Jan 19, 2013
I recently bought a USA Model 110V Matrix 6R , I live in the UK and over here we run on 240V.
I originally intended to replace the internal power transformer with a 240V model once I had found out the correct spec's, I was pretty confident that all I would need to do was change the transformer as most pieces of gear from the 80's used linear power supplies rather than switch mode's.
Once I'd opened up the unit i found that the transformer installed from factory was a dual voltage model that can run on either 110V or 240v, this is pretty common with a lot of transformers as its cheaper for manufacturers to buy one unit for all rather than spec different power supplies for different regions of the world, then all they need to do is apply appropriate wiring for international builds.
So i was happy i was not going to have to pay out for a new transformer but how was i going to make it work , I need to rewire this.
I found and downloaded the service Manual but it was handwritten and then photocopied at a low resolution so I could not see well enough to read the labelling but the line drawing of the block diagram looked promising.
So i was happy i was not going to have to pay out for a new transformer but how was i going to make it work , I need to rewire this.
I found and downloaded the service Manual but it was handwritten and then photocopied at a low resolution so I could not see well enough to read the labelling but the line drawing of the block diagram looked promising.
I started Googling for the transformer model to see if I could find the datasheet but had no luck. So I then thought I would search to see if anyone had modified their units in the past and documented it.
One search result bought me here to two unanswered questions from several years ago and after some further Googling i found a Blog by "SynthPeter" any luckily enough he had performed a mod on his Matrix 6 keyboard in 2009 and blogged all about it.
Heres a link to the page and you will see my comments at the bottom too:
http://synthpeter.blogspot.co.uk/2009/11/fuseboard-and-volume-slider.html
One search result bought me here to two unanswered questions from several years ago and after some further Googling i found a Blog by "SynthPeter" any luckily enough he had performed a mod on his Matrix 6 keyboard in 2009 and blogged all about it.
Heres a link to the page and you will see my comments at the bottom too:
http://synthpeter.blogspot.co.uk/2009/11/fuseboard-and-volume-slider.html
So its that simple you just move the fuse holder tags on the PCB and buy a 20mm 500mA fuse to replace the 1A one currently installed and thats it !
My Matrix 6R has been running perfectly all day without any issues and I'm totally confident that no other components need changing.
This same mod can be performed in reverse if you have a 240V model and want to use it in 110V regions
My unit does not get hot at all and is perfectly happy, and So am I
My Matrix 6R has been running perfectly all day without any issues and I'm totally confident that no other components need changing.
This same mod can be performed in reverse if you have a 240V model and want to use it in 110V regions
My unit does not get hot at all and is perfectly happy, and So am I
I STRONGLY SUGGEST YOU REMOVE THE BOARD FROM THE UNIT TO PERFORM THIS MOD!!
NEVER MESS AROUND INSIDE THE UNIT WHEN ITS POWERED UP WITH THE COVER OFF UNLESS YOU TOTALLY KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING - SAFETY BEFORE SYNTHS !