Another SP303 Repair

Today let's take a look at an SP303 sent in by my friend sleepover. It has an iffy volume knob and the audio outputs are going bad. This ended up needing a more involved re-work.
Be sure to check out sleepover on instagram!
/ sleepover._

[@chromosomerism1712]

I'm going to have to replace the drive level potentiometer soon on my 303. Thanks so much for this video.

[@sumawav]

Glad it was helpful! Watch out, for the pads lifting. The 303 is getting on in years and the pads can lift easily if you apply heat for too long. It can also be a challenge to clear solder out of the holes. Sometimes i have to clean and flux the pad, add more solder, THEN try to suck/wick it out. Best of luck!

[@scot2461]

Bro you're an SP doctor! I feel the love you have for these machines so dope. It's all greek to me I just hope mine works! Can you fix 202s also?

[@sumawav]

Thank you! I'm just doing what I can to help keep the magic alive. I have fixed a 202. The current problem is that replacement knobs are hard to find. Last time I checked there were a few available in Australia hahaha. The shipping alone made it not worth it.

[@scot2461]

@@sumawav Ahh gotchya, The one I have looks great physically but does nothing when you turn it on. I could send it to you if you want to give it a shot..

[@atlasmarr5230]

I have one that works except the pads do not. The contacts somehow don't register. Are you able to repair it???

[@sumawav]

@@atlasmarr5230 the pads are a tough one. The contact material behind the silicone pads goes bad over time. I don’t know of a great way to fix them and afaik there isn’t a good replacement.

[@JayRaTheRu]

Yo yoo! My Sp303 just died today or.. I dont know when but I was just using it perfectly a couple days ago. Went to turn it on right now and it does not go on. I tried different outlets and nothing. Idk if its the power cable or something inside I need to fix/replace. Any thoughts?

[@jesusitox12]

My number 6 pad led light has died, would you happen to know which kind of led I need to replace it with?

[@aizoyurei]

Super interesting! I've always wanted to get into repairing some of my old gear, but too afraid to actually do it. What's the "Chemtronics" felt pen thingy for?

[@aizoyurei]

Also what are you spraying on the board to clean it? IS that alcohol?

[@sumawav]

Heyo! Thanks for watching 🙏🏽 That’s a flux pen. Flux is a chemical that cleans the surface of metals and helps solder adhere. It makes soldering SO MUCH easier. Even though it’s a “no clean” flux, you do need to clean it up with alcohol. Try to get the highest percent alcohol you can. 70% and up should be good 👍🏽

[@aizoyurei]

@@sumawav Awesome! Thanks for info! I just bought a SP-202 and the main outs don't work, but it's fine for now as I can use the headphone jack. I have a guy I can take it to, but I've always wanted to learn myself. Not sure if I'm willing to gamble my "new" SP-202 though...

[@idletimerap]

What potentiometer did you get for it and is it the same one used on 202/404s?

[@sumawav]

It is indeed the same pot as the 404! I’ve seen them at mpc-stuff.com as well as ebay. It is not the same part as the SP202, and also keep in mind the volume pot is different from the other pots 👍🏽

[@idletimerap]

@@sumawav thank you!!

[@HarrySteed]

👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