Problem with MAC port on the back of the MIDI Timepiece AV

[nedpaul]

I am using a pre-USB MIDI Timepiece AV. I recently moved and when reconnecting all my hardware, I discovered that the 8-pin cable-connection on the back of the MTP (from my Mac computer to the MTP) is a little funky. Like it needs to be jiggled to function properly. I don't believe it's a cable issue. I'm wondering if anyone has had a similar issue, and if so, what the remedy might be....(?). Is the machine toast, or can this be repaired / made stable?

[mikehalloran]

I am using a pre-USB MIDI Timepiece AV. I recently moved and when reconnecting all my hardware, I discovered that the 8-pin cable-connection on the back of the MTP (from my Mac computer to the MTP) is a little funky. Like it needs to be jiggled to function properly. I don't believe it's a cable issue. I'm wondering if anyone has had a similar issue, and if so, what the remedy might be....(?). Is the machine toast, or can this be repaired / made stable?

I happen to have my MTP AV USB sitting on my desk so I pulled the two cover screws to see…

The Serial Mini DIN 8 jacks for the RS-422 circuit are soldered directly to the motherboard. The Mac is the one on the right. You'll have to pull the motherboard out to see the pin layout.

You might get lucky and see a cracked solder joint. More likely is that the plastic itself has taken a hit from a bumped plug and that you'll need a new jack. Mouser would be the place I would look.

Other than that, non-functioning units can be had for very little,