How can I diagnose possible dead channel?

[byard pidgeon]

I bought a Rhodes suitcase 73, built the last week of 1980, at an estate sale some time ago, just got around to wanting to use it.
It is in super condition in terms of appearance, but I think one channel might be dead, but don't know how to test for that.
Is there some way to turn off and on the channels individually?
Some way to determine if it's the pre amp or power amp?
Can I put an effect pedal on one, and than the other, channel to see if it works on each, or no?
Any other way (headphone jack not reliable, either).
I'm quite unknowledgable about this stuff, and in a fairly isolated area where there aren't any good resources.

Thanks

[Mark II]

hi.
welcome in the neighborhood.
the basic question is: do all speakers produce sound ?
turn on the vibrato and set speed to slowest setting possible (counterclockwise) and intensity to full (clockwise).
now the sound of the piano should shop from the left to the right.
now, check if all speakers work.

If you own a later build cabinet (e.g. FR7710) you are pretty lucky.:
Use the external/internal connection possibilities of the main amp modul.
Connect another source (e.g. CD player, turn the volume down  :x ) to the power amp input jacks
or use the headphone jack to connect a headphone. or connect a P.A., mixing desk or recording device to the preampoutputs to test the preamp.



I hope this helps a bit.

Mark II

[byard pidgeon]

Thanks for the quick, and very helpful, response.

I connected a cassette recorder to the pre-amp outs, one at a time, and was able to record from each.

Then, I connected a guitar to the power amp inputs, one at a time...and got NO response at all on Channel B, although Channel A is fine.

The vibrato test was inconclusive...the sound seemed to shift, but it could just be my not hearing it well.

Anyway, if the power amp input doesn't put a signal through, it's probably dead, right?

What's the next step or steps? As I said, I'm in a fairly isolated area, where competent repair people for anything are very few.

[Mark II]

Anyway, if the power amp input doesn't put a signal through, it's probably dead, right?

True.
Failure could be everything from a blown amp to a bad solder joint.
The last thing I can advice you without a guilty conscience is to check all the wires going to and from the dead amp module. Unplug your piano for this action.
Otherwise try to find someone with technical skills who is able to repair your dead channel.
Vintage Vibes for example repairs main amps and you dont need to send the whole piano.
But you might also find someone skilled locally. cause this is no rocket sience and functional diagrams are on this page for download.

good luck
Mark II