There is a widespread problem of a defect with the digi 002/002r that results in the units no longer powering on or losing power in the middle of a session and not being able to power back on. Users have to open up their units and reseat the wires from the power harness to the connectors and sometimes this fixes the problem of suddenly losing power; the problem has run rampant though and repeats even after reseating the connectors to the pins.

Digidesign states that it is a power harness issue and sends out a replacement part that the user has to install to avoid any downtime by sending the unit to be repaired by digidesign. The policy is that if you do the repair yourself you must sign a faxed/emailed disclosure that clears digidesign of any liability by you opening the unit up to install the replacement part they send you. The new replacement power harness is called MOLEX.
In some cases users have had three and four replacement power harnesses sent to them (molex brand) and the issue remains unresolved. Digidesign has gone on record by saying that all units with the serial number ending in G have the new molex connector and havent had any reported problems since installing the molex connector power harness; but this has not fixed the growing problem that concerns many digi 002 and 002r owners because the Molex power harness has not fixed their issue and digidesign has gone on record by saying that there is another problem that mimics this issue that relates to the power harness. So now there are two known defects, the other hasn't gone on record.
If you bring this subject up in the digidesign users forum the webmaster will edit the posts/delete and/or ban you from the forum if you are not ok with their proposed solution.
One user diagnosed this problem and stated that "The actual problem with the digi 002/002r is that this sort of defect is normally caused by using dis-similar metals (gold plated connectors on Tin Lead connectors in this case) on connectors in power circuits. From my limited observations I see that the power supply harness cable has gold-plated female connectors and the circuit boards have Tin-lead connector pins. I have seen this particular configuration cause this exact problem in several electronic designs in the past. The only solution is to change the connector metals so that thaey are not dis-similar. Using Gold-Plated on both sides of the connection would do it. Or many other combos of compatible metals are OK. But not Tin-Lead with Gold Palted in a power circuit. That is just plain asking for trouble from my experience. You can look up dis-similar metals in electronic connections on the internet for more info on this and how it causes corrossion. It is also an issue in welding metals together in the metal fabrication industry.

The end user has a right to purchase products free and clear of defects; especially if this is a widespread problem that gave them enough time to fix this with newly manufactured units.
Those that purchased the defective digi 002/002r should be sent new replacement units or be able to arrange for loaner units while they send it out for repair by a digi technichian or someone authorized to do such repairs. Anything dealing with electronics or electronic components pose some danger with safety and risk of voiding warranty.

Hi,

I know nothing about digidesign; but on the face of it this seems an entirely reasonable expecatation:

Quote:

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The end user has a right to purchase products free and clear of defects; especially if this is a widespread problem that gave them enough time to fix this with newly manufactured units.
Those that purchased the defective digi 002/002r should be sent new replacement units or be able to arrange for loaner units while they send it out for repair by a digi technichian or someone authorized to do such repairs.

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If the webmaster on the digidesign forum really does delete polite, well-expressed posts atempting to discuss a genuine design problem in the product. If he/she does that, then, IMO, its utterly silly and counterproductive.

It's tantamount to a public admission of both guilt and the intent to try for a cover up.

Just asking for some journalist to go digging...



Peter

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PaQ

The self replacement is an option, not the only solution. I have had this issue twice - the first time it happened, I called Digi support and they found a digi dealer in my country that could fix it - I drove there (took about an hour x2) and the guy replaced the power harness there and then.

6 months later, it happened again believe it or not and they sent me the pack after I asked for it and I opened it up, replaced the unit, but I think it's not the actual power pack, you can fix an existing one by using the flux capacitor pastey thingamejiggy stuff.. there is a post on the DUC that shows you how to fix this yourself without a new pack.

Of course this should never happen in the first place, I wonder how many of these packs peepz have had to send it. Actually thinking about it, that's really shoddy. I'm not over the moon with the 002r to be honest, it's decidedly average kit imho. I hope they learn from this when (if) the 003 comes, I'm only using mine because a) I'm hoping for upgrade path for new box and b) I like the software.

Anyways..

Hi everyone,
My 002r just started acting weird, and wanted to know if it is the same problem with the power harness. Usually when pushing the power button, the Mute light will come on, then a click, then the 44.1 light comes on. But now the Mute light comes on, and it either doesn't do the 'click' at all, or does it 4 or 6 times. Sometimes the 44.1 light comes on and it works normally for a bit, but then drops out. When the sample rate LED's arn't on, none of the other buttons work (Mute, Mono, and the Alt Src buttons). If this is the same prob, am I best to take it back to the shop, or can I fix it without the new parts?

Thanks for any help.

Yes mate this is the power harness problem..
the symptoms you have described are exaclt like the ones my 002R had when I had to replace the power harness, and then it wored well..
fortunately, I was able to exchange it for MOTU 828 MKII later on and I never looked back..
so, call a Digidesign dealer and arrange the new cable..they will send it to you and you can replace it yourself, it's much faster that way
good luck!

Thought this might help:

The reason the molex connectors are going bad is because oxidation buildup occurs on the connecting pin...this is a common problem with any kind of connections, especially patch bays. In addition, the molex pins Digidesign used in the connectors connect on only one side, which makes oxidation symptoms much more frequent. A 3-sided molex pin would've been better.

However, it may not be necessary to replace these connectors. There is a great little product called "De-Oxit", that will remove oxidation and create a fresh connection. De-oxit is safe for circuitry, and is only flammable around direct flame (so leave your cigs somewhere else ). You spray a shot in each connection hole, then connect and disconnect the connector several times to break up the oxidation, then spray a shot in each hole again and re-connect the molex connector. You should do this on all 4 molex connectors in the 002. MAKE SURE YOU RECONNECT THE MOLEX CONNECTOR PROPERLY OR YOU MAY DAMAGE YOUR 002!!

I did this on my 002 this morning and had GREAT results. Much cheaper, less hassle, and less risk of damage to the 002.

As always, take this advice with a grain of salt, and I offer no guarantees this will fix your problem. It worked for me though

-rimmtsu

//thanks Alton D for your help!