Yamaha EL-60 questions/issues

[telecoustic83]

Good evening folks,

I recently picked up a nice EL=60 and it worked flawlessly when I went to pick it up. We disassembled the organ before I moved it (carefully of course disconnected all connectors properly, etc). When I got home and put it back together and anxiously turned it on to play, the display light came on, the display was blank and nothing worked. After fiddling around with the connectors on what appears to be the power supply, I found what appears to be the power cable to the computer board. I unplugged it, turned the organ on and plugged in that connector and voila, it worked fine. The same issue occurred today, although this time I had to unplug it and plug it back in for it to work. I'm taking it from the move maybe a few mild bumps from the ride could've agitated something. Have similar issues like this been known with these? I will also note that on said board, there is evidence of mouse urine. I will check when I have more time to better examine the board. Are cold solder joints an issue with these too? Thanks in advance, appreciate the help

[andyg]

The EL series are becoming well known for issues on the power supply board. The two major issues are:

1) failing electrolytic capacitors on the board, sometimes leaking and causing breaks in circuit tracks. You should consider changing all the caps on the board. There are many threads about this, including a list of the required caps. Then you have have to carefully check every track on the board, repairing any that are damaged.
2) poor solder joints, especially near the power connectors from the board

From your description, I'd guess that 2) applies in this case, but 1) is highly recommended as you'll have to do it at some point.

Be careful with anything that's mouse related. There are enough virus issues without you potentially exposing yourself to hantavirus.

[Paradox]

Likely both 1) and 2) apply.
I don't know the difference in between various animal's urine, but to me leaky Electrolytic capacitors have a urine type smell (personally experienced) and I've seen it also reported by others as cat urine. The electrolyte is very corrosive, finds its way through component holes in the pcb and etches away the copper tracks on the underside, damage unseen until you remove the board.
I've seem more than one EL series organ with dry joints on the 5 volt pcb connectors. Check these on the Analogue (ANG) and Main (DM) boards as well as the Power Supply (PU)

[Larrytow]

On all the EL models I have seen, there really is not much of an opening anywhere for a mouse to enter easily. I realize that they can get though very small openings, but they probably would not bother to squeeze into the top of an EL for the heck of it. Unless there is food or soda residue in it to attract them perhaps. Leaky caps stink, so that seems more likely.

[telecoustic83]

Thank you. I will certainly get that board out and take a look. Doesnt look like it would be a hard job to do. There appears to be some type of staining on that board towards the rear of the instrument, looks like a residue of some sorts. I dont think it is near any capacitors, although I will check to see if one or more appear to be the source.

I tinkered with it a bit last night and it seems to be if It doesnt kick on right the first time, it i turn it off and on slowly, it will eventually kick on. Once it does, it's fine with no issues. If I turn it off and come back in 5 minutes it's fine. It seems like the longer its off, the more likely it is to act up.

[telecoustic83]

Thanks for the pointers, gents. I got some time to pull out that power supply board to take a gander. Caps are indeed leaking. Underside of the board is pretty evident of such. Solder joints look okay though. I cleaned off the board to prevent more damage. Looks like 2 of the copper runs are 75-90 percent eaten through. Should be an easy enough fix though. I'll have to look up the list mentioned by Andyg in his earlier reply for the list on capacitators and I'll probably go about it this winter if work stays as slow as it is. May as well take the project on, it's a nice instrument and I'm only starting to figure out what it can do not to mention midi. Quite comfortable to play as well. Some electones I've felt like Schrader from the peanuts sitting at that little piano 🤣🤣🤣

[andyg]

Once you've changed the caps and got the tracks/connections sorted, your EL60 should be good for years! Yamaha build them well with quality components but it seems that this particular series were a bit 'rogue'.

[telecoustic83]

That's great news! I managed to order some replacement caps from Mouser Electronics. I only replaced the large ones that were leaking (the remaining small caps all looked good with zero evidence of leaking). I got it all back together and the organ works flawlessly. I sure appreciate the pointers to get this old gal going again.

[andyg]

Good news, but the others will eventually leak and need replacing. Just need to keep an ear out for anything odd and a nose out for any odd odours! :)

[telecoustic83]

I certainly will! I will likely take that on at some point in the near future probably after the new year. Glad I have something to entertain during the holidays with now.