ZonePRO - Troubleshooting Volume Fluctuations
Technical Support Guide
Table of Contents
Brand:
- dbx
Models:
- ZonePRO
Overview:
My ZonePRO is randomly fluctuating in volume, how do I resolve this?
Troubleshooting:
One obvious problem may be that there is a priority over ride taking place so check the router/mixer first.
Look for any signal registering on the threshold of the 1st or 2nd priority that may be causing a source to attenuate (ducking).
In the .zpd file, also be sure to disable any front panel page steering unless required.
Other things to watch for:
- The units have firmware version 1.100 or later and were programmed with an older version of the software (Prior to v2.2). If this happens the unit does not work correctly and strange volume fluctuations can occur.
- The ZCs are the older version, before the ICs were changed in the ECN. Even with the older ZCs, this was usually not an issue unless the installer runs an AC or speaker cable line too close to the Cat5 cables. In this case shielded Cat5 cables would-in most cases-solve the issue.
We did release an ECN in order to resolve EMF and volume fluctuations on the ZC-1 and ZC-2 but this was quite some time ago.
This ECN was issued 05/22/07, so these ICs have been in place for quite some time.
- If they see “A0" on the sticker on the PCB, this indicates that it would have the old IC.
- If it does not say “A0" on this sticker, it should contain the new IC outlined on the ECN.
Zone Controllers:
The ZC-1 resistance should be taken into consideration, but it just depends on maximum cable length for 6 in series: 300 Ft.
If they have another 4 on the bottom port, then they should not exceed about 400 Ft.
If they are using a BOB or are within the cable length restrictions, then resistance should not be an issue.
The dip switch setting on the Zone Controller will correspond with each wire inside the Cat 5:
| 1 | white/Orange | 1 | Voltage Reference |
| 2 | Orange | 2 | ID# 1 or 7 |
| 3 | White/Green | 3 | ID# 2 or 8 |
| 4 | BLUE | 4 | ID# 3 or 9 |
| 5 | White/Blue | 5 | ID# 4 or 10 |
| 6 | Green | 6 | ID# 5 or 11 |
| 7 | White/Brown | 7 | ID# 6 or 12 |
| 8 | BROWN | 8 | Ground |
The ZonePRO sends +5 volts to the ZCs. This is sent on the two outer wires of the Cat 5 cable (Ground and +5 Volts reference).
Depending upon how the ZC is set, it adds an amount of resistance to the +5 Volts that it received from the ZonePRO.
The dip switches on each ZC select which of the remaining 6 inner wires (in the Cat 5 cable) the new Voltage value (after resistance occurs) is sent back to the ZonePRO through.
The ZonePRO knows what type of ZC is being used on this connection based on its selection in the ZC Panel configuration page within ZonePRO Designer's Configuration Wizard. This way it can interpret what this new Voltage value will represent. This is why the dip switch setting and port connection (this determines the ID #) must match with the “#" assignment on the ZC Panel Configuration page.
The installer inserts an AGC on the output stage of the program, in which case the volume ZC and AGC fight each other.
Firmware Update:
We urge all ZonePRO users to update the firmware in all ZonePRO devices to version 1.110.
The only exception to this would be if a 3rd party control system is used in the application. If the 3rd party control system was programmed to function with ZonePRO firmware version 1.04 or earlier then it would need to be re-programmed to work properly with the version 1.110 firmware. This is due to the input and output gains being changed from logarithmic to linear between firmware versions 1.04 & 1.100.
Please see the below link for a compatibility chart of firmware vs software:
http://www.dbxpro.com/FAQs/process.php?cat=13
dbx640/641 641M/640M information that describes the power supply capacitors changes:
A unit that displays Power Down Hits will need to have the power supply capacitors updated.
Note:
Hard Resets will clear out the Hardware info so it may take a while before you see any hits after a hard reset.
One way to confirm if the unit has suffered any power related problems would be to look at the Hardware Info under the HELP tab to find out if there's a number associated with the Power Down Hits.
ZonePRO 640/640M units with an LCD will display the same info by accessing the Debug Menu.
Power up while holding the PAGE 1 button to access the Debug menu and System Statistics.
Press the selector Data wheel multiple times (6x) to toggle through the pages.
Check to see if there is a number associated with the amount of Power Down Hits the unit may have experienced.
To back out of the Debug menu, press the Page 1 button again or power cycle the ZonePRO device.
The display reads- “Continuing Normal Boot Up Sequence"
If you see any Power Down Hits, this could point to problems with the power supply capacitors.
If this is the case, we can arrange for an RMA.
1260/1261M- Power Down Hits:
Units that stop passing audio and then come back after a power cycle could point to a problem with an older style power supply harness.
One way to confirm would be to look the Hardware Info under the HELP tab to find out if there's a number associated with the Power Down Hits.
This procedure requires a connection to the ZonePRO Designer software.
ZonePRO units with an LCD can display the same info by accessing the Debug Menu:
Power up while holding the PAGE 1 button to access the Debug menu and System Statistics.
Press the selector Data wheel multiple times to toggle through the pages.
Check to see if there is a number associated with amount of Power Down Hits the unit may have experienced.
Parts or Factory Service:
If you see any Power Down Hits and wish to try replacing the power supply harness first, I can arrange to have one sent out to you at no charge and or we can arrange to bring it back for factory service.
It is possible that there could be other problems and so simply replacing the power supply harness may not completely resolve the issues. This generally takes about 7-10 business once we receive the device.
Contact HPRO Tech Support:
1-844-776-4899, Option 3
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