888 Internal power supply error

[razastudio]

Hi!

 

I got the error message after only using the brand new unit for about 10 days (I only used 888 with XL-AES)

Upon restart, error dissapeared, but it happened again after a while and this time the problem persisted after each restart.

The unit kept on working, but eventually the analog inputs started distorting, while digital ins were clean.

I tried serveral powering options, I removed the XL-AES, but the problem persisted.

It only powered on normally after disconnecting and reconnecting the XL-AES from the menu.

But I got error message again…

I was in contact with Sound Devices Support trying to solve the issue.

I decided to send the recorder and XL-AES to Service Repair in UK, but they could not replicate the error.

For this, they decided to replace the internal board and tested the unit extensively afterwards.

I finally got it back after a month and a half, and, surprise, the error message appeared again. 888 restarted without error serveral times since.

I asked for a new unit, since I consider this too unreliable for field work.

Did any of you had this problem?

 

Best regarda!

 

Alex

[The Documentary Sound Guy]

Software indicated the power supply and they replaced the mainboard instead?  #@(*&%)(*@

[Chris Webb]

It would be nice if they could enable some sort of logging in the unit to track down whatever is causing this error message to appear. Maybe a development build of their firmware that they could deliver to you? The detail level of the error message is inherently unhelpful if even Sound Devices themselves cannot pinpoint the issue.

[Conor]

12 hours ago, The Documentary Sound Guy said:

Software indicated the power supply and they replaced the mainboard instead?  #@(*&%)(*@

In the 888 the power circuitry is on the "main" (digital) board, there is no separate power board like on the 633. In fact, I think the 633 may be the only SD recorder with a separate power board..

@OP, was there nothing else revealed in your communications with SD support?

Is it possible that external gear is causing the power supply warning? You've tried different power supply units and cables?

I have experienced the random analogue noise issue before with an 888 and the culprit was a faulty capacitor in the audio chain. Was this repaired?

[razastudio]

I tested the unit with wall power outlet, NP-batteries in the back slots and with two different NP cups. I don’t think powering method matters in this case.

The distorsion on the analog ins went away as soon as I removed XL-AES from the menu and the unit started without error. Upon reconnectic the XL-AES, they remained clean.

Sound Devices will give me a new 888.

The XL-AES, that was in service too, won’t be replaced, since it only carries 90 day warranty. It was bought in June and spent about 45 days in service. 

They told me it’s in perfect working condition, but I have the feeling that actually XL-AES triggers the problem…

I had fw 11.00 installed when the warning first appeared. I downgraded to 10. something, but it also happened.

This make me guess that it is not software related.

 

[Bilge Bingul]

Just happend us today,before we started the day.Any news about this topic?

 

[Harlem Sound]

I also got that warning message today! 888 with firmware v.11 SL-2 on top. I only run on external NP-1 batteries. Not even the small swit li-ion batteries on the back  attachted. I have no XL-aes attachted. Only a wisycom quadpack receiver in the SL-2 superslot and 6 lectro receiver analogue via xlr in. Those are powered seperatly external. 
Is there anything more known about this issue by now?

[ErisHong]

I'd also try powering it from a known-good external source and removing any non-essential accessories just to rule out a power-related issue. If the error keeps coming back after that, I'd avoid using it on an important job until it's been checked, since intermittent power faults can be unpredictable.