Topic: I think I killed my Apogee mini-mp. Any help would be appreciated.

[sygdwm]

I actually plugged a reverse polarity batt. into a mini-mp, and all it fried was the fuse.  Easily replaced.  I wouldn't reccomend doing this on the mini-me, as it is boderline dangerous and you will smell smoke.  Why in the world apogee didn't integrate a fuse into the mini-me is beyond me.  EVERY other unit I have ever used had some.

 

[spreadheadtom]

I actually plugged a reverse polarity batt. into a mini-mp, and all it fried was the fuse.  Easily replaced.  I wouldn't reccomend doing this on the mini-me, as it is boderline dangerous and you will smell smoke.  Why in the world apogee didn't integrate a fuse into the mini-me is beyond me.  EVERY other unit I have ever used had some.

 

glad I wasn't the only one 

[headroom]

Last year I made a studip mod with to big Polyprops 10 uF in my MINI MP on the Voltage converter. Phantom Voltage was lost. They could fix it ( SMD soldering ) at the factory sending it over from Switzerland.

[BobW]

The simplest form of reverse polarity protection uses the fuse and a diode.
A polarity reversal should forward-bias the diode (make it switch on and conduct) and cause the fuse to blow rendering the device safe from further damage, but in need of a fuse.

This very simple scheme works only if
1) The fuse blows fast enough
2) the diode switches fast enough
3) the rest of the components in the device that receive start-up power can withstand the initial surge.

Needless to say, there are better ways to do this.

BTW, you are supposed to be measuring for 12v from chassis to one side of the fuse, then the other.
If you read 12v across a fuse (that would be a "short") the fuse must be open (blowned)
Be careful, and don't get zapped by the P48 circuitry!
Best to do most benchwork with power off and disconnected.

If you get a replacement fuse, be absolutely sure that it has the same speed characteristics as the OEM part!

[tenesejedd]

I ended up playing it safe and sent it in to Apogee in Santa Monica. I have pictures of "before" so when I get it back, hopefully I'll be able to see what exactly they replaced.  I feel a little better knowing that I'm not the first to make this mistake.

[tenesejedd]

got my mini-mp back from Apogee the other day. No invoice for what was actually wrong with it. I opened it up and i looks like all they  replaced was the fuse.  With FedEx 2 day return shipping, total came to $100. He told me when I called to get the RMA number that shop time was $75/hour. So it looks like they charged me for 1 hr plus shipping.

Corrected the polarity on my battery setup and now she's working fine. I got a 7.2 volt 3300mah RC battery and doing a test run to see how long it will run the pre. I read elsewhere here on TS that it runs at about 1 amp per hour.

What is everyone else using to power this?

EDIT TO ADD

Test results:
Brand spankin new 7.2v 3300mah RC bat (only charged once) ran my SP-C4>mini-mp for exactly 4 hours 10 minutes. Also note that the RC bat was charge over a week ago and sat around until now. Not too bad. The package deal came with two of these batteries and a smart charger for $48. I should be able to get a little over 8 hours of run time between the two. Plus, i may gain some time once i cycle these batteries a few times.

[Nick's Picks]

there ya go!

[Kyle]

great news!

Being a pre slut (and with the prices these days) I may have to pick one of these up....

[Nick's Picks]

by far....the best preamp i've run.  I like it MUCH better than the ol' 248, T+mods or anything short of Carls Wmod FR2.