I recommend shortening the new battery leads before soldering (the old battery can be used as a guide) to lessen the chance of the leads touching anything.
That's a good advice, I'll shorten them and maybe add some glue also like they did at the factory to keep it from any movement - although luckily there's enough space by the battery and it doesn't seem like it's going to touch anything nearby - but yes, totally agree that's better safe than sorry
I have an Alesis Quadraverb that suffered the same problem. But instead of buying an identical replacement battery, I bought one with a holder. I hate soldered-in batteries.
100DollarHeadache I just bought a used Quadraverb 3 weeks ago. So far, so good but glad I saw your comment, I’ll remember your recommendation just in case.
I think I have a Lexicon LXP5 that suffers from this, with the new lock down I think it's a good idea to follow your example and fix gear ; thanks Paolo ! Beautiful to see the inside of the HR16 ! They did such a great work at Alesis back then
@@Shred_The_Weapon The SR already existed when the HR was introduced so the SR had the initial Alesis drum sounds and the HR was sort of a combination newer, more modern (at the time) sounds and a potentially additional drum machine with some other additional features for people who already had the SR. The SR was more familiar due to it already existing and since it was still selling I am going to guess it was more a matter of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" than anything else which was/is why there has not been any sort of upgrade made to the SR. They already had the schematics and experience with building them so it wouldn't really make much sense to upgrade it and potentially remove/alter anything which would keep people from buying it.
Pro tip - if you ever need to get rid of hot glue like that and it's a bit tricky to just yank off or snip off, a few drops of isoprop can make it a bit more malleable as it breaks it down a bit. That's something I'm SO glad I learned.
Thx for that one. Just dusted of my HR-16 and had that exact problem. It's not been in use for like 30+ years or something so let's hope that's the only problem.
Dr. Paolo, The board certified synth Doctor is in..... I replaced the battery on my vintage Yamaha TQ-5 module last year! Used a salvaged 2032 Battery holder from an old PC motherboard. Installed the 2032 lithium, then reinstalled all the custom voices I made using MIDI-OX..
I recently bought an SR-16. It has most of the drum samples from the HR-16. The HR-16 seems to sound more crisp out of the box but they are very expensive compared to how cheap SR-16s go for.
I have one with a different problem. The battery dies and even when powered it doesn't save patterns. I do have the service manual (I can send to you if you need) but do you know if that's typically the SRAM or possibly a bleeding capacitor? Before diving in I'd like to know if I should source a new SRAM or not. Great video, so glad you've got this out there for others!!
I had the MMT-8 sequencer to go with my HR-16. But as soon as I started using it, it kept crashing. I sent it in to be serviced, the tech also had to clean behind the buttons because some wouldn't depress easily. When I got it back, the buttons worked great, but then it crashed again. I had a backup Alesis Data Disk, I had several songs backed up on it luckily. I ended up taking the MMT-8 and Data Disk back and got a Roland Super MRC MK 2 sequencer....it's old faithful too.
I first learned about the HR16 23 years ago (July 1997) when a good friend of mine demoed it for me. As I learned more about classic drum machines, I started wondering something. Is the HR16 an EPROM model like all the vintage-class digital models, or is it hard drive centric? If it’s a hard drive model, that would kind of make it a pathfinder of its own kind.
It's an EPROM model but not in the "class" of the vintage models in the sense that, mainly, it only has four outputs - as opposed to the classic machines like Linn, DMX, 808, 909 etc. that had a lot of individual outputs for studio recording. But it's still a great machine, and the B version is even cooler :)
Awesome video bro! Mine comes on with no functionality just a screen full of square blocks stuck on pattern mode (red light) already changed the battery 🔋 but no luck 😢
I have one of these, but the buttons and pads don't work correctly. I have to press the buttons very hard to make them work. Any suggestions for Fix It?
I have an Alesis SR-16 that has the same problem. I wish Alesis would update their drum machines with sd cards so you NEVER lose your patterns and songs you've created.They still make the SR-16,but it's just the same as the 30 year old one I have.
May I give you a suggestion? Save your patterns / songs to your computer via sysex - so you can always reload them in. I bought an SR-16 in 1990 when it came out and have a lot of patterns / songs saved in the computer since then...
There is an editor for windows but I never try it.of course you need a midi-usb interface.i recommend the m audio, not the cheapest ones who had issues.
