Mr Steve Posted April 6, 2018 Share Posted April 6, 2018 Hello, I have a Zero 88 Demux 48. The unit works in terms of it will allow you to test it's channels from the unit, however the unit does not respond to DMX. The DMX data LED does not light when connected to a desk. Is this a symptom of the battery needing replacing, or is it likely something else? I have not yet metered the battery as it's Friday night and don't have one to hand. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
timsabre Posted April 7, 2018 Share Posted April 7, 2018 Most likely the DMX interface circuit is damaged, it happens. Phone Keith at Zero88 service dept, he's very helpful and will be able to tell you exactly what to do. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrV Posted April 7, 2018 Share Posted April 7, 2018 I vaguely remember fixing one which had all the chips on sockets so you might not even need to solder! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Steve Posted April 7, 2018 Author Share Posted April 7, 2018 Yep this one is socketed. Gave them all a crunch down. Have contacted Keith. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ianknight Posted April 8, 2018 Share Posted April 8, 2018 It sounds daft... But first check that the cables from the DMX connectors on the front panel are actually correctly connected to the mainboard. They connect via a small three terminal block and someone might have removed the mainboard to replace the battery and not noted how the wires sequence - also check that the wires are making contact, one might be broken or might be clamped to the insulation. I've never seen a Demux not receiving DMX - their most common faults are battery failure and acid-eaten mainboard as a result or failed mains transformer so it might be something simple. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Steve Posted April 8, 2018 Author Share Posted April 8, 2018 On powering up today, there’s smoke coming off the battery area. I’m guessing it has leaked (even though the battery looks ok) and that there’s muck across the pcb tracks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ianknight Posted April 9, 2018 Share Posted April 9, 2018 On powering up today, there’s smoke coming off the battery area. I’m guessing it has leaked (even though the battery looks ok) and that there’s muck across the pcb tracks! It might be that the previous battery leaked and whoever did the replacement didn't clean the tracks around the battery properly. It might be salvageable and just need some judicious use of a soldering iron. I can help if need be - drop me a PM if you'd like an idea of prices. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Steve Posted April 28, 2018 Author Share Posted April 28, 2018 For reference, all solved. I cleaned the board up around the battery and then had to replace the 4020 chip at IC3. Works perfectly now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ianknight Posted April 29, 2018 Share Posted April 29, 2018 For reference, all solved. I cleaned the board up around the battery and then had to replace the 4020 chip at IC3. Works perfectly now. Glad to hear! I resurrected a Demux 48 from eBay this week too - again, the battery had leaked at some point and the person only did a basic clean up - they also damaged a track near the auxiliary power connector which caused some head scratching. Like other products of this era from Zero88 - they're built like the proverbial brick privvy and very durable :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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