192 Accel repair person needed

[js_nyc]

I have a client who has the HD Accel/PT 10x/192 16 Analog Inputs. He has been experiencing a static/crackling on the inputs 1-8 and 9-16. No issues with the output signal. I did troubleshooting visits, eliminating all of the cabling/outboard variables, zeroing in on the Accel card and the 192. Proceeding further, I have taken the cards out of the computer, cleaned (with Cranolin), and re-seated them. Also, opened up the 192 and after inspecting the cards for any visible apparent burn out failures, cleaned and re-seated the ribbon cables to all input and output cards Checked the physical connector cables, etc. The problem still persists. (did not go into the power supply area of the unit)

Since this "legacy" thread exists, I am reaching out to find solutions to this problem from people who still own and use this equipment.

A: Do you know of a trustworthy, inexpensive repair person that I could suggest? I found Mitch Berger in CA, but he is on the East Coast (additional shipping costs).

B: Should he be shopping around for another 192 on Ebay at this point? Very unpredictable in my opinion, but please let me know your thoughts.

C: Could it still be the Accel PCIe card? I would think the inputs and outputs would be equally compromised if it was the card, but please let me know if this thinking is wrong.

So please let me know your expert thoughts on this dilemma.

Thanks

[albee1952]

Since the issue happens on all 16 inputs, I would guess the problem is within the main unit and maybe the input cards are both good? Given the current value of 192's and the usual cost of high-end repairs, I would shop for another 192(don't buy the DIGITAL version as it won't use the analog cards). Or maybe use this as an excuse to move to a newer HD IO, or one of the 3rd party boxes that "act" like a 192 in the hardware setup(Lynx Aurora?).

Having said that(which is just my 2 cents), allproelectronics.com is an avid service center in Nashville, and I bet there is one in NYC(check with Dale Pro Audio to find it)

[TheFilterLab]

I've had these kinds of issues with 192's and 96 i/o's over the years and it's almost always been fixed by taking them apart and cleaning all of the ribbon cables. You have to get into the power supply side to get to the other side of the ribbon cables though.

The only times this didn't work is when a few transistor and resistors had burned up on the AD or DA cards. Which was easy to spot, and obviously a much harder fix

Good luck

[Bob Olhsson]

Beware that some parts for the 192 are no longer manufactured which I understand is why it is no longer officially supported by Avid. That said, ribbon cables or power supply are the most likely culprits.

http://avid.force.com/pkb/articles/f...roduct-Repairs

[Barry Johns]

If there's multiple I/O's connected, make sure you've got loop sync connected properly, I've had this problem when loop sync was not properly connected between various I/O'S.

[js_nyc]

Thanks, all for your kind input. I did the ribbon cable cleaning/reseating with all the I/O cards but did not get over to the power supply area. May pursue this, but my client is running out of patience (and for paying me with no positive results). Also, they are over 100 miles away from me, so I really need to be sure the next time I re-visit.

Any other advice would be welcome as well until I can get back on this.

Thanks again.

[panamajack]

Originally Posted by js_nyc

. . . Any other advice would be welcome. . .

I sent an Accel card with a missing capacitor to ALLPRO Electronics in Nashville (regional Avid/Digidesign repair). Repair was quick and reasonable.

You could ship whatever you have to get it checked out.