@@SynthManiaDotCom please publish some of them if I don't ask too much.having other drum machines samplers and grooveboxes I almost forget about sr16.i would try to upload them in sr16 ,my drummachine is from 1990 too.thanks a lot for the video
SynthMania I have an Alesis Datadisk that I bought in 1992 for saving all my SysEx data. It still works perfectly but uses double-density floppy disks. Talk about old school. LOL.
I haven't used mine in ages. I have old backups of the patterns, but it has been so long I don't remember how to restore them. The files might be so old that they can't be loaded from my MacBook Pro running Big Sur. If anyone knows of a way to do this it would be appreciated. Thanks!
I agree, these joints are not mechanically sound this way. A desoldering iron does wonders here. I would do a through-hole replacement and put some silastic under the battery, like they did when manufacturing this. Also using an ESD strap would be advisable. Your stuff will last longer when you do.
Hi! What could be the reason that my HR16 doesn't display anything on the screen and doesn't make any sound when it's turned on? I bought it few years ago and since then it's collecting dust. Inside it looks like new btw. Peace!
@@SynthManiaDotCom I have a compatible power adapter. It was also my first thought after the purchase. As I said, I bought it in not working condition. Any second guess? Anyway, your video inspired me to clean it and fix it somehow, wish me good luck! And thanks for reply!
@@SynthManiaDotCom I have the identical problem with my HR-16 (found at thrift store); display contrast is off and only a hint of audio at outputs. The service manual is a complete and total mess with all the crazy, mad scientist revisions for this model! If you figure it out, please let me know! And important to note that the power adapter is unusual in thst it's an AC-AC adapter (no +/- polarity and not the common AC-DC type. Rated at 830mAh, so a 1A or greater is good replacement, 2.5mm x 5.5mm barrel connector).
I bought one when they first came out. I thought I would like it, but I quickly grew to really dislike the sounds in it. To thin and hollow and brittle sounding I guess.
Man you are soooo lucky that didn’t go kaboom all over the board. Early Macintosh computers and the apple iigs had this exact battery. and this battery is very notorious for destroying a whole computer with the battery acid. Completely wiping out pcb tracks.
I don't understand. This drum machine uses an external power adapter. The power adapter was completely disconnected from the drum machine, and from the AC power. The drum machine did not have power at all while replacing the battery. The machine was not connected to any power.
@@SynthManiaDotCom this must be done with all power supplies. This battery stores the settings. this battery can also damage the memory clusters on the chip. so say the masters to the service center
I do not see that written on the Service Manual for the HR-16. Again, I don't understand what you are saying. The HR-16 does not have a built in power supply. It used an external power adapter.
@@SynthManiaDotCom sorry, it's hard for me to explain. This recommendation applies to all devices. For devices with external power supply or internal battery.
I recommend shortening the new battery leads before soldering (the old battery can be used as a guide) to lessen the chance of the leads touching anything.
That's a good advice, I'll shorten them and maybe add some glue also like they did at the factory to keep it from any movement - although luckily there's enough space by the battery and it doesn't seem like it's going to touch anything nearby - but yes, totally agree that's better safe than sorry
Or just pop some plastic sleeving on the bare leads. Keeping them long makes it easier to work on, this time AND next time!
When I reached that part of the video, I started thinking *Operation.*
Another option is to cut them off almost completely and solder your own sheaved wire to connect the board and battery.
@@ZZKJ396 Not a good idea to bring the hot tool close to the cell.
I've got a HR -16. I bought it new in the 80s...it's a cool little machine! I've used it in so many gigs and recordings. It still works :)
I have an Alesis Quadraverb that suffered the same problem. But instead of buying an identical replacement battery, I bought one with a holder. I hate soldered-in batteries.
100DollarHeadache I just bought a used Quadraverb 3 weeks ago. So far, so good but glad I saw your comment, I’ll remember your recommendation just in case.
@@russellszabadosaka5-pindin849 "Quadraverb 3"? You probably mean the Quadraverb 2 (or maye the Midiverb 3).
I think I have a Lexicon LXP5 that suffers from this, with the new lock down I think it's a good idea to follow your example and fix gear ;
thanks Paolo ! Beautiful to see the inside of the HR16 ! They did such a great work at Alesis back then
Thanks Paulo, I just fixed my Alexis MMT8 Sequencer with the same issue. It uses the same lithium battery, and solders in the same way!
I had one of those. I preferred it considerably over the SR-16. I still prefer it. It also looks cooler.
I always wondered what the SR has that the HR didn’t. I’ve also wondered why the SR doesn’t appear to have been upgraded in 25 years.
