Topic: AD-500 Problems

[stober]

Okay just as soon as thought I got a good deal on ebay for a Apogee AD-500 on ebay for $169.00 bucks I think I got screwed.I recieved it today and it powered up fine.It locked on 44.1 with the quickness so the crystal seemed to work fine.But when I selected the left on position on the analog dial I wasent recieving any levels to my D-8. So I switched to the soft limit setting and my levels appeared on my D-8.I switched to the right on setting (emphasis on) and had levels again.So I switched back to the left on setting(emphasis off) and no levels. I noticed the knobs on this thing were really loose compared to my ad-1000.So thinking there might be a short or something I played with the analog input knob and noticed if I pushed it in a little I was getting levels in the left on position.But only if I pushed in the knob.As soon as I stoped pushing it the levels went away.So this thing has a short probually were the gain knobs connect internally or something.I know Apogee wont replace the crystals anymore but do they refuse to service compleatly?This thing is more than likely going back to the seller(hopefully) unless someone here thinks someone like pro digital can fix it for a reasonable price.The crystal works,that was main concern at first.  Anyone?

[pickmando]

I have no idea if Apogee will repair them, but everything that I have heard says that Pro Digital would be willing and able to fix this sort of problem. I would at least give them a call to get some input - their rates are reasonable and you got a nice deal on the auction.  You may be able to get the seller to pay for part of the repair cost?

[Kindguy]

I'd ask todd r first. This should be an easy fix.

[pickmando]

It does sound like it may be an easy repair, good idea.  It sure would be nice to have a cheap, easy fix since you got it at a reasonable price.

[Kindguy]

Or if you feel lucky & have an allen wrench. Pull the face plate off & see if you can tell.

[stober]

I'd ask todd r first. This should be an easy fix.

I think it should be...

[stober]

Or if you feel lucky & have an allen wrench. Pull the face plate off & see if you can tell.

Right now I dont feel that lucky.Although looking at it an hour ago I did think about doing that.

[Kyle]

Or if you feel lucky & have an allen wrench. Pull the face plate off & see if you can tell.

Right now I dont feel that lucky.Although looking at it an hour ago I did think about doing that.

do it. no worries.

I was scared at first but then my friend popped the AD1000 faceplate off - calmed me right down

[marc0789]

I have no idea if Apogee will repair them, but everything that I have heard says that Pro Digital would be willing and able to fix this sort of problem. I would at least give them a call to get some input - their rates are reasonable and you got a nice deal on the auction.  You may be able to get the seller to pay for part of the repair cost?

apogee won't touch them. paul at prodig might, if it's a simple input issue, but not anything having to do with the crystal, digi board.

edit: but really...send the fucker back and get a mod-sbm1. you spent 169, paul will charge you 200, and the thing will die sooner than later anyway. good money after bad to keep messing with it.

[MBHOTAPER]

I heard Apogee won't repair anything after the warrenty period is over unless spair parts are in storage - basically you have a ticking time bomb Apogee won't touch anymore. If it's not an easy repair I would consider getting rid of it.

[Chuck]

What you describe sounds like a broken contact point. Sometimes on knobs, RCA and other inputs the point where the component connects to the board gets loose or actually breaks away from the circuit board. Sometimes the solder cracks and makes the connection imtermitent. Anyway... That may be an easy fix,but, if you are not comfortable with a soldering iron I wouldn't mess with it. The circuit boards for the AD500/1000 are super packed with components and are not a good place to start learning how to solder. Hopefully the seller will take it back. If not, try to get someone here to look at it for you. If I knew it was going to sell that cheap, I would have bid on it. It's a great sounding unit.

[todd e]

fingers crossed that paul will do anything with it. 
i have an ad500 that has had a power short (and I have changed the interal fuse) which i'd love to have paul fix up for me. 
sorry to hear of your troubles, and please keep us informed.

thanks brent.

[stober]

fingers crossed that paul will do anything with it. 
i have an ad500 that has had a power short (and I have changed the interal fuse) which i'd love to have paul fix up for me. 
sorry to hear of your troubles, and please keep us informed.

thanks brent.

Talked to Pro Digital today and they said it sounded like a somewhat easy fix.Probually in the ball park of $80.00 to $160.00 to have it fixed.The guy I bought this from on ebay said I could send it back to him and he would refund me my money or if the repairs were $120.00 or less he would refund me that amount. Wow I won the auction for $169.00 shipped and he's willing to refund me $120.00 for the repairs? What a guy in my book. It's weird though he was amazed that I found someone to hopefully fix it.After emailing me that it was strange that it was giving me problems.He said if I sent it back to him for a refund He would like Pro Digitals number so HE can get it fixed because he prefers it over his Rosetta.

