Yamaha SY77 is a 16 voice multitimbral music workstation first produced by Yamaha Corporation in 1989. The SY77 is a synthesizer whose architecture combines AFM (Advanced Frequency Modulation) synthesis, AWM2 (Advanced Wave Memory 2) for ROM-borne sample-based synthesis, and the combination of these two methods christened Realtime Convolution and Modulation Synthesis (RCM).
Cool. The amount of times I need to do desoldering does not really warrant something like that, and I do not think I ever need to desolder 280 connections again in one go! But good to know they exist.
Have ordered a replacement belt- not cheap for a little bit of rubber! Hopefully that’ll do the trick. If not will go for a usb drive. And I’ll try to get the diagnostics up again when I finish work later. Thanks for the help
Cauldblast wrote: Fri Sep 27, 2024 10:12 am
Have ordered a replacement belt- not cheap for a little bit of rubber! Hopefully that’ll do the trick. If not will go for a usb drive. And I’ll try to get the diagnostics up again when I finish work later. Thanks for the help
If you want to get the files off your floppy discs, you'll need to find someone with PC that has a working drive
in it to copy the contents of on to USB. The USB floppy drives available everywhere generally don't support double density discs.
Miks wrote: Fri Sep 27, 2024 11:23 am
Here's what I use:
Ah, that's a classic one.
In any case, the SY is a single sided board and the switches should be relatively easy with this.
The Weller VP 801 EC helped me a lot when replacing ALL switches on my SY99, DX7II-D, Roland D50, Korg M1 and some other devices... glad to have that sucker
Derek wrote: Fri Sep 27, 2024 2:09 pm
Looks like I am way too low tech, but I bet my right thumb is stronger than yours!
No doubt
I still have one in some drawer. The hakko is a whole ordeal to get it running/cleaned. Unless it's a big job you don't bother. It will be great on the SY though. Parts still not arrived though
Have now been able to access the diagnostics menu thankfully. Haven’t gone through the entire check yet ( currently troubleshooting a bottle of Yellowtail Shiraz bought on the road home after a hard days work ). Obviously the floppy didn’t get an OK. Only real problem to arise so far is that about half a dozen of the buttons are temperamental- they do work but can take 2 or 3 presses sometimes. Assume they will need fixed - oh for some of your gear and expertise! Not a job I’d take on with any confidence.
Hopefully get the new belt the beginning of next week and will let you know if it works.
Thanks to all for your input
If the buttons are temperamental, working them out many times will definitely improve them. If you could get some contact cleaner into them, would be even better, though by that time you've taken the boards out already so you might as well replace them.
The SY seems very solid in terms of its electronics. Other than these mechanical parts I expect it will last a long long time.
Hi again. The drive belt got delivered- £15 for a little bit of rubber! Had difficulty removing the bottom plate- the central screw would turn but would not come out. Got there eventually after about 20 mins! (BTW- thanks Clyde for the guide.) Anyway, soon discovered why the drive wasn’t working- there was no belt at all inside! Further, there’s no drive guide either! I need your advice here - would it be safe to try the drive without the guide or is that a big no no? Really want to find out if my old floppies from the early 90s still have their data intact. Can’t wait actually but will do as I’m told
No belt probably mean it has melted and turned to goo. Are the pulleys clean? You might find some leftovers of it around.
Also since the belt guard is missing maybe someone has already had a go at removing it but didn't have a suitable belt to replace it with.
I doubt you will have any problem running it without the guard.
I have enough arthritic issues as it is.
). Obviously the floppy didn’t get an OK. Only real problem to arise so far is that about half a dozen of the buttons are temperamental- they do work but can take 2 or 3 presses sometimes. Assume they will need fixed - oh for some of your gear and expertise! Not a job I’d take on with any confidence. 