@@Shred_The_Weapon The SR already existed when the HR was introduced so the SR had the initial Alesis drum sounds and the HR was sort of a combination newer, more modern (at the time) sounds and a potentially additional drum machine with some other additional features for people who already had the SR. The SR was more familiar due to it already existing and since it was still selling I am going to guess it was more a matter of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" than anything else which was/is why there has not been any sort of upgrade made to the SR. They already had the schematics and experience with building them so it wouldn't really make much sense to upgrade it and potentially remove/alter anything which would keep people from buying it.
Wow!
The other way around... the HR-16 came out in 1987. The SR-16 came out in 1990.
Thank you @@SynthManiaDotCom.
Wow, that model has been in production for thirty years?
Great vid!! Bought mine new in 87. What a great sounding machine it was. Need to check that battery. It’s been stored away for years 🍀
Rock on!
Pro tip - if you ever need to get rid of hot glue like that and it's a bit tricky to just yank off or snip off, a few drops of isoprop can make it a bit more malleable as it breaks it down a bit.
That's something I'm SO glad I learned.
Good trick!
@@SynthManiaDotCom Oh it has saved me many a skinned knuckle and lots of swearing!
Thx for that one. Just dusted of my HR-16 and had that exact problem. It's not been in use for like 30+ years or something so let's hope that's the only problem.
This video came right on time! I need to change the battery on my HR-16B... Now I know where to get the battery from and what to do... Thanks
Thank you for demonstrating one of my favorite pieces of gear. The vintage mid 2000s era Radioshack multi meter to be exact.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Bravo Paolo! Bellisima macchina!
Dr. Paolo, The board certified synth Doctor is in.....
I replaced the battery on my vintage Yamaha TQ-5 module last year!
Used a salvaged 2032 Battery holder from an old PC motherboard.
Installed the 2032 lithium, then reinstalled all the custom voices I made using MIDI-OX..
I recently bought an SR-16. It has most of the drum samples from
the HR-16. The HR-16 seems to sound more crisp out of the box
but they are very expensive compared to how cheap SR-16s go for.
The calculator drum machine!! Almost bought this one back in the day
Soft cell used this all the time. Dave Ball with the Grid too.
Kevin Saunderson also used one back in the day, he loved it for it’s clean hi hats (!)
I have one with a different problem. The battery dies and even when powered it doesn't save patterns. I do have the service manual (I can send to you if you need) but do you know if that's typically the SRAM or possibly a bleeding capacitor?
Before diving in I'd like to know if I should source a new SRAM or not.
Great video, so glad you've got this out there for others!!
I had the MMT-8 sequencer to go with my HR-16. But as soon as I started using it, it kept crashing. I sent it in to be serviced, the tech also had to clean behind the buttons because some wouldn't depress easily. When I got it back, the buttons worked great, but then it crashed again. I had a backup Alesis Data Disk, I had several songs backed up on it luckily. I ended up taking the MMT-8 and Data Disk back and got a Roland Super MRC MK 2 sequencer....it's old faithful too.
I first learned about the HR16 23 years ago (July 1997) when a good friend of mine demoed it for me. As I learned more about classic drum machines, I started wondering something. Is the HR16 an EPROM model like all the vintage-class digital models, or is it hard drive centric? If it’s a hard drive model, that would kind of make it a pathfinder of its own kind.
It's an EPROM model but not in the "class" of the vintage models in the sense that, mainly, it only has four outputs - as opposed to the classic machines like Linn, DMX, 808, 909 etc. that had a lot of individual outputs for studio recording. But it's still a great machine, and the B version is even cooler :)
Thank you Paolo.
Muito legal Paolo. Mas por que não revestiu as "pernas" da bateria, com fita isolante ou um canudo plástico ?
Awesome video bro! Mine comes on with no functionality just a screen full of square blocks stuck on pattern mode (red light) already changed the battery 🔋 but no luck 😢
Interesting that the PCB appears to be marked to have a disc battery (which I usually replace other soldered-in batteries with).
i still have mine from when new, now triggers my dm-pro. tell us how to clean rubber membrain buttons for the mmt-8!
Sensacional simples a troca dessa bateria
When they made things that you could fix instead of throwing them away, good old times!
Appreciate it! Can this be repaired if it had water damage?
I have one of these, but the buttons and pads don't work correctly. I have to press the buttons very hard to make them work. Any suggestions for Fix It?
Good work.
Thank you! Cheers!
Good old radio shack multimeter.......those were the days
Hey Mate! I just purchased one of these online that besides omitting no sound is working perfectly! Is there anything I could do to fix it?
