power on issue with used alesis andy

bobbybass · Joined: Jul 31, 2009 Posts: 17 Location: nyc

just bought used alesis, tuning seems ok. however after the seller left, i noticed that sometimes when powering on the unit gets to to "alesis andromeda a6" logo screen and then just hangs. powering down and turning on again seems a couple times seems to let it get past the boot screen and start ok.

obviously this isnt normal...i updated the OS to latest version, did a hard reset of the unit- but am wondering if this is a common problem or if i should give it back to the seller. bummer- am really excited to start using it.

thanks!

BB

purpurkatten · Joined: May 27, 2005 Posts: 128 Location: right here

Sometimes I´ve got the same problem. Just shutting down and directly starting up again won´t solve it. But when I power down and wait a couple of minutes before starting up again the hanging stops.

I learned this solution from some other A6 user some years ago, so I´m afraid this is a common problem with the A6.

It´s not always there when I start the Andy, eventually it goes away, but then sometimes it comes back. I guess it´s just a little analog joker in the machine showing up to say hello from time to time.
joker

Hope you enjoy your andy anyway, I do.

Have a nice day

soundwave106 · Posted: Sat Aug 01, 2009 2:11 pm Post subject:

Common problem. I never get this on the initial boot, but if I turn off the Andy, I have to wait about 10-15 seconds to turn it back on. Elsewise, it hangs.

LamerDeluxe · Joined: Jul 08, 2008 Posts: 27 Location: Netherlands

I have the same problem. Seller left it on all the time so I didn't notice.

It's caused by an SRAM chip on the mainboard that needs to be replaced with a more recent version. If you're very good at soldering and can get a hold of one you might replace it yourself. Otherwise replace the mainboard or get it fixed.

bobbybass · Joined: Jul 31, 2009 Posts: 17 Location: nyc

ok good to know...im OK with soldering but not sure if id be comfortable working on the andy. so maybe i will send it to get serviced. depends on the difficulty factor of the solder job lol

not sure where i could get the chip you are talking about, the only site i know of that sells parts for the andy is this: http://www.instrumentalparts.com/ala6ansppa.html

LamerDeluxe · Joined: Jul 08, 2008 Posts: 27 Location: Netherlands

The service manual mentions the exact problem and chip to replace. It's a tiny SMD chip with a lot of pins, so it doesn't look too easy to replace.

bobbybass · Joined: Jul 31, 2009 Posts: 17 Location: nyc

actually, i see several chips listed that could be the source of the issue..ive posted a snap from the manual.

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LamerDeluxe · Joined: Jul 08, 2008 Posts: 27 Location: Netherlands

In my case the last point applies, as it never starts up right away, but always after I quickly power cycle it again.

purpurkatten · Joined: May 27, 2005 Posts: 128 Location: right here

sunny pedaal · Posted: Thu Aug 06, 2009 2:45 am Post subject:

if i'd have this problem i'm sure to go to service the a6 .
still all necessary replacement part available by the manufactorer, so ..
might give up starting up completely one day.

bobbybass · Joined: Jul 31, 2009 Posts: 17 Location: nyc

decided to send it off to get it serviced via TSI in new jersey. I think youre right, its better to get it fixed while the parts are available. Ill post how much it costs and turnaround time when i get it back. one thing is for sure. the synth is F)(*J*G heavy! and not cheap to ship!

http://www.tsirepair.com/

more later

BB

zebastian21 · Joined: Jun 06, 2008 Posts: 36 Location: NYC

did you buy this from a guy in nyc craigs in midtown? Rolling Eyes

bobbybass · Joined: Jul 31, 2009 Posts: 17 Location: nyc

how would you know that?

zebastian21 · Joined: Jun 06, 2008 Posts: 36 Location: NYC

bobbybass · Joined: Jul 31, 2009 Posts: 17 Location: nyc

i wish i had known. the seller didnt return calls emails after i bought it, i did check the tuning though thankfully cause i was aware that could be an issue.
Itll come back to the dickhead who sold it to me though..
once i got it home and used it a little i was hooked and willing to spend whatever its going to cost to fix it. i paid 1800, so i figure if i get in the 2100 area with repairs that isnt a bad deal- minus the downtime without it. ill make sure to post how much the total repair is from TSI.

bobbybass · Joined: Jul 31, 2009 Posts: 17 Location: nyc

UPDATE.

well i feel like an idiot. actually i might be an idiot!

Shipped out to TSI, took about three weeks before they worked on the andromeda. the first call; the tech said there was nothing wrong at all power up wise....i told him to make 100% there was no boot issues before it came back. I got a call from him a couple days later asking me i waited more than 10 seconds after powering down to restart it. i said no. LOL.
that was the issue.
With my unit (not sure if all of andy's are the same) you have to wait for the powersupply to discharge before rebooting; otherwise the screen will hang on boot.

hopefully this will save someone from wasting money like i did if they run into a similar issue. been testing at this past week and all is well...no boot issues if you wait 10 secs or longer.

happy music making everyone

BB

invalidbuffalo · Joined: Sep 21, 2007 Posts: 34 Location: USA

Weird. I have never had this problem with mine, even when turning it on immediately after turning it off.

sunny pedaal · Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2009 11:47 am Post subject: