VCA Group Fader & Master Fader does not work

[tlmaen]

Hi Guys,
still fixing things on my ne SSL Installation.

On My Console the VCA Group Fader has no effect at all.
Whatever fader is routed to a group fader, there is no level difference.
Also the cuts and solo function does not work in the VCA groups.
Another thing I noticed is a pop sound when I press one of the solo buttons on the console.
Sounds like a dc offset to me.

The master fader also has no effect. Level comes through in every position...
The 82E20 card looks very new with no visible problems and is Rev 15.
I also exchanged this card for the original card, makes no difference.

I don't know if it worked before I bought the console
Ribbon Cable S15/16/17/19E are connected to the Master Section.

Thank you!
Best,
Tilmann

[Chris Simon]

Do you have a computer connected, or a jumper plug in the VCA 1-8 header? Without one of these two things, the VCA groups and the master fader will be wide open.

[tlmaen]

Hi Chris, thanks for the hint to that Jumper!
I don’t have the original Mix computer.
The Jumper is connected, but I think I have to trace the ribbon cable
Down to the Center Section.
Does that jumper look right to you?

Thanks,
Tilmann

[Dave Dicson]

Your jumper is right. I have 3 SSL's with jumpers and they all work fine except for my U SSL, the VCA groups & Thumb wheels switches don't work because they are created in software in the computer that is not running. The master VCA fader & Quad compressor works fine.

[Chris Simon]

It does.

[tlmaen]

Thanks!

I will check the Ribbon S14E and check if it works when I place the jumper directly under the VCA Faders.

Best,
Tilmann

[tlmaen]

Ok, placed the Jumper Connector directly on the VCA Fader PCB.
It still doesn't work.
The Ribbon Connector has no orientation bump, so it could be the wrong side.
Couldtn find anything in the service manual, nor in the Computer Manuals.

Can someone confirm the orientation?
Please see picture

Could it be something else?

Thanks,
Tilmann

[horizonsound]

The jumper is in backwards.
Pins 31-50 require the loop through.

Anthony.

[tlmaen]

Thanks Anthony,
I will check it.
Where did you get that information?
Service manual or computer manual?

Thanks,
Tilmann

[horizonsound]

Hi Tilmann,

It's in the service manual, in the cabling section. S14E

Anthony.

[jimlfixit]

Hi all

The 50 way S14E ribbon to and from the SSL computer is a grey cable with pin ONE marked in red. Older consoles had the blue T & B connectors which had a bump on them for their orientation. Later in the early 1980's, SSL changed to the more expensive 3M grey connectors which required 1 or more polarisation keys to be fitted so that the connector couldn't be fitted the wrong way round.

Not sure what you have on your console but basically the computer bypass ribbon wiring on the 50 way connector is 31-40 and 41-50. This would be a short 10 way ribbon which links 31-40 back to 41-50 to bypass the computer.

[tlmaen]

Hi,
I put the Jumper in backwards,
that fixed the problem.
Vcas and Masterfader are working good right now.

It really takes some time for me to learn how the manual works.
Have to work on that one.

Thank you again!
Best,
Tilmann

[tlmaen]

Hi All!

doing some maintenance on my console and was wondering (also my tech) if there must be Computer Bypass Jumpers on every Fader Bus card?
In the schematic it says 'to computer' and 'from computer'. Also in the Service Manual on the 'Channel Fader and VCA Group System schematic' it looks like there must be Jumpers on every Board...?
I don't have a computer but all of my Faders are working (VCAs have a jumper installed).

Sorry for that (maybe obvious) question, but couldn't find much info about the Channel Fader Bus Card Jumpers.
Only the VCA Groups were mentioned.
Just wanna be sure.

Thanks,
Tilmann

[horizonsound]

Typically you need a 50way jumper on each bucket to bypass the computer if not in use.
This is normally installed at the DL panel, however I see yours in installed direct to the fader bus card which is fine. You may not have all the 50way S14E cabling installed.

Depending on how your console was configured (or modified), it can also be in a few other places, if 50way ribbons are not installed. In a really simple console build, I'll install the jumper under the upper bus card (S16E), using a 20way plug, which avoids installing the S16E cabling, and S14E cabling.

However, by pure dumb luck, if you have muliplexer cards installed, the multiplexer card defaults to a state that allows VCA signals to pass on every channel, and then only the VCA groups need the jumper installed.

Anthony.

[tlmaen]

Thanks, great Info!

Still weird. The S16E cables from the Fader Bus Card to the upper Bus Card are installed.
None of the S14E Cables are installed.
Cannot find any Jumpers for the Channel Fader.

Maybe this has something to do with my click and pop problem when I cut the LF...

Is there another spot for Jumpers?

No Multiplexer Cards installed.
The Console had a TR system, but that was removed and sold before I bought the Console.


Thanks,
Tilmann