Dope drum machine
I have an Alesis SR-16 that has the same problem. I wish Alesis would update their drum machines with sd cards so you NEVER lose your patterns and songs you've created.They still make the SR-16,but it's just the same as the 30 year old one I have.
May I give you a suggestion? Save your patterns / songs to your computer via sysex - so you can always reload them in. I bought an SR-16 in 1990 when it came out and have a lot of patterns / songs saved in the computer since then...
@@SynthManiaDotCom Thanks.
There is an editor for windows but I never try it.of course you need a midi-usb interface.i recommend the m audio, not the cheapest ones who had issues.
@@SynthManiaDotCom please publish some of them if I don't ask too much.having other drum machines samplers and grooveboxes I almost forget about sr16.i would try to upload them in sr16 ,my drummachine is from 1990 too.thanks a lot for the video
SynthMania I have an Alesis Datadisk that I bought in 1992 for saving all my SysEx data. It still works perfectly but uses double-density floppy disks. Talk about old school. LOL.
Godflesh drummer!
Hi Paolo, is it safe to assume that this procedure would be the same for the MMT-8 sequencer? Just wondering if you happen to know.
Yup, I think it's the same
Pretty much any tech with memory from that era is designed like this. For example, Game Boy cartridges are exactly the same (just smaller)!
Thank you both for your replies, they help me out.
I haven't used mine in ages. I have old backups of the patterns, but it has been so long I don't remember how to restore them. The files might be so old that they can't be loaded from my MacBook Pro running Big Sur. If anyone knows of a way to do this it would be appreciated. Thanks!
I soldered extra posts to the board so next time I can replace the battery without removing the board.
The same procedure is also used on the Alesis MMT-8 too?
how do we clean contacts on this machine! mmt-8
3:25 sound demo
Shouldn't that have been a through hole repair?
I agree, these joints are not mechanically sound this way. A desoldering iron does wonders here. I would do a through-hole replacement and put some silastic under the battery, like they did when manufacturing this. Also using an ESD strap would be advisable. Your stuff will last longer when you do.
Hi! What could be the reason that my HR16 doesn't display anything on the screen and doesn't make any sound when it's turned on? I bought it few years ago and since then it's collecting dust. Inside it looks like new btw. Peace!
I'm not a tech , just a dabbler, but I'd check that you're using a compatible power adapter as first thing? Was it working before?
@@SynthManiaDotCom I have a compatible power adapter. It was also my first thought after the purchase. As I said, I bought it in not working condition. Any second guess? Anyway, your video inspired me to clean it and fix it somehow, wish me good luck! And thanks for reply!
I'd download the service manual pdf and go from there
@@SynthManiaDotCom I have the identical problem with my HR-16 (found at thrift store); display contrast is off and only a hint of audio at outputs. The service manual is a complete and total mess with all the crazy, mad scientist revisions for this model! If you figure it out, please let me know!
And important to note that the power adapter is unusual in thst it's an AC-AC adapter (no +/- polarity and not the common AC-DC type. Rated at 830mAh, so a 1A or greater is good replacement, 2.5mm x 5.5mm barrel connector).
1st one! Hi everyone!))))
now make a video with the screen replacement
I bought one when they first came out. I thought I would like it, but I quickly grew to really dislike the sounds in it. To thin and hollow and brittle sounding I guess.
Man you are soooo lucky that didn’t go kaboom all over the board. Early Macintosh computers and the apple iigs had this exact battery. and this battery is very notorious for destroying a whole computer with the battery acid. Completely wiping out pcb tracks.
I know, right? I've had that happen on my old PolySix back in the '90s and it was a freaking mess.
yo
Yo!
AMD processor inside :D
1 power
2 ground
sorry, i use google translator.
1:33
cut the contact (wire) first you need power.
The second is cut the ground.
it's a little safer
I don't understand. This drum machine uses an external power adapter. The power adapter was completely disconnected from the drum machine, and from the AC power. The drum machine did not have power at all while replacing the battery. The machine was not connected to any power.
@@SynthManiaDotCom this must be done with all power supplies.
This battery stores the settings.
this battery can also damage the memory clusters on the chip.
so say the masters to the service center
I do not see that written on the Service Manual for the HR-16. Again, I don't understand what you are saying. The HR-16 does not have a built in power supply. It used an external power adapter.
@@SynthManiaDotCom sorry, it's hard for me to explain.
This recommendation applies to all devices. For devices with external power supply or internal battery.