Hi guys,

I've connected master clock on new Cronus 1.3 to my two BIIISEs, via two u.fl cables (terminated ends go to the Buffalos, while the non-terminated are soldered to the MCK pads that is used for SMA connector I guess ).
The firmware on the BIIISE is the latest from GIT.

I've tried both default switch settings, and with OSF off, DPLL set to high.

Upon turning on everything works fine, but after several minutes, music disappears.
After power cycle music starts again, but for even less amount of time. After the next power cycle it won't come out anymore.

After letting it rest for some 20 minutes, it starts again fine, but losing lock again after some time.

Cronus and two BIIISEs are powered by separate Placid HDs. All have sufficient amount of shunt current. Buffalos are using new series Tridents.
It all works fine in async mode of course.

What could be the problem?

Thanks,
Fedor

Hi Russ,

thanks for the reply.

I've looked at the scope - the MCK pattern did not change (although it is not rectangular, like the other clocks. But that's probably my cheap scope won't allow such high frequency).

Here's how it's wired:



About the u.fl termination - I've been only able to find the u.fl to SMA terminated cables in my town, but anyway I wanted to make those connections as short as possible, so I trimmed and soldered them to the pad.

Is there anything else, beside the MCK, that I could scope? Or measure with DMM?

Edited by user Sunday, November 27, 2016 12:54:57 PM(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

I've removed the output Rs on Cronus and reflowed all the SMT parts and Potato chips. Still no good.

Another observation - when it stops working completely (after a couple of power cycles), the Mute LED on Buffalo is always on. But I guess it is how it should be, considering that there nothing to lock to :)

Here's the clocks:

Bit clock:


D1:


D2:

Edited by user Sunday, November 27, 2016 7:45:02 PM(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

Another thing make sure the DPLL is set very high. It should freewheel.

Russ, I've made some progress. I've replaced the new clocks with the ones from my old Cronus (they are the same 45 and 49 MHz Rheas) - and now the lock is fine - music is playing, but as soon as I do some action, like setting music on pause or manually changing track - the lock is lost again.
(If the tracks are in queue, and changing by themselves - the lock stays put)

So probably you are right - something's happening on the BBB and Botic end.
I'm now using Botic V7rc1, I'll try downgrading to v4 or 5.

Turned on the OSF, but that did not help :)

You might just retouch the Rhea pins a bit.

What player are you using? MPD?

I actually just use a single stranded hookup wire not shielded at all. It works fine - it will be more of a transmitter than a receiver :)

No worries. Cheers!

Wiring is the hard part. :)

Edited by user Monday, November 28, 2016 11:03:56 PM(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified