> Brandon,
>
> I finally (!) found a wonderfully looking Synclavier II system that both
> serves my needs and has a very interesting price tag.

Glad to hear it!

> I`m going to look at it tomorrow and it would be great if you have any tips
> for me what to check. Since I already worked on a Sync II I know the basics
> of the machine, but what are the points you have to look for?

Clean.  Works.  Listen to sound with headphones.  Run diagnostics disk.
Record simple sequence with keyboard using a chromatic scale.  Make sure the
keyboard "plays properly".  Touch all the buttons- see if they light up.
Check Mod/Pitch wheels.  Make sure disk drive works (boot-up).  If it has the
ADX/DAX, try sampling in SFM.  Test all outputs.  Flip all switches.

> What parts have to be present?

Depends on the configuration.  If it runs properly, you answered that
question.  In a basic configuration, you have the CPU case and a keyboard.
Maybe a terminal output for connecting to a dumb terminal or Mac.  IMI drive
and ADX/DAX sampling box for sampling and storage.  A disk drive
(double-density {double high-800k} or SuperFloppy {double long-1.4 meg}).
Kennedy tape drive for archiving.

> How to check for damaged cards?

If something doesn't work, it might be a card ;-)  Open the panels (if you are
confident to do so) and look inside.  Make sure the cables are not rotted.
Push the cards into their slots and make sure everything is secure before
powering-up the unit. Use your fingers and double-check all the cable
connections.

> As soon I`ve bought the machine I will apply for membership in your
> Synclavier community. I really want to get into that machine.
 

Brandon Amison
Yaking Cat Music Studios
Synclavier Assistance
Music for Television and Film
http://www.yakingcat.com/yaking/
THE source of Synclavier information