ICE Tube 888888 problem

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bobster
 
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ICE Tube 888888 problem

Post by bobster »

> Hi,
I think I messed up my Icetube clock's display- whenever I plug it in it displays 888888 and then the fuse goes off. The problem started with extra lights on the display. I tried to troubleshoot by touching the solder joints when it was still on to see if those areas would turn off. Do you think it's the controllers? Can I order new max chips and VFD drivers?

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Re: ICE Tube 888888 problem

Post by adafruit »

OK, first off you should never ever touch the circuit board or solder anything while its plugged in. There are some high voltages on board and you can get a shock! :(

Next up, it sounds like at least you have the boost converter working. Do you get any beeps?

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bobster
 
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Re: ICE Tube 888888 problem

Post by bobster »

There's a beep when I plug it in, the display is bright, then a beep when the fuse goes off. That was a bit dumb of me to try to see if I could get the display problem resolved while it was on. :oops:

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Re: ICE Tube 888888 problem

Post by adafruit »

ok turn it off & wait a bit
remove the tube and VFD driver. what happens now to the fuse?

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bobster
 
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Re: ICE Tube 888888 problem

Post by bobster »

I just tried taking the VFD and tube out- the fuse stays cool.

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Re: ICE Tube 888888 problem

Post by adafruit »

ok now put the VFD driver OR the tube in and see which is shorting the fuse

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OR test

Post by bobster »

With just the tube there was no heat.
With just the VFD driver the fuse got warm but didn't go off. The VFD chip felt hot when I left my finger on it. The Maxim stays cool.
Then I put the tube in with the VFD and it overheated. Maybe that's all pointing to the VFD chip?

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Re: OR test

Post by adafruit »

bobster wrote:With just the tube there was no heat.
With just the VFD driver the fuse got warm but didn't go off. The VFD chip felt hot when I left my finger on it. The Maxim stays cool.
Then I put the tube in with the VFD and it overheated. Maybe that's all pointing to the VFD chip?
your report doesnt make any sense, the VFD chip is the maxim chip. how is one cool and one hot ? :(

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Re: ICE Tube 888888 problem

Post by bobster »

Sorry, did I misuse 'driver'; and 'chip'?
The ATMEGA168v gets hot. I wasn't testing the Maxim chip, but right now I gotta wait for a new tube before I can test that out again.

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Re: ICE Tube 888888 problem

Post by adafruit »

the tube doesnt seem to be the problem. something else is wrong, you can try to post a clear photo of your kit we will look for soldering errors.

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Re: ICE Tube 888888 problem

Post by bobster »

I got another IceTube kit and assembled it without any problems. :D
I tested the two chips from the messed up one, switching one and then the other in the new clock, and they both don't work anymore. :(
I think I messed up, but it may work again if I get new chips.
Thanks for your help.

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Re: ICE Tube 888888 problem

Post by adafruit »

for new chips, email support@adafruit they'll help you out!

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