Fast Track Ultra - flashing lights when using power supply

[yop69g]

Hi,

I've been using a M-Audio Fast Track Ultra for quite a few years, always took care of it and it just started doing an unexpected tickling. As soon as I plug the power supply in and turn the soundcard on, MIDI and power lights start flashing at a constant rate of ~60 BPM and accompanied by a loud click which can be heard even if the device isn't connected to any speaker. It does it whether the +48V is on or not. Although when I only use the USB power only, everything is fine. Problem is : only inputs and ouputs 1-2 are available in bus-power mode.

I've tried to plug it on another power source (different room, different house), on another computer, with other gear, etc. but nothing got it solved.

I've read a lot over the internet looking for a solution, but I couldn't get anything to fix it. That said, this proved me that I'm far from being the only one to have this problem (many videos on YouTube, many inquiries on different forums, but solutions no where).

Any solutions?

Thanks!

[JoelG]

Perhaps a bad power adapter? Is there a LED on the power adapter? If so, it should be solid and not blinking. If the light is blinking, the power adapter is bad.

Joel

[yop69g]

There are no LEDs on the power supply itself.

Is AVID still selling those power supply (FTU)?
Model : ADS10-W 050200

[JoelG]

I don't see it on the Avid Store. But you should be able to get a generic one that will work just fine. There should be specs on the adapter, be sure to match the voltage and polarity, but you can go over (but not under) the amperage.

Joel

[Pticrix]

I'm currently having the same problem : when the AC/DC adapter is plugged in, I
get a loud click noise at 60 bpm and if I unplug the bus power, the four lights in front flash (except if I flip the phantom power switch, then one of them stops flashing).

It started this morning after I turned the device on. I turned it off yesterday night after a week without closing it.

As for the adapter, I tested it with a voltmeter and it gives a steady 5V tension.

Anyone know what the problem is and if there's a fix I could try and apply myself? (I have the device since 2009, so no warranty )

[JoelG]

Is the power light solid or blinking?

Joel

[Pticrix]

Blinking, along with the others, with a very audible "tock" sound.

On bus power, however, it is business as usual, everything is fine, with a solid blue light.

Edit : also, if I plug in the power adapter in while the unit is USB powered, I get the "tock" sound, but I still preserve my solid blue power light, no blinking. The FSU software still act as if there is no adapter plugged in and show channel 3-4 and 5-6 as disabled.

[JoelG]

Sorry, I mean the light on the power supply - with it plugged into the FTU, is that LED blinking or solid?

Joel

[Pticrix]

Thanks for taking time to ponder over my issues :)

Unfortunately, the DC adapter provided with my FTU doesn't feature a power LED, or any light at all. Just a plain old vanilla DC adapter. As stated before though, when tested with a multimeter while plugged in the wall socket, it gave out a steady 5V tension, which to the best of my knowledge (I am not an engineer) indicates that all is well with said adapter. Am I wrong to suppose that? Is there any other test I could run on the adapter that could provide you with some insight?

[JoelG]

Sorry, didn't realize those ones don't have led's on the adapter. I know you mentioned it was putting out the proper voltage, but I wonder if it is failing under load. I'm not sure about that, but it would be a reactively cheap test.

Joel