Solid State Logic AWS 900+ Owner's Manual page 131

Appendices
Troubleshooting
Introduction
The following pages are not intended to teach you how to repair any fault on your AWS 900+ console, they are
merely designed to guide you through the basic principles of locating and, where possible, working around
faults, until a replacement part can be obtained. The AWS console has been designed with a very modular
approach to hardware, which ensures that maintenance is quick and simple. The vast majority of components
that make up the console, are 'plug in' cassettes that simply require the removal of three screws to enable their
replacement.
Locating Problems
You should always check external equipment first (unless the fault is obviously within the console – such as
loss of signal when the EQ is switched in). The AWS 900+ spends the majority of its life in a stationary position,
whereas microphones, their cables and effects devices etc. are constantly on the move, and hence are much
more likely to incur damage.
Once you have established that the problem lies within the console, you need to determine whether the
problem is due to an operational error, or hardware failure. The most common, and easiest to solve, problems
are operational errors, and you should eliminate these first. Refer to the relevant section in this manual, and
ensure that you have followed the correct procedure.
If you have confirmed that the problem is neither due to external equipment or operational error, then you may
have a hardware fault. Check the troubleshooting table (on page A-14) for guidance. If your particular problem
is not highlighted then you will have to diagnose the fault yourself, using the guidelines given below. Ensure that
you read the paragraphs on Replacing Modules before attempting any maintenance.
In most cases, a fault can be located in minutes, with little technical knowledge. The key to correctly diagnosing
a hardware fault is understanding the console's signal flow. Block diagrams detailing analogue signal flow,
digital control bus structure and power wiring, can be found at the end of this section.
Hardware faults can be defined as one of three types: Audio, Control, or Power. Power faults, with the exception
of a poorly seated connector or blown fuse, are probably best left to your distributor. If you wish to know more
about the AWS 900+ power supply, you can download information from our website. Fault finding Audio and
Control problems, however, is well within the capability of all users.
Audio Faults
Audio faults will most likely manifest themselves as partial, or total, signal loss, or distortion of the audio signal.
Referring to the Channel and Centre section block diagrams, you can see that there are many possible signal
paths through the console. Logical routing, and monitoring of signals at different points, will enable you to easily
locate the faulty module.
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AWS 900+ Owner's Manual