Apogee sync card fails

[the boss]

Hi

I’ve got my d8b for years and solved all problems on the way.
This is a new one, please help!

Got my d8b in slave sync with Motu 2408 mk3 and suddenly the d8b starts to.....
Lock, unlock, lock, unlock, lock, unlock.

Tried everything..... I know that you have to start the Motu after d8b, have the bios
Settings ok, disconnect and connect Apogee sync card and try another Motu interface, replace the sync cable.
Nothing seems to work.
Is the sync card damaged or is it the console?
Please help....

[Phil.c]

So you took the card out, cleaned the connectors and replaced it?

If you did, I would check the connectors inside, re-seat and clean but I found that sometimes this is not enough, so run your thumb nail between the ribbon and the plastic to raise the ribbon off the spikes slightly then clamp back with a pliers.

[the boss]

Is it possible that the card has given up?
Next time I’m in the studio I will try to clean the connectors. I’ve just tried to re-connect the card.
Do you think it helps to re start the console without any card including ufx, mfx and then install it again.

To disconnect all cables and open the console will be a hell of a job. I’ve done it a thousand times and I’m so tired of it. I’ve opened and repaired several of d8b’s and also replaced some motherboards with others than original. I’m so tired of it.... maybe if I’ll reboot it a thousand times..... sorry for the spelling I’m from Sweden and really trying my best...
Thanks for your help! I think this is a super forum.

[Phil.c]

I think your best bet is to do what I suggested, I too have had my D8b's apart a thousand times and have re-seated the connectors the same, I found after a while that sometimes it wasn't the connectors that were causing the trouble but the connectivity of the ribbon on the connector spikes!

[the boss]

Ok.... thanks for your help. I will try it.

[Crash]

Have you tried making the d8b the master in this scenario, just for troubleshooting?

[Old School]

Hi,
The lock unlock lock unlock sequence makes me think that perhaps it is a bad BNC connector or cable. Happened to me once.

Have a blessed day,
Mike W.

[Crash]

Hi,
The lock unlock lock unlock sequence makes me think that perhaps it is a bad BNC connector or cable. Happened to me once.

Have a blessed day,
Mike W.

He said he tried a different cable in the OP I believe.

[the boss]

I’ve tried other bnc cables. The console works fine in internal mode.

[Y-my-R]

You didn't add anything to the word clock chain anywhere, right? The setup remained the same, but suddenly the sync issues started?

I had a similar issue with one of my d8b's from when I originally got it, that took me forever to figure out. Eventually I noticed that my desk synced to external word clock, when the the last 17-24 I/O card wasn't installed. I swapped cards around between my two desks, and it wasn't the cards... they worked fine in other positions. But something being in that one slot, caused all these sync issues for me.

I left it out, and was able to operate on external sync successfully, sans those 8 inputs/outputs I really would have liked to use. I tried again a few months later, and suddenly it worked. No changes since then. It still works today... like a year later, or so. Just weird behavior.

Have you tried removing ALL the cards except for the clock card and the stock AES/EBU card (I'd even pull the FX cards for a test), and check if it syncs to external then?

Last "captain obvious" thought... you didn't start using your MOTU interface at a sample rate the d8b doesn't support, like 88.2 or 96 kHz? (or lower than 44.1... that's also not supported from what I understand) That would also cause the issue you're describing, but I'm sure you already know that.

Anyway, good luck with pinning this down!