I've been working on restoring my old synth (Roland JX-1) and it is throwing up some interesting challenges. The CPU usually crashes and loses memory settings when powered on. I've replaced the battery and done a partial recap and it has made little difference.
On looking at the schematic it looks like the power circuit is rather poorly designed so I've been thinking about replacing it. At present it takes an unregulated 12V AC input, uses half wave rectification to get the digital 5V rail and a charge pump configuration for the +12V and -12V analog rails. Something else I remember from years ago is that it was more stable with the screws out. This suggests some kind of ground interference since the screws appear to connect the ground planes to the metal case.
Here is a portion of the schematic covering the power circuit (top half).
![Restoration / Repair: Roland JX-1 888378-0](https://www.eevblog.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=221896.0;attach=888380;image)
I've also included some pics of the PCB (flipped so the sides match up)
![Restoration / Repair: Roland JX-1 888386-2](https://www.eevblog.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=221896.0;attach=888388;image)
I thought of replacing it with a rail splitter powered from a more standard 9V DC input. The DC-DC converter modules I have are adjustable ones that put out very stable voltages at over an amp.
Let me know if this virtual ground circuit will do the job or if if it needs separation of grounds or the 5V rail needs to be tapped form a different point etc (I'm still learning when it comes to analog stuff)
![Restoration / Repair: Roland JX-1 888390-3](https://www.eevblog.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=221896.0;attach=888392;image)