MOTU 828 Mk2 USB that freezes on start up... £140 fix?

[LarsUK]

My unit has been stopping during the boot sequence, initially intermittently now always does it (it stops when displaying MOTU 828 version...).

I have been quoted £140 inc vat and shipping for repair with 3 month warranty.
Worth it or not?

Thanks

Lars

[mikehalloran]

It’s up to you. This version was discontinued long before the FW version—and that was discontinued 11 yeas ago.

If the tech can identify and explain the problem (power supply capacitors, burned resistors, a bad IC etc.), chances are good that the repair will keep it going for awhile. Of course, it won’t stop another problem from raising its ugly head. You are unlikely to find a good, used one for much less.

OTOH, the money might be better applied towards an 828es. A used 828mkIII Hybrid or 828x might be a good buy—they, too, have usb connectivity.

[LarsUK]

Thanks Mike,

yes my concern is that another problem arises after the repair...
How old are the Mk3s?

[mikehalloran]

The 828mkIII came out in 2007 and was FW. It was followed by the 828mk3 Hybrid In 2011 which added USB—it’s still in the lineup and is the only version to still support FireWire.

http://motu.com/products/body.html?productslider=1

The other two current versions are the 828x (2014) that supports USB 2 and Thunderbolt.

Last year’s 828es that adds AVB/TSN over Ethernet and improved preamps & converters, lower latency, two display screens and wireless control from a tablet or smartphone if hooked up to a wireless router.

My 828mkII FW is still going strong but I’m looking at the 828es as its replacement when the time comes.

[LarsUK]

Thanks Mike

I'm still undecided!
I think 140 for the repair is a bit steep but new units a quite expensive too.
I waited to see if Namm would bring interesting new products but not much on the recording/mixing front.
I am tempted to have a go at repairing it. Have seen some interesting posts like this one:
http://www.staze.org/repair-motu-828mkii/#comment-5811

I'll do a bit more investigation about that LM1117 regulator replacement.

Lars

[mikehalloran]

That's an interesting fix—if the LM1117MPX-3.3 is the problem. If you see the board suffering from burning around it, that's the likely source. The article suggests that all you really need to do is re-flow the solder. If that works, a heat sink as suggested is a very good idea.

Mine is the FW version but I'll open it up this weekend and take a look. An ounce of prevention...

The Texas Instruments LM1117MPX-3.3 is certainly inexpensive. Mouser says special order but Digi-Key sells it for $1.14 plus shipping. Don't know who would have it where you are nor the cost.

https://www.digikey.com/product-detail/ ... ND/1010516

Thermal glue and IC heat sinks aren't expensive.
https://www.amazon.com/Thermal-Conducti ... l+adhesive

https://www.amazon.com/uxcell-20mm-Alum ... FVKYE2PEWZ

There are other known issues such as the power supply as these age. Look for bulging capacitors.

[LarsUK]

Hi had a quick look and the regulator doesn't appear damaged or any signs of burnt around it.
No signs of damaged caps either...
Will need to remove the PCB to have a look underneath.

[LarsUK]

I have removed the PCB but can't see anything specific...
I thoughts maybe a dry solder joint somewhere so with a hairdryer, i heated the back of the PCB... tried a few times and it started... turned it on/off a few times and it started every time since... odd but sort of confirm the dry joint theory.
The only issue i have is i don't see any obvious dry joints... so finding the culprit might be difficult!

[mikehalloran]

Sounds like you're on the right track. A hair dryer enough to do it? If if goes down again, hit those points with a soldering iron—just enough to re-flow the solder, then let it cool.

I'd be looking at thermal glue and one of those IC heat sinks, too. Being in the middle of the Silicon Valley, they're on my list for my next trip to Fry's.

[CONTROSOL]

Excelent mike


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[LarsUK]

Hum very puzzling. I have been touching the points wit a soldering iron, near the PSU but doesn't seem to make a difference. still hangs a startup. But still, heating that whole area with a hair dryer for a little bit and it starts again... feeling so close, and yet no success !!! arghhh
What is thermal glue for and how is it applied?

[mikehalloran]

Thermal glue attaches heat sinks to ICs and the like. Regular glues can act as an insulator—you don’t want that.

You ma have to touch all the solder points. But a hair drier works? Look for a crack in the circuit board. Wiggle the components to see if any are loose. Burnish any cable connectors by disconnecting and reconnecting (I’ve lost count of the times that has bought dead gear back to life fo me). It could be that warming it causes expansion that reestablishes a connection.

[LarsUK]

Well, i think i'll call it a day...
Touched most of the joints... and now the screen stopped working!
So i think it will be a new card...

[CONTROSOL]

I fixed mine for 120 $ Firewire chip problem, work when come back, I remember it was charge automatically the cue mix, 7 moth ago prepare for connect with a Godin and Roland MIDI module

Results are KO no driver appear and get a black out lights, now only can see in the panel the frequency 48 or 96 in intermitent light, Appear a electric cut, mode bottoms and push bottom can send info to the screen

If you can help for instructions to Barcelona Tecnich so gratefully you

Thanks


https://youtu.be/0lexPm6-P7g



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[orbito]

Hello, we can Repair that for Cheaper Price. Freezing or Firewire Problems on Motu are no Problems for us ;o)