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QM2000 color chip fix |
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What boards are affected?The photo below shows two chips on the QM2000 board, in locations U341 and U351. (Click on the photo to see an enlarged view.) If these chips say "MAXIM", as shown in the photo inset, then your QM2000 is affected and may develop a problem. If these chips do not say "MAXIM", or you already have the jumper wire repair installed, then your board is fine. (Note that this problem only affected a small number of QM2000 boards with serial number 3200 or lower.)
What is the problem?The problem was caused by a supplier who changed
a part's specifications without notifying Pangolin. The chips
can no longer handle the voltage normally supplied by the QM2000.
Over time, the chips may fail. This causes output to the color lines
(DB-25 connector pins 5-10 and 18-23) to stop, or to vary so fast you see
"dotted lines". Do I really need the repair?Yes. Although 98% of QM2000 boards are working fine right now, it is possible that over time the chips may fail. (The time-to-failure seems to depend on the exact voltage supplied in the computer, as well as on/off cycling and other variables.) Therefore, we recommend your board be repaired, even if you do not yet see any problem. What is the repair?The in-field repair uses jumper wires to provide a lower voltage to the chip, so it can return to its normal functioning. The Pangolin repair will either duplicate the jumper wire repair, or we will replace the chip with one from a different manufacturer, at our discretion. In-field repairMany users will be able to fix the problem themselves, in the field. The repair is relatively simple. It requires some skill with a fine-tipped soldering iron. You will be lifting pins on two chips, and connecting them to the PCI connector. The photo shows a completed fix. (Click on the photo to see an enlarged view.)
This repair is not too difficult. However, Pangolin cannot be responsible if you should damage the board. We would charge for any repairs necessary due to such damage. Pangolin repairIf you prefer, Pangolin can repair your board. We will either use the same method as described above, or we will replace the chip. Either method will work fine and is covered under warranty, so the choice of method is up to Pangolin.
We will try to repair your board within two business days of
receipt. We cannot guarantee this, so it may be a bit longer in some
cases. After it is repaired and checked out, we will return the
board via FedEx or similar traceable, insured method. A final wordThank you for your understanding. Although most
QM2000 boards may
never develop a problem, we want to ensure that your QM2000 board
has many years of reliable service. |
This page last updated: Wednesday, August 15, 2007 02:14 AM
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