Access Virus B Recap Kit (Main Board & Panel Board)

For sale: Access Virus B Desktop recap kit based on the same capacitor configuration used in our Virus B restorations.

This kit is the result of months of testing across multiple Access Virus B boards, capacitor combinations, and power supply configurations. The goal was not simply to match capacitance and voltage values, but to closely match the electrical behavior of the original factory-installed capacitors while avoiding regulator noise, instability, and other aberrant behavior that can occur when unsuitable replacements are used.

Capacitor values alone do not tell the whole story. Simply matching capacitance and voltage ratings does not guarantee results. ESR, ripple current, impedance characteristics, and other electrical parameters can materially affect performance. This kit was assembled through real-world installation, testing, and long-duration stress testing, and is based on the same configuration we use in our Virus B restorations.

It is worth noting that many Access Virus B units exhibiting issues can often be restored to normal operation by replacing capacitor "G" alone. A full recap is not required in every case. This kit is intended for advanced users, restorers, and those seeking to proactively address aging electrolytic capacitors as part of a long-term reliability strategy.

Details below:

Includes capacitors for the main and panel boards.
Features Panasonic and KEMET capacitors selected through extensive testing for electrical compatibility, long-term reliability, and service life.
Based on the same capacitor configuration used in our Virus B restorations and our own production unit (see photos).
Includes capacitor location diagram and reference guide.
Some Virus Bs use a 4.7uF 63V capacitor, while others use a 4.7uF 100V capacitor. Both are included in our kit (position "H" in the diagram). Please verify yours using a magnifying glass or by taking a photo with your phone and zooming in. You may need to remove before you can properly read this cap.
Panel board capacitors are included and have been installed and stress tested to verify compatibility, but we do not recommend recapping a healthy panel board solely for preventative maintenance. These capacitors are packaged separately in bags labeled "PB" and are not shown in the capacitor location diagram.
This kit is currently documented for the Access Virus B Desktop only. Indigo and KB boards may be similar, but have not yet been fully documented. Do not assume compatibility without verifying your actual board. This kit is NOT compatible with the Virus Classic. We will update our guidance as additional boards are documented and tested.
Board revisions and undocumented component variations may exist. Additional board revisions or component layouts may exist that we have not yet encountered. Always verify every capacitor value, voltage rating, polarity, and location against your original PCB before installation. Your physical board should always be considered authoritative.
Installation is performed entirely at your own risk. This is not a beginner repair. Incorrect capacitor selection, orientation, soldering technique, installation procedure, power supply selection, or failure to verify the original board can damage your synthesizer.

During testing, we evaluated multiple OEM Access Virus power bricks across both original and recapped boards. We observed that a very slight regulator whine can exist on completely original boards using factory-installed capacitors. Some boards operated silently, while others produced a faint whine both before and after recapping. We also found that certain alternative capacitor configurations could produce considerably more regulator noise than either the original boards or the capacitor configuration included in this kit. In our testing, any remaining noise with this configuration was extremely minimal, difficult to hear (as in you have to put your ear right up on it), and inaudible once the synthesizer was assembled.

For best results, we strongly recommend using a quality regulated 9V AC power supply such as the Triad 9V 2.0A adapter. We recommend this power supply as an optimal fit for this cap configuration and for general Access Virus B/C use (yes, it passes the wiggle test). The original 12V power bricks burn off excess voltage as heat, which can make the regulator heatsink extremely hot during extended operation. The Triad 9V adapter has worked reliably in our testing and allows Virus B and Virus C units to run much cooler while maintaining stable operation.

Sale includes the Access Virus B Desktop recap kit and capacitor location diagram and reference guide. We have also made a printable PDF version available for download.