Mac250 Error

[t0m]

Hi guys,

 

First post here, been hanging around for a while but finally got some kit that I need some assistance with and hoping someone can help!

 

I have 2 Martin Mac250's, when one of them is powered on it starts as normal, the display works correctly, states 'RST' as expected and then just seems to hang or crash at this point. I've been pointed in the direction of a possible faulty eeprom that may need re-flashing or even a duff processor.

 

All motors engage during the boot, so drive chips are assumed good and both lamps strike fine.

 

Does anyone have any suggestions what I should do next as I have under 7 days to fix this unit before it needs to go out again for hire!

 

Many thanks :unsure:

 

//t0m

[Ben]

Hi Tom

 

Welcome to the Blue Room.

 

If you have 2 units try swapping the eprom from the good unit into the faulty one. This will enable us to know if it is this eprom at fault.

 

If swapping the eproms swaps the fault then get in touch with Martin and order a new eprom, you can ask them about sending in the old one for re-flashing and they may be able to help but your time frame may be a problem so it may be best to buy a new one and then get the old one flashed to keep as a spare.

 

If the fault does not swap with the eprom the problem may be elsewhere on the logic board and will need further investigation.

 

Hope this helps

 

Ben

[t0m]

Heya,

 

Ok, finally got some time to take the 2 units apart today. After spending quite a while with mini zip ties tidying the wiring inside the arms I came to the conclusion there are no removable eeproms inside the Mac 250 :S

 

The next option is switching the complete board from the working one into the non-working one and seeing if that works, but is another much longer task than anticipated and will have to wait until some more time rears it head!

 

However, an update on the error that I didn't notice before. Once the head starts and 'hangs' with RST on the screen the head is not locating correctly. Instead of locating and saying HOME before showing a DMX addr it simply hangs at about 240 Pan 90 Tilt. The unit also seems to think that this is HOME as when I attempt to load DEMO mode and set pan/tilt options it keeps hitting its stop pins and tries to continue turning! The gobo wheel is also constantly changing gobo and constantly rotating the gobo's also regardless of settings.

 

Before I switch the boards out I just wondered if anyone had any more ideas The memory chip is hard loaded onto the board and not removable!

 

Thanks

 

//t0m

[pscandrett]

However, an update on the error that I didn't notice before. Once the head starts and 'hangs' with RST on the screen the head is not locating correctly. Instead of locating and saying HOME before showing a DMX addr it simply hangs at about 240 Pan 90 Tilt. The unit also seems to think that this is HOME as when I attempt to load DEMO mode and set pan/tilt options it keeps hitting its stop pins and tries to continue turning! The gobo wheel is also constantly changing gobo and constantly rotating the gobo's also regardless of settings.

 

Couple of thoughts that might be barking up the wrong tree... firstly, if it stops right at the beginning during/not completing the reset process, perhaps your limit switches aren't working on the pan/tilt. Then the unit won't know where its limits are, which may lead to your unit thinking that home isn't in the right place.

 

If your gobo wheel is also constantly changing then perhaps the feedback from the hall sensor has also failed (this may lead to the mac not knowing where the gobo wheel is).

 

Try triggering the pan/tilt/gobo hall sensors manually during the reset process (unplug the pan/tilt cables to make it a little easier when doing this so the head doesn't actually move) to see if it otherwise 'thinks' it can reset properly...

 

Sorry it's a little vague but I've had problems with sensors and limit switches so it's one of the places I start first for this sort of thing. Your problems may be 'more advanced' but it's worth checking.

 

HTH

[Matt Cowles]

I would look at the problem with the gobo wheel before I go anwhere else, the pan and tilt freezing may be caused by the fact the fixture cannot find the gobo wheel. The first plact to look is the hall sensor for the gobo wheel, then check the wireset from the main PCB to the sensor. I suspect the problem will be with one of those two things.

 

If you get stuck then call our service department on 01622 755442

[t0m]

Hi guys,

 

Thanks for your replies. With the Hall Sensor removed from the main PCB the problem continued with the gobo wheel spinning and the gobo's rotating whilst the sensor hunted for stop. I changed the entire PCB for the working one in the other head and the unit worked fine as the other one does.

 

I've now completely removed the main PCB from the non-working head an am looking for someone who can repair this pcb. If anyone has any pointers to where I can get this repaired I would be much appreciated as a Martin distributor quoted £753+Delivery for a new pcb! ** laughs out loud **!

 

Thanks

 

//t0m

[ed_ld]

Hi,

 

I use a company called lightserve, they've always been reliable and reasonably priced. They can fix some board problems. Might be worth giving them an email at:

 

info@lightserve.co.uk

 

HTH

 

Ed

[Matt Cowles]

It is also worth asking your friendly Martin Distributer about buying a refurbished PCB, it will be cheaper than a new one

[t0m]

Thanks Matt :)

 

I did speak to the South London Martin Distributor, he told me the board would have to be sent off to Martin in Denmark which would have a minimum turn around of 21 _working_ days and that there was a chance the board could be returned if it wasn't repairable. Also that if the board was repairable there would be a minimum charge of £367+VAT for the repair!

 

I was just hoping that this fix would be a little cheaper than that, to say the least :P Many thanks for your technical direction, your pointers were spot on and your help is much appreciated.

 

With thanks

 

//t0m

[Thomas1987]

Hi all,

 

Right, didn't want to open a new topic...

 

Got an original Mac 250, when its doing its checks, it hits the end stop and doesn't stop, goes crashing past it and keeps going with a bad noise.

 

I've checked the connection to the little switch which I believe is activated when it hits the end stop, and its fine at the switch end... seems ok at the pcb end too...

 

Any thoughts? Think this will become a spares unit, as they're just not worth repairing.

Thomas