This tutorial demonstrates how to modify the Malekko Ekko 616 MK II* Analog Delay so that it receives the clock signal from Delaytion™, PedalSync's analog delay control station, which features tap tempo, modulation, and four program storage.

Why modify the Ekko 616?

1) tap tempo timing with 3 delay ratios
2) create and recall four presets
3) wider control range for modulation with easy access controls

Delaytion can control most analog delays based on the Panasonic MN3205 and MN3208 chips and their clones. This includes the MXR Carbon Copy and Build Your Own Clone's Analog Delay.

 

* DISCLAIMER *
DO NOT BLAME US IF YOU RUIN YOUR EKKO 616 TRYING TO PERFORM THIS MODIFICATION!!!

* we have not yet modified a first edition Ekko 616,
so if your Ekko does not have the blue circuit board, do not use this tutorial!

If you would rather have Molten Voltage perform this modification for $55, click here for more information.

 

Click here to order Delaytion.

Dissemble your Ekko 616 MK II as follows:

Remove the four (4) bottom screws. Use the right size Philips screwdriver, as they are tight!

Desolder and remove C42 and R42.

 

Do not desolder any other parts or touch any trimpots!

 

BE EXTREMELY CAREFUL NOT TO DESOLDER OR DAMAGE ANY OTHER PARTS. BE ALSO CAREFUL OF THE CAPACITORS STICKING UP OFF THE CIRCUIT BOARD, AS THEY CAN EASILY BE BROKEN OFF.

 

Remove the audio jacks nuts with an 11mm wrench.

Remove the knobs with a flat head screwdriver, then remove the pot nuts with a 10mm wrench.

Remove the pot washers.

Remove the switch nut with a 14mm wrench, and remove the washer.

Very carefully apply pressure to different parts of the top of the pedal. Press the switch and the pots alternately to slowly remove it from the enclosure. IT IS VERY TIGHT SO BE CAREFUL NOT TO BREAK ANYTHING!

Getting the audio jacks past their holes is the hardest part and sometimes requires apply a bit of pressure in the jack, but NOT ON THE PLASTIC THREADS or the metal tabs.

Again, this is a VERY tricky dissembly.

Clip the B500K TIME pot (far left pot) off with tin snips.

 

Note: the modulation LED and controls will not longer work following this modification.

Mount a steel RCA jack with washer in the TIME Pot hole.

Solder a 3 inch jumper wire to pin 7 of the 3102 chip. The pins are sticking through the PCB - (see photo). Pin 7 is the second one from the left on the bottom row of 4 pins. Connect the other end of the center lug of the RCA jack.

 

Note: With the Ekko, there is no need to ground the RCA jack as the aluminum enclosure is grounded and the RCA jack is metal.

Run the jumper wire around the circuit board by the screw hole as shown in the photo.

When re-assembling, compress the little ground springs (see photo) with a flathead screwdriver to get the inside the enclosure.

Make sure the LEDs are straight and tall as they can be and put the PCB back in.

Avoid touching the chips, trimpots, and other components on the circuit board.

It will take some force, but be sure not to hit any trimpots or capacitors and try to only press where there are not parts.

 

Take your time and do not bend the PCB.

Patience young Skywalker!

Put everything back together.

Put the knobs back on without pushing them all the way down - they need a bit of room to turn properly. Tighten snug, but do not overtighten.

Do not overtighten the audio jacks!

Get everything snug, but not overtight - the parts can break.

Plug it in and turn it up!