Betapack 3 lost dimmers 3-4

[PeterV]

This report was sent to support on Monday, but no-one has been in touch...

 

Rather disappointingly, one of the Betapack 3 we purchased in November 2014 has lost dimmers 3-4 completely. No output, no CBs tripped or any indication that anything is wrong. We have tried a factory reset but this made no difference. We readdressed it with the first failed channel number (9) and DMX 9-10 worked fine on dimmers 1-2 no problem, so the correct DMX is being received from the desk. We have put everything back to how it was and are just missing out these particular channels for the time being but have a show coming up in a few weeks.

 

Our theatre is not manned as it is amateur owned and run, and I am quite a long drive away but we do have a fully qualified electrician who lives fairly close who could do some additional problem determination on the phone if this is useful (and who used to service our elderly Betapack 1 which these units replaced). However it would need to be physically taken out of service if it needs to be opened up. The pack is fed by a 32A single phase socketed feed.

 

Please can you let me know how to proceed as this unit should be covered by the 3 year warranty? Serial number provided on original email.

 

Peter Vincent, Chesil Theatre, Winchester

[iank99]

Peter, it sounds like the transformer that supplies the control voltage supply and sync pulse for channels 3&4 has failed.

 

Sadly it's not an unknown fault on the Beta 3 which is attributed to an issue with the manufacture of the transformer. From the Serial number you supplied Zero they'll be able to tell if it's from an affected batch of transformers. The usual course of action when we get the fault on units here is to replace the powerboard as a 'just in case' but it is possible to replace just the transformer (but this will take some swearing with a soldering iron).

 

Swapping the powerboard is easy to do if you feel comfortable working on dimmers and it takes about 30 minutes to do - otherwise your local Zero repair centre should be able to do it for you.

[PeterV]

Hi Ian - thanks for the info. Yes we have a brilliant electrician who used to service the old packs who would be comfortable fitting a new board (or transformer) if Zero 88 agree this is what needs to be done and send us one to put in.

[KWR88]

Hi Peter,

Hi Peter,

 

I assume you did not get my reply to your direct from Monday.

As Ian said this is something we have come across and the easiest solution is to replace the power PCB.

If you can PM with a full address will make the arrangements to send you one for your service man to fit.

[PeterV]

PM sent. Thanks Keith.