morley electrostatic disc delay- new to this!

[runmikeyrun]

haven't busted this thing open yet but according to my drummer's brother the motor winds up but there's no sound.  I was wondering if anyone knows much about these... ?  I'm going to check the usual- drifting caps leaking trannies and the like.

It's a delay with controls for delay time and delay strength and it's a volume pedal as well.  Pretty neat, looks like this:



Might be worth a fair amount non-working but dude wants it to work so i'm hoping to get it going without too much trouble.  I guess the motor has a rotating copper disc, not sure how that works as to delay the signal but here's the schematic i found @ schematic heaven:

http://www.schematicheaven.com/effects/telray_echovolume_evo-1_oilcan.pdf

sorry it's pdf can't post a pic of it.

[Papa_lazerous]

I want it *drools* 

[MarcoMike]

fisrt of all, that's a great pedal! I own the PFA, the phaser of that period and love the way it is huge and shiny aside my little stompboxes!

second, but actually more important, pay attention to the oil in the delay-box, it was found to be carcinogenic!

third, a hint... many morley pedals just stop to work because of a little light bulb failure.

bye

Marco

[Rodgre]

DON'T BELIEVE THE HYPE.

While the oil isn't exactly lemon juice, it isn't the PCB-laden killer that once was believed to be true. It's more or less as toxic as brake fluid, which while not exactly drinkable, is in all of our cars.

To learn more, check out both oilcandelay.com and R.G. Keen's fantastic explanation of how these things work.

I'm sort of a collector/fanatic of these Tel-Ray "oil-can" delays. They are very lo-fi and dark, which is probably why they went way out of fashion when affordable and high-quality analog delays became available/inexpensive. It's also why I love these things so much.

I have a dead EVO-1 as well, and just haven't had the time to fix it. Replacement oil is available on Ebay for a reasonable price.

Roger

[tiges_ tendres]

This is the guy who usually sells the oil:

http://myworld.ebay.com/guitargizmos

None for sale right now though.

[Papa_lazerous]

isnt all oil a carcinogenic lol bla bla bla 

[runmikeyrun]

cool, yeah when i looked at the schematic i thought of a light out at well.  That was my next question- pcbs.  I'll make sure to wear gloves from work when handling.  Is it common for oil to leak out of these things? 

I'm going to go open it up now, i cant wait to see what's inside!

[runmikeyrun]

third, a hint... many morley pedals just stop to work because of a little light bulb failure.

Burned out bulb inside... off to the parts store!  Keep your fingers crossed this might be an easy one.

There is a slight amount of oil on the outside of the can... how can i tell if it's low?  And if it is, how low is too low?  I don't want to mess with it any more than i have to.

Thanks for the help so far!!

[tiges_ tendres]

Someone let me know if I'm wrong.  But these things dont need an awful lot of oil to work.  I think I recall somewhere that just a teaspoon full is really all you need. 

The tiny bottle you can buy on ebay is enough to fill up roughly four cans.  Or so they say.

[newperson]

i have one of these.  it takes 1 table spoon i believe.  if you see oil there is a good chance it is leaking.  if you have too much in there you will not get the full effect.  do not run it dry.  if the disc scratches you cannot replace it.  the oil can delay site tells you about taking them apart and cleaning them.  i cleaned it from the directions/forum at the site and got my running just fine about three years ago.  its a very neat different delay vibrato effect.  i have one of the gibson's also.  the tube overdrive on that is worth the box alone.   good luck getting it to work.

[widdly]

 

I think it's worth it for the box alone.  That thing has an awesome steampunk vibe going on.  Please post some samples if you manage to get it working.

[runmikeyrun]

cool.  I have to go to the electronics store to get the bulb, they don't have it at the auto parts store.  I think i'll replace that first and see what happens.

As for the oil- that was my suspicion when i saw the wet part on the outside.  I am afraid to take it apart though, if the seal tears and i going to be screwed? Or is it a little o-ring? 

Thanks for all the help so far, again i can't express how much this board rules.

[newperson]

mine is not a seal in that mannor.  kinda like a paint can.  it does have something there, but not a random piece of rubber.  kinda a bit of a coating if anything.  i would look inside to make sure if there is anything in there.  it is important not to run it dry.  the bit that has leaked out might just be from a curious person that opened it and did not make sure to close it good.  does it make any sound at all?  also check to see if the belt is attached.  sometimes the motor will spin but the belt/rubber ring will not catch and it will just spin in place.  sometimes it needs a little help to get going.  that might be your only problem.

[runmikeyrun]

Good news so far- now i've got volume control and signal since getting the light bulb fixed

[runmikeyrun]

hm, no one?  I'm getting close!!