in your area. Now do be aware that the market value of the organ is zero, even when fully working. Sentimental value is another matter entirely! It will be up to you to decide how much you want to spend on repairs and you should also be prepared for the situation where the required spare parts are not available and the organ cannot be fixed.