voyager0500 wrote:
I would also like to know if the mod pot is replaceable.
Depends on your skills. If you are able to solder and re-assemble the wheel mechanism, should be no problem. For a drop in solution, the upgraded aftertouch would be the way to go. Moog music seems to believe this is the solution, as the aftertouch upgrade is a simple circuitboard swap. But they only seem to offer the whole assembly that is a very expensive upgrade giving you a new complete assembly.
Those Bourns pots should be easy to source, 10K linear. Think I found them listed at around 10 bucks. They look like this:
I was able to upgrade to beefier AB type pots but ran into all kinds of clearance issues. So I would recommend replacing with the original Bourns type pots.
I had a different problem with my pitch wheel not returning to center. Especially noticable if I set the wheel to any interval a fifth or over. My pitch wheel would throw the Voyager and any MIDI connected synth out of tune. Bad, really bad! This issue I am finding has more to do with the return spring on the clear plexi wheel machanism. The plastic molded set has a different stop, and seems much better at returning to the same spot. Here are the two different wheels.
After doing some measurements, it was easy to see why the clear wheels did not always return to the same resistance. There is too much play in the return mechanism on those clear wheels. Even after replacing the pots with new ones, I still got readings that would not center with any repeated accuracy. While the molded wheels were spot on.
So I'm just going to use the molded ones. Always thought the lighted wheels were kind of cheesy anyway. But I was able to fit the AB type in the mechanism. Very tight fit with the clear wheels. Had to first alter the bracket and enlongate the mounting hole and drill a new locater hole so the new pot would not slide.
The clearance on the clear wheels was too tight with the lock washers on the screws that held a plate on top for the spring stops. So I had remove the lockwashers and it cleared. This is where the clear wheels and the molded one differ. The molded ones have the stops molded in, so no screws or lockwashers used on them. Plus there is a hard surface on the molded wheel. The clear wheel uses some kind of taped covering that wears out over time. Can see the screws touching the top with the lockwashers in place.
I was able to mount the AB's in there but the clearance due to the width of the back of the pot limited any adjustments.
From the top you can see they just fit. The molded wheels are thinner and this is not an issue with them.
So in the end I found the problem I had was more to do with the clear wheels centering, then it was the actual pots being the reason. The new AB pots do feel more solid, and do not have as much side to side play as the Bourns do. But I don't recommend it as a suitable replacment, especially with those clear wheels.