DMX Mix Engine Rebooting/Falling off Network - Console scrolling meterbridge
Symptom: Your DMX surface appears with meters scrolling or appears to be disconnecting from the network. You have looked in Navigator and you see the Mix Engine is showing up with a ? over it. You are losing audio and even after reboots are unable to sustain operations for any period of time.
What you are experiencing is a failure of either the DMX internal power supply (the SPS-20) or the internal Network Switch.
This
has been found to be relatively common after years of service due to
the operating proximity of these 2 components in elevated temperatures.
The power supply puts off additional heat on the switch and the switch
does the same to the power supply. In short, they are cooking one
another.
Pictured above is the internal view of the power supply (red arrow) and network switch (orange arrow) co-located with one another.
The first corrective measure you need to take is to determine if your problem is a failing switch or a failing power supply. You may be able to tell by looking at the front of the blade as to whether or not the blade is physically rebooting during these instances by observing lights turning off and coming back on. If you observe the blade is power cycling, this is an indication that the power supply is the failed component and you need to order a replacement supply which can be done from our WheatStore HERE or by contacting Support.
If you find that the blade is not rebooting, but that devices that are plugged into the network switch are disconnecting from one another or falling off of your Wheatnet (indicated by the ? symbol over top of the blade in Navigator), then you have diagnosed a failed network switch. While you can order a replacement switch from us, the quickest way to get back to normal would be to bypass the internal switch in favor of an external gigabit switch of some kind. If this is your only network switch in your Wheatnet, a simple 5 port gigabit switch of any model should do. If you are networking with other switches, please refer to our documentation on recommended switch usage HERE.
If you are not sure if you have a failed switch or supply, bypass the switch. If the symptoms continue, then you have a bad power supply and if the symptoms stop recurring, then you have fixed your issue.
This issue has been remediated in factory blades by adding ventilation holes to the top of the engine lid above these components allowing for additional heat dissipation. All engine blades have been shipping with these ventilated lids for years now, however it is advised if you find yourself in this situation that you request a replacement lid from the factory. We will provide it to you at no charge. You can get a replacement lid from support by providing your serial number in a request for Wheatstone Part No. 044383
If you are not using the internal switch, it is worth while to take time to power the unit down, open the lid for your engine and unplug the white connector powering the switch to prevent the switch from creating additional heat load on your power supply. This is especially recommended if you do not have the vented lid.
If you have any other issues or questions in this matter, please contact technical support for further assistance.
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