[stober]

I have no idea if Apogee will repair them, but everything that I have heard says that Pro Digital would be willing and able to fix this sort of problem. I would at least give them a call to get some input - their rates are reasonable and you got a nice deal on the auction.  You may be able to get the seller to pay for part of the repair cost?

apogee won't touch them. paul at prodig might, if it's a simple input issue, but not anything having to do with the crystal, digi board.

edit: but really...send the fucker back and get a mod-sbm1. you spent 169, paul will charge you 200, and the thing will die sooner than later anyway. good money after bad to keep messing with it.

I  own a (mod) sbm-1 .And a Ad-1000.I love Apogee's A/D conversion.This was going to be used in rotation with the Ad-1000  so I could have a back up if one of them died.I'm gonna be a very unhappy man when the day comes and my AD-1000 dies.

[cmoorevt]

Sounds like he probably knew there were some issues, but had no idea where to send it for repairs, so he sold it cheap.  You found that info and are in a position to benefit especially if he is willing to pay a portion of the repair cost.  If Paul can fix it, and you get reimbursed from the seller, at least for a portion, I say you come out on top.

[stober]

Wow the guy already sent me $120.00 for repairs!   via paypal. Now thats cool.

[Chuck]

Wow the guy already sent me $120.00 for repairs!   via paypal. Now thats cool.

That is the best possible outcome. I hope Paul can fix it and you have a working AD-500 soon.

[stober]

Wow the guy already sent me $120.00 for repairs!   via paypal. Now thats cool.

fuck that guy.  he knew there was problems with the unit and didn't disclose it in the auction.  that is the problem with buying gear from ebay, who the hell knows what's wrong with it. 

you are very lucky you got one cent from this seller.

You might be right.Although the setting he supposedly always used does work(soft limit).It's when you switch  it to the on setting (no emphasis) is when it doesnt work until you push the knob in.So he could be telling the truth but I'm kinda with you that he knew it had some issues.He said he never noticed a slightly bent gain knob either I really cant see how you could miss that .He asked if the box it came in looked damage.Funny,it wasent damaged but,it appeared to have been opened up and not taped back up all the way.I could put half my hand inside the box before I even opened it.It could have just been a really poor packaging job I guess.

[todd e]

sounds great brent, i need to call paul now and see if he'll fix mine.  i'm more than happy to throw $120 at this ad500 (mine) to get the power lead fixed.  the crystal didn't die, i just wired a 4pin XLR incorrectly and shorted the unit out. 

thanks for reporting back.

EDIT:

paul said he thinks he can fix my ad500, too.  here's his diagnosis before seeing the unit:

Generally there is a "crowbar" protection circuit which is designed to protect backwards wiring.  The fuse will blow if power is connected backwards, but my assumption is that the protection diode shorted as well.

freaking A, this is great news to start the day.

[todd e]

so i just got a call back from paul!!!!   

 

Pro-Digital does it again!  Paul has located the problem, fixed the AD500 and it'll be back in my hands by next week.
If Apogee would just come off the schematics, the job would have been much quicker (and cheaper!) but we know that's a conversation for another time and place.

Just letting ya'll know Paul know his ship!

[stober]

Well the Ad-500 lives.Paul said this thing looked like at one time it was dropped on its face .He spent several hours trying to fix this and only charged me for three hours labor.Unit works great now.Paul is a great guy who knows his shit for sure.He also fixed my backup D-8.I'm so happy this AD-500 is working.After a few brief phone calls with Paul it didnt sound good.I'm so glad he figured it out.Todd glad to hear yours was fixed to.Now I need to make a box for this baby.Anyone have one lying around or have a dead Ad-1000 or 500 with a good box that they would want to part with?

[todd e]

i have an extra box brent, but we're trying to hold onto it for our mini-me (to have them all in boxes!!!!)

i could sent it out to you for dimensions, etc.  that way you can have a good start, all you'd have to do is team up with some grandfather with some wood tools.

alot of folks think that the wire rack is the way to go, but i REALLY prefer my wooden box which is custom fitted.

[stober]

Thanks for the offer Todd.I can get the dimensions off the one thats already on my AD-1000.I just dont have a saw or many tools right now.I'm with you on the custom wooden box.I relly like the design of the one on my Ad-1000.I will probually try to make the same one.

[stober]

here's a crapy photo,its the only one I have on my computer.I like how its cut out on the sides so It gets good ventilation.

[Cooker]

so you got a $49 AD500 with a good crystal... nice score!

[beanstalk]

Right on that it works. I thought you took for sure.