Strange Aether Problem

[pyrodragon97]

I just put together my 4 new Aethers from the recent co-op and encountered a strange issue with my last one.  When I plug it in to my 12 V transformer, it blinks red at a very low level (maybe 5-10% of its normal output). When I flip the program switch, instead of a single white flash, I get a random strobe of all 4 colors. This happens whether or not the Addressing Program is running. If anyone has any thoughts as to what my issu may be I would greatly appreciate it. I have included pics of the front and back of the board.

[bassmants]

The pics are hard to zoom in on and really see, but get it under a magnifying glass and check for bridges. The voltage regulators are particularly close and easy to bridge.  In pic 2 looks like the rectifier might be a bit melted.  I don't know if that would matter.  I had some weird issues with one of mine, but both were solder bridges I didn't see when I first did it.  With a really thorough exam under a mag glass I found and reflowed them.  Good luck.

[caretaker]

I would re-flash the PIC after checking for solder bridges.

[zwiller]

+1

[pyrodragon97]

Im not finding any solder bridges after looking at the board with about a 15x lens. I reflashed the PIC and got the correct checksum. When I tried programming the start channel again, I got the same issue. After re-reading the PIC again, I got a different checksum.

[tbone321]

You will get a different checksum because programming it alters its firmware.  When you say 12V transformer, what exactly are you using?  Is it a landscaping transformer?

[zwiller]

One of mine did this (green on low) and it was a solder touching the screw holding the led on the heat sink. 

[pyrodragon97]

Yes, it is a 12v AC landscape transformer. I hooked up my other 3 Aethers to it and they are working fine. I will check if the screws are touching anything.

[pyrodragon97]

Checked again, screws are not causing any problems

[arw01]

Just a thought, swap the pic between one that is working and the one that is weird and at least you can eliminate one thing it could be completely.

[tbone321]

Check your wiring between the LED and the board and make sure that none are reversed or out of order.

[pyrodragon97]

The LED is wired correctly. I did swap it with a blank PIC and programed that one. Still had the same problem. I think it may be that the rectifier is damaged? I have some spare parts but will have to check next week since i will be out of town.

[tbone321]

The issues do look like a low power situation and a bad rectifier could do that. 

[lonewolf41]

It looks to me like the rectifier might have gotten hit by the soldering iron as the case looks melted on top.  Don't know if that would cause an issue or even if it is affecting the operation of the rectifier, but just something I noticed.

-Keith

[tbone321]

WOW, that is a lot of heat.  They are tuff but not that tuff.  It may now be a half wave rectifier and that will not give the required power to operate the device.