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[solved!] Creamware A16 Ultra - No Sync, not even in 'master'

Posted: Wed Jan 04, 2023 3:40 am
by M00
I have this Creamware A16 ultra in my rack, not using it for some years. Yesterday I wired things up again, but suddenly it won't sync to any source (tried wordclock + ADAT) not even master (Sync-LED stays red, no light from ADAT outs, no audio). Now I remember I had this going on a couple of years ago, suddenly things start working again after some time. But no luck so far. I've measured voltages from the powersupply, 13ish VAC. Also inside the unit, 5v, 3.3v and +- 7.5v are there.

Now since this unit is over 20 years old, maybe it's time to get something new. Or is there another option? I'd love to use this good old converter in my scope setup again :) tnx!

Re: Creamware A16 Ultra - No Sync, not even in 'master'

Posted: Wed Jan 04, 2023 5:53 am
by astroman
Here‘s an initial clue: „no lights from Adat out“ means it cannot be clock master anymore, as it doesn‘t send.
Might be as simple as to exchange the TOSLink sender.
You can unsolder one from an old/damaged soundcard, hifi device, PC board, whatever.
(It‘s rare, but I‘ve experienced dead transmitters, too)

best of luck, Tom

Re: Creamware A16 Ultra - No Sync, not even in 'master'

Posted: Wed Jan 04, 2023 7:33 am
by garyb
Ferrofish may still offer a repair service. contact them. www.ferrofish.com

Re: Creamware A16 Ultra - No Sync, not even in 'master'

Posted: Wed Jan 04, 2023 11:42 am
by M00
Contacted Ferrofish,tnx Gary :)

@tom I clock the A16 with BNC wordclock in from a BigBen. This also doesn't work anymore so must be something else :)

Re: Creamware A16 Ultra - No Sync, not even in 'master'

Posted: Sat Jan 07, 2023 4:44 pm
by astroman
Sorry to read this :(
Fingers crossed they can fix it.

Re: Creamware A16 Ultra - No Sync, not even in 'master'

Posted: Wed Jan 11, 2023 4:20 am
by M00
I replaced some of the cheap and still obtainable logic (PLL, buffers) but this didn't help. Unfortunately, the tech who fixed these is not with Ferrofish anymore. Without proper reference or schematics fixing this seems near impossible to me.

[solved] Creamware A16 Ultra - No Sync, not even in 'master'

Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2023 2:38 pm
by M00
succes!! I baked the PCB for 10 minutes 200C, reflowing all solder. It worked! :)

Re: [solved!] Creamware A16 Ultra - No Sync, not even in 'master'

Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2023 4:37 pm
by garyb
:)

Re: [solved!] Creamware A16 Ultra - No Sync, not even in 'master'

Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2023 11:41 pm
by GordonGekko
Switching it on must have been a blast :D