American Audio VMS2 Dead and buried?

[dalzeah]

My VMS2 controller has no mains adaptor but works perfectly well on USB - that is until for some idiotic reason I thought I'd try it on one of those 'multi-voltage' adaptors set to 6v. The unit went dead on me immediately I turned it on and now it won't work on USB or anything! Totally dead, no lights at all when powered up. I got in touch with AA who are in Holland and they confirm I've blown something (thanks guys). Probably not worth the repair if I've to send it to Holland as a couple of hundred will get me a new one - any ideas before it goes 'spares or repair'? I opened it up but couldn't see any fuses, by the way.

[Excalibur]

Ouch! I'm wondering if perhaps you had the polarity wrong on your adaptor? Also, I think six volts is more than the nominal USB voltage also.
My VMS 4.1 allegedly runs on USB power, but I've had problems unless I use the power supply I got with it.

What can be done to salvage your situation, I don't know, sorry. Are there no authorised repairers in this country? Seems strange.

[dalzeah]

I bet it was the polarity that was wrong - the adapter does have a dial to alter it. I'm waiting for another reply from American Audio - seems to take a couple of days! I see a few companies on the web offer dj repairs. May be worth my while to get a quote.

[DazzyD]

6v DC is higher than the 5v supplied by USB but I would have thought that this isn't enough to have caused you to damage the unit. After all, adaptors tend to go up in voltages provided by multiples of batteries (ie 1.5, 3, 4.5, 6, 9, 12 etc) so it's not really likely that the original power supply would have only been 5v to match USB. Actually, I've just checked and the original power supply provides 6v of power (http://www.adjaudio.com/pdffiles/vms2.pdf)so I'm certain that voltage wasn't the problem.

I would be fairly certain that you've used the incorrect polarity (+/- flow) which could cause damage to the electrical components in the unit which could (and most likely would) render it unusable. You could try seeking out a local electrician/electronic engineer who may be able to test the components for you and possibly even repair it. I've had a few pieces of kit repaired by a local electrician in the past and, although it's been pricey, it's still been cheaper than a manufacturer repair.

[dalzeah]

Thanks DazzyD - I know a couple of sparkies so I'll tap them up!

[katman]

It was probably an unregulated power supply and the voltage may be considerably higher than that with little or no load.

A mate of mine had a VSM4.1 and accidently plugged a 12V power supply in by mistake. It has blown two or three small surface mount components but it is impossible to tell what they are.

I ALWAYS label power adapters and put coloured tape on them and on the device to ensure the correct adapter goes to the correct device.

[ckpr2]

It was probably an unregulated power supply and the voltage may be considerably higher than that with little or no load.

A mate of mine had a VSM4.1 and accidently plugged a 12V power supply in by mistake. It has blown two or three small surface mount components but it is impossible to tell what they are.

I ALWAYS label power adapters and put coloured tape on them and on the device to ensure the correct adapter goes to the correct device.

I have so many power supplies that I always leave them plugged into the devices so I cant go wrong.

Sounds like you fried one or more devices in the unit.
These days it is probably surface mount which can be a pig to replace if you don't have the right equipment.
I would either send it back to the maker or bin it and buy new.

[ukpartydj]

Did this to my old TV, plugged the wrong adaptor in. You only do it once, then you learn to check your Volts and Amps.