SSL 4K Computer wont boot

[SoundVox]

I hope i am not violating anything by making a new post, but I have searched thru pages of posts and I couldnt find my exact issue.

Want to hear a story? Ok here goes:

I had my 4048G in storage for a few years, and when we finally re-installed it - by some miracle, it just worked. (we decided to recap at this point) - The computer would boot fine except the keyboard didn't respond. Did some ribbon cable replace, couple of reboots later, I happened to meet a guy here who had a bunch of spare SSL parts and borrowed a VDU/KDU card from him. Still no luck, keyboard still dead. Finally got around to get Bruce from the Desk Doctors on the phone and after checking voltages at the edge connector, we noticed a drop in one of the 5v rails. Disconnected the power cable to re-seat it and viola` worked like a charm! Now this "borrowed" VDU/KDU card sat in there working for a few months until he needed it back. Since the issue seemed to me to be the power supply cable not sitting right, I figured my card must work too. Plugged in the original VDU/KDU and it literally went up in smoke. The ribbon cable that goes between the 2 cards on the VDU/KDU melted.

It took me awhile to source another card, and when I finally did, that didn't work at all. No Boot. No smoke either, but no boot. Since this new card didnt look exactly like my original, and I happened on one on ebay that did match - i grabbed it - same result.

I tried to reach out to Bruce again by this point, but he seems very busy, not returning calls, and they seem like they want ot move on from SSL computers now that they sell one of the new ones out (i think THD) - Aside from the cost, i would like to stick with the original work-flow of the SSL computer (yes its a beast)

Anyone have any suggestions of what/who to try next? I thought maybe my CPU is bad or something else. I have visually reviewed all the cards in the computer, no obvious signs of "blown". This has been a long process that I keep spinning the 'ole wheels, and now a project in coming in 45 days or so, so the pressure is on.

thanks in advance!

[Showcase]

I dont have any solution for you but... VDU card went up in smoke happened to me aswell

So when you find another card, make sure the second top card is fitted with plastic rings at the screws holding it to the motherboard, if they are worn, missing, the card will shortcut throught the screws, I noticed in at least one corner the screw had connection to the "soldering path" of the top card

Maybe you looked into your own card and forgot to put the rings back?

[Clip6]

AES Pro Audio has George ex-SSL and you have Keith at Recycled Audio. They have spares.

[SoundVox]

I dont have any solution for you but... VDU card went up in smoke happened to me aswell

So when you find another card, make sure the second top card is fitted with plastic rings at the screws holding it to the motherboard, if they are worn, missing, the card will shortcut throught the screws, I noticed in at least one corner the screw had connection to the "soldering path" of the top card

Maybe you looked into your own card and forgot to put the rings back?

Hmmm thanks for the reply! - that is certainly something that may have happened to the one that went up in smoke. When it happened to you - did it ruin anything else or did you simply buy/fix a new card. I am wondering now that I have 2 others, the computer still wont boot.

thanks!

[Showcase]

No it didnt damage anything else for me, in fact I replaced the blown ribbon cable, tried to boot but blew it again before I realized the plastic rings where gone

[rbgrid]

Have you checked all the power supply voltages in the 4K computer?

I don't have the exactly same problem (no smoke yet!) but I am dealing w/ a computer that will turn on, work for a couple of days & then goes on strike. The center display turns into green hash & the computer won't boot.....

Based on a friend's advice, I am in the process of shotgunning the 5V Hang supply card. I'll post once all the parts have arrived & I finish the job I'll post the results.