CY-5 trigger problems

[eric_B]

I did a search but couldn't find anything about this, so:

I had some triggering problems with the CY-5 of my 2 months old TD-9KX, by coincidence after I installed VEX's "Hodge Podge". I thought it could be caused by some trigger settings, so adjusted them, without any result. Then I restored the factory defaults but that didn't help ever. I checked the connections, dis- en reconnected them, but they were fine. Also switched off and on: all in vain.

At first the head trigger didn't react as it should: soft strokes didn't produce a sound at all and harder ones generated more or less random hard sounds. Then I noticed the rim trigger didn't function at all. I tried disconnecting the jack and attaching it again several times. Played a little and suddenly the hihat functioned like normal.

Strange, right? Anyone else had the same problem and, better, a permanent solution?

[Hercules]

...sounds like your cable is not contacting properly in the CY-5 input - I get that occassionally too and have blamed it on humidity.

[eric_B]

...sounds like your cable is not contacting properly in the CY-5 input - I get that occassionally too and have blamed it on humidity.

So I can't play while it's raining ?

To be serious: I think the humidity in my home is average, not moist or dry and it doesn't change much. But jack connectors are used a lot by dozens of musicians outdoors, at concerts, etc. Then they would also face this problem and much more often than in my situation. Doesn't seem logical.

[Hercules]

Hi Eric,

I live near to the ocean (poor me....I know...) and it rarely gets below 70% humidity - it definitely makes a difference to all sorts of elecricals here. and I have noticed poor connections in my CY-5 and a few other cables which have caused sound loss If you note in the Roland handbooks they also warn against high humidity areas.

I agree with what you say about the use of jacks outdoors, but I also remember the terrible sound repercussions at concerts like Woodstock due to rain and humidity.

I'd be interested to know if you find another answer to the CY-5 issue though.

[eric_B]

@Hercules: I live about 100 miles from the sea, humidity is always around 50%.

So being it Saturday, I let myself have half a day off and what would be better to spend that then practise my 16th notes bass drum technique. So playing just 8th notes on the hihat and several 16th notes pattern on the bass drum and some on the snare.

It was going great (even better than I hoped for) until I chose the double bass kit (with a second double bass on the hihat-head and the hihat sound on the hihat-rim): I only got the head sound on the CY-5, no rim sound at all Tried everything: turning off and on, resetting, adjusting trigger settings, dis- en reconnecting the jacks: it didn't help.

So I have to say I'm a little disappointed; I always thought Roland wasnt cheap, but built good products and you wouldn't have problems after two months already. Well, have to call customer support Monday. Sigh.

BTW: not to be personal, but I noticed the one "actual Roland employee" around here never seems to reply to threads that have comments at or problems with Roland products. I only see replies like "Push this and this button and that answers your question". No comments on problems or faults. As said, I'm not attacking anyone, just noticing this.

[drum4ever]

...but you criticize Roland pricing and he'll come after you like you insulted his mother.

[eric_B]

...but you criticize Roland pricing and he'll come after you like you insulted his mother.

And so he should...luckily I live far, far away!

But seriously: no one else ever had this problem and a way to solve it?

[daveybabes]

Moisture?

So are you saying that humidity is causing dampness in the CY5 jack input connections?

Well maybe whip off the cover plate on the CY5 and dry it out and then when re-inserting the jack seal it around with some clear silicon?

Seal the whole thing off where any gaps are, silicon isn't permanent it can be peeled off anytime.

If it's the jack that's attracting moisture then wire your cable straight in to the CY5 and eliminate the jack, that's the Arnold Shwarzenegger approach, i'l be back he he

[Sabre]

Strange, right? Anyone else had the same problem and, better, a permanent solution?

It looks like you're not alone...

FWIW, my kids got me a CY5 for Father's day, and I really like it. In the past I have used a CY8 and a PD8 as my hi-hat, but the CY5 is the best thing so far. Eventually I plan a DIY hi-hat project, but as someone once said the CY5 is about the best (and least expensive) upgrade option if you're looking for a decent hi-hat upgrade on a lower end or DIY kit.

Also, I know no personal attack was made but I just wanted to say that I personally really appreciate the fact that Drew hangs out here and provides us information as he sees fit. He shouldn't be held to any other standard than the rest of us. He should feel free to post when he has something relevant to say, and he shouldn't be called to task for not responding, whatever the reason.

[Guest_User_DA]

BTW: not to be personal, but I noticed the one "actual Roland employee" around here never seems to reply to threads that have comments at or problems with Roland products. I only see replies like "Push this and this button and that answers your question". No comments on problems or faults. As said, I'm not attacking anyone, just noticing this.

Actually Eric, I have posted on threads that address problems and in some cases I have contacted members personally to help resolve their issues. Occasionally an issue a member has raised has prompted some "behind the scenes" action without a posted response or fanfare, in order make improvements in Roland's interaction with consumers. i have also editorialized from time to time to (hopefully) offer some perspective and/or clarification on a particular topic.

http://www.vdrums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=37660

http://www.vdrums.com/forum/showthread.php?p=284390#post284390

http://www.vdrums.com/forum/showthread.php?p=302996#post302996

http://www.vdrums.com/forum/showpost.php?p=286961&postcount=15

And on the times where I was harsh and perhaps insulting, I have promptly apologized and admitted I was wrong. And Eric, I rarely take posts personally, and I truly appreciate your point of view.

...but you criticize Roland pricing and he'll come after you like you insulted his mother.

I never "attacked" drum4ever, I challenged the claims he posted and asked him to back them up. Opinions are fine, but when opinions are presented as if they are fact without any evidence or sources, they might get challenged. I also did not respond to drum4ever's post because of any criticism of Roland pricing, I challenged his claims "explaining" why prices were being raised.

http://www.vdrums.com/forum/showpost.php?p=312719&postcount=49

http://www.vdrums.com/forum/showpost.php?p=312915&postcount=64

..and for the record, my beloved Mother died in 1999, so there is very little you could post, opine, or speculate about that would insult her or my fond memories of her.

Also, I know no personal attack was made but I just wanted to say that I personally really appreciate the fact that Drew hangs out here and provides us information as he sees fit.

Sabre, thank you for the kind words. I'm happy to contribute, and hope the information is helpful.