Maintaining Your Poly Evolver Keyboard

Your Poly Evolver Keyboard shouldn't require much in the way of special care to keep it running, but a good cleaning from time to time will keep it looking and behaving like new.

Cleaning the Metal, Overlay, and Keys

Isopropyl alcohol is recommended for cleaning the metal surfaces, the Lexan overlay, and the keys. It will remove finger oils and any dirt and grime that builds up on the surface over time. You should be able to buy isopropyl "rubbing" alcohol at any pharmacy. Just apply a small amount to a soft cloth and gently wipe the surface. Soft cotton or microfiber cleaning cloths work great.

Cleaning and Maintaining the Wood Panels

The wood end panels—jarrah on earlier units and bubinga on later—are oil finished. They are not stained or finished in any other way. The wood may dry out over time, especially if it is exposed regularly to sunlight. The left panel can also become grimy with built-up finger oil if you use the wheels a lot. The best way to clean and treat the wood is with tung oil. Follow the instructions on the can of oil for best results. We can offer a couple of tips, though. It's better to apply the oil sparingly. If you apply too much and leave it until it thickens, it can be difficult to wipe off. The wood may also get shinier the more oil you apply, which you may or may not want.

Treating the Encoders

If the encoders become oxidized, they can skip values or behave erratically. The best way to treat the encoders is to remove the panel boards and apply a product called Deoxit directly to the encoder housing. Some customers have reported successfully treating the encoders by applying Deoxit to the encoder shafts without removing the boards, but we don't recommend it.

We use both the 5% and 100% solutions of Deoxit. If you are only using one, we recommend the 100%. It is easiest to apply using the needle dispenser bottles. The tubes also work well. The sprays are not particularly well suited to this application.

Deoxit 5%, needle dispenser bottle

Deoxit 100%, needle dispenser bottle

Opening the Poly Evolver
Remove the knobs. They just slide on and off. Remove the four screws from the front panel and lift the front edge to open.

Removing the Panel Boards
There are several cables that connect the front panel boards to each other and to other components. Disconnect them from the panel boards. Remove the board screws. You can now lift out the panel boards.

Applying the Deoxit
The encoders have three leads. On the side opposite the leads, there is a narrow crack between the encoder's metal top and the plastic housing. That is where you will apply the Deoxit. Lean the board against something so that it is nearly vertical, with the encoder leads facing down.

[Click for larger image.]

If you are using both the 5% and 100% solutions, start with the 5%. (The 5% is thinner and, therefore, application is a little easier. And it makes the 100% go in easier, as well.) Apply a drop of Deoxit directly to the crack on an encoder. The first drop takes a little longer to work its way in, but it gets easier with successive drops. Turn the encoder shaft between drops to distribute the Deoxit inside the encoder. Apply two or three drops of the 5% and then two drops of the 100%. If you are using just the 100%, apply three drops. Wipe off any excess.

After treating the encoders, lay the board flat and give the encoders a turn.

One treatment is typically enough to get the encoders working like new, but particularly stubborn encoders sometimes require a second application. Also, it may help to let the boards sit overnight before use.